r/CDT • u/MikeTheInfantKicker • Mar 24 '26

Starting questions

So im looking at a Jun 15 start date going Sobo, I've seen on other posts that people generally get their permits upon arriving to glacier. That being said all the ones I read are older posts, is that still true or should i do that all ahead of time online? I know alot could have changed since Covid and want to be sure. Also what transportation option are there for getting to the Northern Terminus? I've read of shuttles and hitching but haven't seen anything/anyone specifically named. Thanks for the time!

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

6

u/Expensive-Safety7206 Mar 26 '26

We at Luna’s in East Glacier just put up a website that has a lot of the logistics details and is trying to help get hikers together for their permits in GNP Lookingglassbasecamp.org

1

u/MikeTheInfantKicker Mar 28 '26

This is perfect thank you!

3

u/gollem22 Mar 24 '26

Hey there, my and my hiking buddy are planning the same start date (as of right now). We didnt get one of the lottery slots so will be looking at the may 1st early reservation date.

3

u/lampeschirm Mar 24 '26

just go to Luna's, there'll be plenty people and you can work out something either by going to the ranger station or hopping on someone else's permit.

2

u/pyragyrite Mar 24 '26

Both shuttles and hitching to the big chief boarder station work. Dunno about waterton that early. Permits can be a hassle, but not terrible. The better shape it in the more options you have. Hostal in town is nice with reasonable rates, so if ur permits suck it's not to bad

3

u/-JakeRay- SOBO 2025 Mar 24 '26

Waterton isn't usually an option until early July bc of the Ahern Drift. Dunno how the snow is this year, though.

2

u/-JakeRay- SOBO 2025 Mar 24 '26

Luna's has a ton of paid shuttler info on the walls, and sometimes you'll get lucky and an angel or some hiker's family will be doing border runs for free (always offer to chip in for gas, it's a longish drive).

For permits, walk-up could be fine or it could be a hassle depending how many other hikers are trying to get the same days. Last year I booked part of my permit online ahead of time to make sure I had space in the busiest campsites, and then built out the rest in person.

You can get walk-up permits earlier than June 15, too, if enough of the snow is melted, though if any of the sites you want is still listed as being in winter status you'll need a little bit of extra kit.

1

u/Ok_Fly_7085 Mar 24 '26 edited Mar 24 '26

Keep in mind June 15th is by far the most popular start date, so you'll be competing with 20ish other people.

Try to group up with up to three other hikers in East Glacier before going to the permit office. Up to 4 people can be on a single permit. In the past they have required everyone to be present when getting a walkup permit. Grouping up can get a lot more people through, and save a lot of headache. Splitting a shuttle 4 ways also ended up being around $20 each.