Glacier National Park in Montana attracts millions of visitors a year.

Three years ago officials began a vehicle reservation program to try to ease congestion of both people and vehicles.

As A.J. Williams of Montana PBS reports,

there have been unintended consequences.

For the last five years,

Glacier National Parks Visitation Numbers have hit record highs, but the increase to 3 million park goers has led to overcrowding in popular areas,

and the traffic they bring has led to safety concerns.

Glacier is a very special place.

It's natural that people want to come here, but if there's too many people in the park,

then the park experience becomes one that just

won't be enjoyable.

In the last four years, the park has been piloting a vehicle reservation system for traveling through Glacier's most congested areas.

Glacier National Park Superintendent David Romer says that they use monitoring across the park with cameras and traffic counters to inform their decisions,

as well as staff observations and hearing from the broader Glacier community.

This year comes with some substantial changes.

We've changed the hours of the Viegler Reservation System from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

and that's consistent throughout all the areas.

Locals say this is an improvement,

but for those without a vehicle reservation,

entering mid-afternoon

still doesn't necessarily afford

getting far into the park.

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