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If you're planning a trip to Glacier National Park, you've probably seen photos of those iconic red vintage buses cruising along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. But at $86 per person, you might be wondering: is the Red Bus Tour actually worth it? After experiencing the Crown of the Continent Tour firsthand in late August, I'm here to share my honest thoughts.

What is the Red Bus Tour?

The historic Red Jammer buses have been a Glacier National Park staple since the 1930s. These 17-passenger open-top vintage buses navigate the park's narrow, winding roads while drivers share interesting facts about the landscape, wildlife, and history. If you'd rather enjoy the views instead of white-knuckling the wheel on those cliff-edge roads, this tour offers a relaxed alternative.

Tour Details at a Glance

Tour booked: Crown of the Continent Tour
Date & time: Thursday, August 28 at 10:15 am
Price: $86 per person
Cancellation: Free up to 3 days prior
Pickup location: Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins
Return time: Around 4:15 pm
Lunch: Optional stop at Lake McDonald Lodge (not included)

The route starts on the eastern side of the park near St. Mary, climbs up to Logan Pass, and then continues down the west side before looping back.

Pro tip: Book early! I wanted to catch a tour departing from the west gate entrance near our lodging, but those tours were completely sold out when I looked in early June.

Taking pictures in the back seat — We sat in the back seat of the vehicle and it was perfect

Getting Started: A Minor Mix-Up

We arrived at 9:45am (15 minutes early as instructed) and immediately hit a small snag. There was some confusion with bus numbers, and our 75-year-old guide Al didn't call out to us even though we were clearly waiting. After checking back in with the desk, we finally got on bus 84 (not 89 as we were initially told). Al seemed a bit annoyed that we were "late," even though we'd been there since 9:45. It was a rocky start, but things improved significantly from there.

One thing to note: pack layers! The forecast said 60s, but temperatures dropped to around 50 degrees at higher elevations. I definitely underdressed for the occasion.

Inside view of the 17-passenger vintage bus — Inside the 17-passenger vintage bus

The Stops Along the Way

Wild Goose Island

Our first stop was Wild Goose Island, one of the most photographed spots in Glacier National Park. Unfortunately, rain cut this stop short, so everyone quickly snapped photos and hurried back to the bus. Al shared a couple of myths about the island, adding some local flavor to the experience.

Along the drive, we learned that Lake McDonald is the park's largest lake at nearly twice the depth of St. Mary Lake, which sits at about 250 feet at its deepest point.

Reynolds Creek Fire Area

We drove past the haunting remains of the Reynolds Creek Fire, which started on July 21, 2015 when lightning struck above the lake. The fire burned nearly 5,000 acres, making it the park's largest fire at the time, consuming roughly 2 percent of Glacier.

Driving past the aftermath of Reynolds Creek Fire

Logan Pass

Our 45-minute stop at Logan Pass was the first restroom break and a highlight of the tour. At 6,646 feet (2,025 meters), Logan Pass is the highest elevation reachable by car in the park. Despite the crowds, it's worth exploring the area and soaking in the alpine scenery.

Lake McDonald Lodge Lunch Break

We stopped at Lake McDonald Lodge for lunch, where you can choose between Russell’s Fireside Dining Room for a sit-down meal or Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria for something quicker.

We went with Jammer Joe’s purely for convenience since it was the fastest option with the limited lunch window. While it did the job timing-wise, the food was pretty underwhelming. We tried the chicken parmesan sandwich and weren’t fans, and the coffee was not great either.

Sacred Dancing Cascade

After lunch, we stopped at Sacred Dancing Cascade, a beautiful waterfall where water moves gracefully over rocky ledges, hence the "dancing" in its name. The vibrant blue water was absolutely stunning and made for great photos.

Additional Stops and Wildlife

We stopped at several pullouts to admire valleys, waterfalls, and mountain views. We got lucky and spotted two bighorn sheep crossing the road, which was incredibly exciting. Because we had the top open at that point, we could easily stand up and photograph them without fighting for parking or crowding the roadside.

With the top open, we stopped to take photos of the Triple Arches. These arches were designed to bridge mountain gaps without massive retaining walls, allowing the road to blend naturally into the landscape. It is an impressive example of early park engineering.

Triple Arches on the Going-to-the-Sun Road — Triple Arches

We stopped at Jackson Glacier Overlook for about 15 minutes, which gave us time to walk down the stairs and explore the historic horse tunnel. Often referred to as the “horse tunnel,” this underpass was built in the 1930s for horse parties traveling between chalets. It sits between the upper and lower parking areas along Going-to-the-Sun Road. We walked through the tunnel ourselves, and it was a fun way to experience a small piece of Glacier’s early travel history.

Along the way, Al pointed out Going-to-the-Sun Mountain and shared fascinating tidbits, like how the park originally had 85 to 100 glaciers when it opened, but now only about 25 remain.

The Open-Top Experience: A Game Changer

Here's where the tour really won me over. Initially, Al kept the top closed due to rain, which was understandable but disappointing since the open-top experience is a huge part of what makes these buses special. When I noticed other buses had their tops off on the return journey, I asked if we could do the same.

Al seemed surprised, saying I was the only one who wanted it open, but he agreed. I'm so glad I spoke up! Having that 360-degree view while cruising the Going-to-the-Sun Road completely transformed the experience. Sure, it was a bit chilly, but being able to pop your head up and take in the sweeping mountain vistas made it absolutely worth it. When Al heard from other guides that rain was approaching again, we put the top back on just in time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

No driving stress: You can fully enjoy the scenery without navigating narrow roads with steep drop-offs
Informative commentary: Learn facts about the park's geology, wildlife, history, and ecology that you'd miss on your own
Strategic stops: The tour hits key viewpoints and photo opportunities, including some you might not discover independently
Wildlife spotting: Having the top open made it easy to photograph bighorn sheep without fighting crowds at pullouts
Historic experience: Riding in a vintage 1930s bus adds charm and nostalgia to the journey
Convenient: No need to worry about parking at popular spots like Logan Pass

Cons

Weather dependent: Rain can keep the top closed, limiting the full experience (though we lucked out eventually)
Less flexibility: You're on the guide's schedule, with set stop times and durations
Cost: At $86 per person, it's a significant expense, especially for families
Books up fast: Popular departure times and locations sell out months in advance
No lunch included: Budget extra time and money for the lunch break

Looking out at the gorgeous view of Glacier from the Red Bus

So, Is It Worth It?

After some initial doubts, I have to say yes, the Red Bus Tour is worth it, especially if you can experience it with the top open. Being able to relax, learn, and take photos without the stress of driving those intense mountain roads made for a memorable day. The tour lasted from 10:15am to around 4:15pm, giving us plenty of time to see both sides of the park.

If you're considering booking, here's my advice: reserve as early as possible (preferably months in advance), dress in layers regardless of the forecast, and don't be afraid to speak up if you want the top open. The Crown of the Continent Tour offers a unique perspective on Glacier National Park that's hard to replicate on your own, making it a worthwhile splurge for your visit.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Just maybe with a warmer jacket next time!