If you’ve been to Glacier National Park (or lived in Montana for awhile), you’ve certainly heard of the Red Bus Tours, the most iconic way to see some picturesque parts of the park. And if you’re like most Montanans, you probably leave the bus rides for the tourists since you’re perfectly capable of making the drive yourself. However, we’re of the opinion that everyone should hop on a red bus at once, even the locals — because with your eyes on the road, you’ll often miss the scenery surrounding you.

The famous Red Bus Tours have been in business since 1914, and the current buses are from the 1930s.

Andrew Kalat / Flickr These vintage buses are a part of the park’s heritage.

Believe it or not, the Red Buses were the first authorized motor transportation utility in any National Park.

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr They were designed for unobstructed sightseeing.

The bus transports around 60,000 tourists through the park each summer, so the tour clearly as some serious staying power.

Fred Dunn / Flickr You can choose between an East Side Tour and a West Side Tour, and you can choose between various routes and tour lengths.

So why should you pay someone else to drive you around a park that’s basically in your own backyard?

Glacier Park Red Bus Tours Facebook Well, for starters… just look. If you’re in the driver’s seat (or even in the passenger seat navigating), you’ll risk missing most of the views.

But aside from the breathtaking scenery, taking this tour is a fantastic way to learn more about our most majestic and beloved treasure.

Jerry and Pat Donaho / Flickr Glacier National Park is called the Crown Jewel of the Continent for a reason — it’s amazing. Your bus will be driven by a very knowledgeable seasoned park veteran who will share facts you’ve probably never heard.

Experiencing such a scenic and informative tour is definitely worth the cost, even for lifelong Montanans.

katie wheeler / Flickr Speaking of, costs typically range from $46 for 3.5-hour tours to $104 for all-day tours. Children can tour for half the price.

The Red Bus Tours operate from early June until late September.

Wilson Hui / Flickr Needless to say, they fill up fast, so book your summer adventure as soon as you can.

You can book your Red Bus Tour here. And while you’re enjoying Glacier National Park, here are some spots you’ll want to check out.

Andrew Kalat / Flickr

These vintage buses are a part of the park’s heritage.

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr

They were designed for unobstructed sightseeing.

Fred Dunn / Flickr

You can choose between an East Side Tour and a West Side Tour, and you can choose between various routes and tour lengths.

Glacier Park Red Bus Tours Facebook

Well, for starters… just look. If you’re in the driver’s seat (or even in the passenger seat navigating), you’ll risk missing most of the views.

Jerry and Pat Donaho / Flickr

Glacier National Park is called the Crown Jewel of the Continent for a reason — it’s amazing. Your bus will be driven by a very knowledgeable seasoned park veteran who will share facts you’ve probably never heard.

katie wheeler / Flickr

Speaking of, costs typically range from $46 for 3.5-hour tours to $104 for all-day tours. Children can tour for half the price.

Wilson Hui / Flickr

Needless to say, they fill up fast, so book your summer adventure as soon as you can.

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