Express shuttle wait times?

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KizzleBits
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Express shuttle wait times?

Post by KizzleBits »

My wife and I are looking to catch the 7am express shuttle that goes directly from Apgar to Logan Pass without stopping. I know this is first-come-first-serve, so I was wondering what the lines are like that early (we're going on a Tuesday). Does anyone happen to know? I called a couple of park numbers but the people I spoke to weren't sure about that early in the morning.

Our plan is to get there at 630am, but if that's potentially cutting it close we may try to arrive even earlier.
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by PeteE »

This past Wednesday I arrived at the Apgar Visitor Center at about 0620 to meet a party.
When I walked up to the restroom, there were 3 people standing around at the shuttle stop.
By 0700 there was quite a few people over by the shuttle stop. I think some were Red Bus riders since the pick up is next to the shuttle.
So no, I don't think 0630 is too early.
Two items related to your trip
1) The Xanterra shuttle you plan to catch from St Mary is "first come, first serve".
You can't reserve a seat in advance.
2) Yesterday, a pretty warm day, coming back from ShangriLa/Iceberg Lake, we met two guys with big packs about a mile from Swiftcurrent----at a little after 3pm---headed for ELF :shock:
They were hot and sweaty and still had 9 miles to go, including a grind up to the tunnel in that afternoon heat.
These guys looked like very fit "military types" and no "new" gear or clothing.

So there you go!
On a good day like today, you can hike till 9pm with decent light.
9-10pm is a bit risky below tree line(ELF)...imo of course 8)

Cheers and good luck.
You drew a great itinerary.

pete
"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
KizzleBits
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by KizzleBits »

Thanks Pete!

It looks like you saw my other post(s). Unfortunately, we have a nonrefundable hotel rez in Whitefish the night before we set out (perhaps poor planning on our part...), so we're crossing our fingers and hoping we can make it to Many Glacier by or before 1-2pm. I think it all rests on making the 10am first-come-first-serve Xanterra shuttle from St. Mary to Many Glacier. Hopefully the 7am express can get us there in time. If we can't get on the 10am shuttle out of St. Mary, I guess we'll hitchhike or try to get a cab.

And yeah, we're super psyched about our itinerary. A little less stress on Day 1 would be nice, but we weren't super informed when we made plans, so we're trying to make do.

Your info is greatly appreciated!
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by teapot57 »

I would call Chief Mountain Cab Co and secure a ride from either Logan Pass or St Mary to Many Glacier. Or even Apgar to Many Glacier. There are too many variables here and while I have no idea of the cost, the piece of mind would be worth it to me. Going from Whitefish to Elizabeth Lake is a long day no matter how you get there.
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by PeteE »

To my knowledge, cabs are not allowed to go to Logan pass or Many Glacier---legally.
Am I wrong?
Im on the way back to Whitefish now.
Ill ask at the Visitor Center.

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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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by PeteE »

Here's a tip for some of you going directly to the park from the airport.
Bypass Hungry Horse by taking NorthFork road to the Camas Road bridge, and on into the park.
I just waited a long time for the 2nd time!!! in traffic in HH :evil:
ZOn my phone. If this route isnt clear, look on a map.
Its a nice drive along the North Fork, a national scenic river.

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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tibber
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by tibber »

PeteE wrote:Here's a tip for some of you going directly to the park from the airport.
Bypass Hungry Horse by taking NorthFork road to the Camas Road bridge, and on into the park.
I just waited a long time for the 2nd time!!! in traffic in HH :evil:
ZOn my phone. If this route isnt clear, look on a map.
Its a nice drive along the North Fork, a national scenic river.

pete :wink:
was planning on hitting the liquor store at Hungry Horse but I'll see if there is one on your suggested route.
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Re: Express shuttle wait times?

Post by PeteE »

tibber wrote:
PeteE wrote:Here's a tip for some of you going directly to the park from the airport.
Bypass Hungry Horse by taking NorthFork road to the Camas Road bridge, and on into the park.
I just waited a long time for the 2nd time!!! in traffic in HH :evil:
ZOn my phone. If this route isnt clear, look on a map.
Its a nice drive along the North Fork, a national scenic river.

pete :wink:
was planning on hitting the liquor store at Hungry Horse but I'll see if there is one on your suggested route.
https://www.obriensliquor.com/

Nucleus Ave.takes you to 486 where you turn right and then you're on the NF Road

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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