Red Bus Tours

The Red Buses of Glacier are as much a part of the park's identity as its mountains. The original White Motor Company coaches date from the 1930s, were nicknamed Red Jammers for the way drivers once had to jam the gears on the steep road, and have been restored and kept in service ever since. They carry a canvas top that rolls back so you can lie back and look at the cliffs rising out of sight, and a driver-guide who knows the road, the history and where the goats tend to hang out. Several tours operate, including the Crown of the Continent route over the Sun Road, east-side tours and shorter loops, and each gives you the luxury of watching the scenery rather than the hairpins. For visitors who are nervous about narrow mountain roads or who would rather not hunt for parking at Logan Pass, the bus is a practical choice as well as a nostalgic one.

Book early. Seats on the most popular tours sell out well before the summer, and the tours run only when the road is open and the weather permits. Most departures are from the lodges and visitor centers in the park, and in recent seasons the departure points on the west side have moved, so read your confirmation carefully for where to meet. Dress in layers, since the roof may be rolled back and the weather can change, and bring a camera with a wide lens for the cliff views.

The drivers, known affectionately as jammers, are often seasonal staff with deep knowledge of the park. They narrate the history of the road, the geology, the flora and fauna and the stories of the lodges, and they know how to find a wildlife sighting. Tours stop at key viewpoints such as the Weeping Wall, the Loop and Logan Pass, with enough time for photographs and short walks. Some itineraries also include meals or lodge stops, and the longer tours can combine west and east sides in a day, which is a long but rewarding schedule.

The buses are a good fit for older travelers and mixed-ability groups, since the vehicle handles the driving and the stops are manageable. If you hike, check whether a one-way tour works for the Highline or other point-to-point routes. For a first visit, a Red Bus tour followed by a day of independent exploring is a balanced plan.

Choose a tour according to your interests and energy. The west-side and Sun Road tours suit first-time visitors who want a classic overview. East-side routes pair well with a stay at Many Glacier or St. Mary and let you see landscapes that are harder to reach by car. Shorter tours work for families with young children or for a half-day when the weather turns. Dress for the open air, with a jacket and a hat, and bring sunscreen and a camera with a strap.

Because seats are limited and the buses climb steep roads, tours may be adjusted or canceled for weather or road conditions, so ask about the policy. Many guests tip drivers, and a thoughtful question about the history of the bus or the road is often rewarded with a good story. A bus ride is also a quiet way to look for wildlife without the stress of driving.