Transportation logistics

Transportation can be a challenge in Glacier. If you have ideas, offer ride shares, or used a commercial service that you were happy with, let everyone know. Also, ask questions about road information, or share road information you may have.

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Kris91
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Transportation logistics

Post by Kris91 »

HELP! We just got a backcountry permit for sept- super excited! Now we have to figure out how to get from A to B! We start at iceberg/ptarmigan and come out at bowman lake (we may try to alter our permit slightly with a walk-in permit). I think we need to camp at many glacier the night before (or we may get there a little early and try to base out of that campground). I'm wondering about dropping our car off at bowman lake so that it's there when we come out. Use mountain chief cab company to get us back to Apgar then take park shuttle to st mary's. Then take many glacier hiker shuttle back to many glacier. How does that sound? Timing? How long will it all take?

Thanks for any help!

Kris
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by Kris91 »

Or should we leave a car at apgar, have the taxi pick us up at bowman lake at end of hike (I know we would need to pre-arrange this and be out by a certain time).
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by orin »

Check the shuttle operating dates. In past years they shut down right after Labor Day. The logistics of this route is a regular cause of problems. I think a lot of people don't quite realize how hard it is to work out. You may need to get creative by trying to find someone to give you a ride or even rent two cars. If everything works perfectly the logistics will still take you the better part of a day.
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by PeteE »

Here's one idea:
The GTTS road will be closed to ALL traffic on September 16. So...
You are going to have to leave your car at either Bowman Lake car CG parking area for backpackers and hitch hike back to the Polebridge Mercantile.
You could stay and watch your gear at the Mercantile while your husband drives you car to Bowman Lake and parks it, then hitches back to the Mercantile.

Hanging out at the Mercantile will be fun.

Then y'all take a taxi(Glacier Taxi 406-250-3603) from Polebridge to Apgar Transit Center.
Then shuttle Many Glacier via Glacier Shuttle bus to St Mary for the Xanterra Shuttle to Many Glacier.
GNP Shuttle operates until September 23 so you're OK there.
The Xanterra Shuttle operates until September 17th. So no problem there.
Look here:
https://www.glaciernationalparklodges.c ... /shuttles/

I would do this a day or two BEFORE your backpack start date.
Since you won't have a car, you should be able to get a camping spot at the hiker/biker campsite at Many Glacier.
Then you can relax, dayhike, or rest up a little before you start you backpack trip.

pete :wink:
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-

"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat."

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Kris91
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by Kris91 »

Our trip starts sept 11 and we come out sept 16. So we would be ok ahead of time regarding the shuttles? Will mountain chief cab co go up to bowman lake?
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by Kris91 »

Last yr said shuttle ran until sept 23.
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by PeteE »

Kris91 wrote:Our trip starts sept 11 and we come out sept 16. So we would be ok ahead of time regarding the shuttles? Will mountain chief cab co go up to bowman lake?
IMO...you MUST leave your car on the West side before you begin your trip.
Otherwise you'll have to return to Many Glacier via US2 around the South end of the park.
That will cost a fortune.

Chief Mountain doesn't operate on the West Side of GNP to my knowledge.

GNP Shuttle runs until 9-23-2019. However, the Sun Road closes on the West side as of 9-16-19
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttlestops.htm
NO public xport can go beyond the gate at Polebridge so far as I know.
Might want to double check that with a phone call to Park HQ.

pete :wink:

PS

You can try for a "key swap" with another party too.
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-

"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat."

George Carlin
Kris91
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by Kris91 »

We're leaning towards getting 2 cars- sounds like it will be easier and maybe even cheaper. We can drive 1 up to bowman lake and leave the other at apgar before our hike.

Do you know if many glacier will take reservations in sept? Or did you said if we don't have a car we can get a backpacker site?

Thanks.
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Re: Transportation logistics

Post by PeteE »

Kris91 wrote:We're leaning towards getting 2 cars- sounds like it will be easier and maybe even cheaper. We can drive 1 up to bowman lake and leave the other at apgar before our hike.

Do you know if many glacier will take reservations in sept? Or did you said if we don't have a car we can get a backpacker site?

Thanks.
Two cars would solve all your transportation problems.
Many Glacier CG doesn't take reservations after Sept 1. You can probably get a campsite if you get in line by 0500.
To the best of my knowledge, the Hiker/Biker campsites at the car campgrounds are for backpackers without vehicles.

pete :wink:
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-

"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat."

George Carlin
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