Travel Update Montana COVID-19 Updates

Montana COVID-19 Updates

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Travel Updates Montana COVID-19 Updates

Montana COVID-19 Updates

With the health and safety of all Montana residents and visitors the highest priority, Montana is in Phase Two of reopening the state in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We have all gone to great lengths to help control the spread, and it remains imperative that we continue to do our part by following state and CDC guidelines.

This phased approach is based on up-to-date data and statewide preparedness. It mitigates the risk of resurgence, placing emphasis on protecting those in Montana most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. By continuing to take measures seriously, we protect our family, friends, and neighbors as Montana begins to emerge from its initial encounter with COVID-19.

At this time, social distancing is still expected, and all vulnerable or high-risk individuals should continue to follow the stay at home guidance and postpone nonessential travel. Everyone, especially those at higher risk of getting sick, should continue to follow Montana Department of Public Health recommendations to protect themselves.

PLEASE TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

Face coverings are mandatory in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Stay up-to-date on travel regulations and COVID-19 situation using reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Plan ahead to ensure businesses and attractions are open.
Stay safe, and help keep others safe.
Continue to monitor the situation, and adjust plans accordingly.
Be prepared.

Travelers can expect the Montana National Guard to continue to conduct screenings in airports and train depots and refer anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to local public health officials.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Help us preserve our wild places by packing out everything you pack in. That includes some things that may not be on your radar, like fruit rinds and cherry pits.

When you fish and boat Montana's waterways, it's important to follow steps to ensure you don't contribute to the introduction of invasive species—they're a real threat to Montana's waterways. Read more about mandatory watercraft inspections, Clean. Drain. Dry. protocols, and protecting our waters.

Respecting animals while wildlife watching helps keep both them and you safe. Stay the recommended distance away from all wildlife, and do not feed them or put yourself or others in danger trying to get that perfect selfie with a mountain goat.

PRACTICE WILDLAND FIRE SAFETY

Properly putting out campfires is crucial. Campfires and Montana go hand in hand, but Western Montana is susceptible to wildland fire, especially during the dry summer months. Have fun sleeping out under the stars, but please do your part to ensure that your actions involving fire are responsible. Campfires must be extinguished completely.

BE KIND, RESPECTFUL AND PATIENT

We're all in this together, and human decency is paramount. We expect residents and visitors to be mutually respectful of each other. We all have a common goal—to enjoy Montana. Also, our parks and rec personnel, essential workers, and small business owners deserve to be treated with respect and understanding now more than ever.

VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Park operations are transitioning for the winter, which means much of the road access to the park has closed for the season. Depending on weather conditions, the road will be open to Avalanche Creek or Lake McDonald Lodge. Occasionally, in extreme conditions, the road may be closed at the foot of Lake McDonald. Limited winter access into the North Fork area of the park is still available.
Check the National Park Service Road Status page for up-to-date information.
The roads on the east side of the park are closed, as is typical for this time of year. Additionally most areas within the park east of the Continental Divide remain closed to all access due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, just outside the park. Non-essential travel on road within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is prohibited.
Winter recreation access—skiing and snowshoeing—is permitted beyond the vehicle closure on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Loop B of the Apgar Campground will remain open for first-come, first-served primitive camping through the winter. Please note there is no water available and only vault toilets.
Park concessioners operating lodging, restaurants, boat rentals, horseback rides, and bus tours have closed for the season. In Apgar there is a camp store with limited grocery supplies, gift shops and recreational equipment rental.
With snow on park trails, winter conditions are in effect throughout the park’s trail system.
Buy your park entrance pass in advance at recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
From November 20 to May 1st, special backcountry camping regulations are in effect. Due to COVID-19 precautions, permits will be issued electronically by advance reservation only. Call 406.888.7800 and press 5 to leave a call-back number. A ranger will return your call within three work days. Permits may be obtained up to seven days in advance.
Because this is a phased reopening and the COVID-19 situation is ongoing, please check the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information before and during your travel to the park and surrounding communities.

TRAVEL ON TRIBAL LANDS

Visitors to Montana should be aware travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may vary on the seven Indian reservations in Montana. Click here for a map of their locations. As tribal governments continue to assess public health risks, travel restrictions may change at any time depending on current conditions.

In Glacier Country, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is closed to anyone who does not live on the reservation. Visitors may drive through and stop for essential services only; however, services may be limited or unavailable, and recreation areas on Tribal lands are closed to nonresidents. Due to a spike in COVID cases, the Blackfeet Reservation issued a mandatory Stay at Home Order for the entire reservation through January 29, 2021.

The Flathead Indian Reservation is open to nonresidents. All recreation restrictions were lifted, effective September 8, 2020, on Tribal lands within the Flathead Indian Reservation, although Tribal conservation and fishing permits are required.

Additionally, the eastern entrances to Glacier National Park will be closed for the summer. Specifically:

Chief Mountain
Cut Bank Creek
Many Glacier
St. Mary's
Two Medicine

Travelers are encouraged to contact the tribal governments for the latest information before beginning their trips in order to plan accordingly.

TRAVEL FROM CANADA

To our friends in Canada wondering about crossing the U.S. border for a Montana visit: While we look forward to seeing you when the time is right, recreational visits are not permitted between the United States and Canada at this time. Please read more on our International Border Crossings page.

ILLNESS PREVENTION

Avoid exposure to COVID-19 by doing the following:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow)
Stay home if you are sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

If you have traveled to any destination during the past 14 days:

Monitor your health and practice social distancing.
If you get sick with a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:
- Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor's office or emergency room.
- Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
Do not travel while sick.

The state of Montana is supporting Montana's destination communities in the following ways:

Establish test centers and ensure adequate supplies are available to meet resident, seasonal employee, and visitor needs within Montana's most visited destination communities.
Coordinate a community snapshot testing plan to create an early warning system for potential community spread in the most highly visited and highly vulnerable destination communities.
Develop contingency plans for managing sick visitors, including contact tracing capabilities.