With so many regulations out there it’s hard to tell which ones hold water and which ones don’t. Of course, it’s in your best interest to make sure that you have all the proper permissions if you’re going to be flying a drone but it’s not easy to know what’s legal and what isn’t in the US National Parks. This blog will discuss if it is legal to fly a drone in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is a beautiful place. As a national park, it was one of the last to be established in the United States. In fact, it was only in 1910 when it joined the list of national parks. The park has a long history and a long list of interesting facts, so it’s no wonder that it’s the number one visitor attraction in Montana. The park’s rugged landscape and abundance of lakes and streams make it a haven for wildlife. Glacier is also a favorite travel destination for photographers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the wild and see some of the most spectacular.
So you want to get an aerial view of Glacier National Park, but instead of hiring a helicopter do you think you can just fly a drone in the park? This is a common misconception and if you don’t know the laws you could end up in trouble and even face criminal charges. This blog explains the laws around drone use in Glacier National Park and what you can and can’t do.
Yes, You Can Fly a Drone in Glacier National Park!
You may be wondering whether or not you can fly a drone in Glacier National Park if you’re planning a trip there. But as with any trip, it’s important to know what rules apply to drones and how to follow them, so you don’t get fined or worse, banned from the park. In this article, we’ll give you all the information about flying drones in Glacier National Park and other places across the country where there are drone restrictions.
Traveling to Glacier National Park can be an incredible experience, but how can you document it in an interesting way? One fun and easy way to do this is to fly your drone over the park and take pictures from above. If you own a drone, or if you’re planning on buying one before your trip, then check out these tips for flying a drone in Glacier National Park!
You’ve seen all the stunning drone shots of Glacier National Park on YouTube and you want to try it yourself, but it turns out flying a drone in Glacier National Park is illegal… or at least that’s what everyone thinks. But is it really? Here’s why the answer to the question Can I fly my drone in Glacier National Park? actually depends on whom you ask, and how high your drone can fly!
An Introduction to Glacier National Park
Among American destinations, Glacier National Park is one of the most popular. Several species of animals live in the park, including bears, wolves, and mountain lions. There are also more than 700 miles of hiking trails and pathways. Dogs are allowed on leash only in designated campgrounds and picnic areas, but they must be on a leash at all times. Backcountry camping requires a backcountry permit (available at ranger stations) which can take up to four weeks to process. No pets are allowed on any park trails with the exception of two short paved paths: The Going-to-the-Sun Road (open seasonally) and Apgar Lookout Trail (available from Memorial Day through Labor Day). It’s important that visitors know what restrictions apply before visiting the national park.
Drone Laws
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating drones. According to the FAA, you can fly your drone in Glacier National Park as long as you follow their rules and regulations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You must register your drone with the FAA before flying.
- You must fly your drone below 400 feet and keep it within your sight at all times.
- You cannot fly your drone near people or animals.
What Kind of Drone Should I Use?
For the most part, any drone will do as long as it is registered with the FAA and you have the proper permissions. That being said, if you want to take advantage of Glacier National Park’s natural beauty, you’ll want to use a drone that can take high-quality photos and videos. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a great option because it has a 4K camera and can stay in the air for up to 31 minutes.
It also features ActiveTrack so you can get those epic shots from unique angles and perspectives. Another good choice is the DJI Spark which offers gesture controls for easier control over your drone. Lastly, the Yuneec Breeze not only has a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, but also comes equipped with an 8 MP camera and 10 MP photo/video camera which takes incredible footage at 1920×1080 resolution.
Where to Fly Your Drone
There are plenty of places to fly your drone in Glacier National Park! explore the various types of terrain in this huge park. If you’re looking for a challenge, try flying around the mountains. Try flying over one of the many lakes if you’re looking for something more relaxing. Just be sure to stay away from the wildlife and respect the park’s rules and regulations. To learn more about where you can fly your drone in Glacier National Park, visit our website or stop by the visitor center.
Practice Makes Perfect
Just like anything else, flying a drone takes practice. A beautiful place like this would be the perfect place to practice. Glacier National Park allows drone flying! Make sure you follow the rules and regulations of the park. With a little practice, you’ll be flying like a pro in no time! Be sure to keep in mind that drones are not allowed above large bodies of water or high mountain peaks. If you’re near a natural feature such as a waterfall or alpine lake, keep your drone at least 25 feet away from it at all times. Lastly, don’t forget that the Park is home to wildlife–both big and small–so take care not to disturb them while they’re resting!
Conclusion
A drone flight in Glacier National Park requires consideration of many factors But as long as you follow the rules and regulations set forth by the park, you’ll be able to enjoy this breathtaking landscape from a whole new perspective! Bring your drone batteries fully charged, since there aren’t any electrical outlets at Logan Pass; make sure that both you and those around you (especially birds) remain safe; have fun! If possible, bring a friend or two for some memorable photos of you taking cool aerial shots of Glacier’s stunning beauty.
