Montana Drone Laws 2026: Glacier, Yellowstone Border & Rules
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Can You Fly a Drone in Montana in 2026? Glacier, Yellowstone, and Everything Between
If you’re planning an adventure trip to Montana in 2026 and want to capture aerial footage, you need to understand the state’s complex patchwork of drone laws. The number one question I get from travelers is about Glacier National Park—and the answer is a firm no—but that doesn’t mean Montana is a no-fly zone. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly where you can and cannot fly across Montana, from the peaks of Glacier to the Beartooth Highway, covering FAA rules, National Park Service bans, and Forest Service allowances. You’ll learn how to legally film Montana’s iconic landscapes without risking a fine or confiscation.
What Are the Federal FAA Drone Laws That Apply in Montana?
Before you launch anywhere in Montana, you must comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) baseline rules. These apply to all drone operations, regardless of state or local regulations.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Registration | Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered on the FAA DroneZone. Fee: $5 for 3 years. |
| License | Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial flights; recreational flyers must pass the TRUST test. |
| Altitude Limit | 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) maximum. |
| Visual Line of Sight | You must maintain unaided visual contact with your drone at all times. |
| Airspace Authorization | Controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, E) requires LAANC authorization before flight. |
Are Drones Banned in Glacier National Park in 2026?
Yes, drones are completely banned in Glacier National Park. This is a zero-tolerance policy enforced by the National Park Service (NPS). The ban covers all areas within park boundaries, including trails, backcountry, and the shores of Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake. If you’re caught flying a drone in Glacier, you face a fine starting at $1,000 and potential confiscation of your equipment.
What About Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Going-to-the-Sun Road, the iconic 50-mile scenic drive through Glacier, is entirely within the national park. Therefore, drone flight is banned along the entire route, from West Glacier to St. Mary. No exceptions exist for recreational or commercial operators. Even launching a drone from a pullout or campground along the road is a violation.
Can I Fly a Drone in Yellowstone National Park (Montana Side)?
Yellowstone National Park, which extends into Montana’s southern border near Gardiner and West Yellowstone, also enforces a complete drone ban under NPS policy. The north entrance near Gardiner and the west entrance near West Yellowstone are both within park boundaries. Flying a drone over the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, or the Yellowstone River inside the park is illegal.
Where Can I Fly Legally Near Glacier National Park?
Flathead National Forest surrounds much of Glacier National Park, and this is where you can legally fly. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) generally allows drone operations on its land, provided you follow FAA rules and avoid wilderness areas.
Popular legal launch points include the Hungry Horse Reservoir area, the Swan Lake region, and the Jewel Basin Hiking Area (outside wilderness boundaries). From these spots, you can capture stunning mountain vistas without violating the park ban. Remember to stay at least 400 feet from any designated wilderness area.
Use the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map to identify non-wilderness areas. Wilderness boundaries are clearly marked.
Park at a designated trailhead or pullout. Ensure you’re outside the National Park boundary—check GPS coordinates if uncertain.
Stay below 400 feet AGL, avoid wildlife, and yield to manned aircraft. Flathead has active helicopter traffic for firefighting and tourism.
Can I Fly a Drone on the Beartooth Highway?
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) runs from Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, and is one of America’s most scenic drives. The good news: the corridor is almost entirely within Custer Gallatin National Forest and Shoshone National Forest, both of which are USFS land open to drone flight. The highway itself is a state road, but the adjacent land is federal forest.
You can legally launch from pullouts along the highway, but avoid the small section that enters Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City. The Beartooth Highway’s alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and switchbacks offer incredible aerial photography opportunities.
Pros of Flying Beartooth Highway
- Stunning alpine scenery above 10,000 feet
- Mostly USFS land—legal to fly
- Minimal air traffic in most areas
Cons
- Strong winds at high altitude—fly only in calm conditions
- Wildlife (mountain goats, marmots) may be disturbed—maintain distance
- Check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) during fire season
What Are the Drone Rules for Montana State Parks?
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) manages 55 state parks, and the rules are clear: drone takeoff, landing, and operation are prohibited in all Montana state parks without a special use permit. This includes popular spots like Flathead Lake State Park, Makoshika State Park, and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Permits are granted on a case-by-case basis, typically for research, educational, or official park projects. Recreational flyers are almost never approved. If you want to capture aerial footage of a state park, consider flying from adjacent public land—provided you maintain line of sight and do not enter park airspace.
What About Billings and Missoula Airspace?
Montana’s larger cities have controlled airspace that requires prior authorization. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) both have Class C airspace extending from the surface to 4,000 feet above ground level. In 2026, you must use the FAA’s LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system to request approval before flying within these zones.
| Airport | Class | LAANC Available | Max Altitude in Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings (BIL) | Class D | Yes (via FAA DroneZone or apps like Aloft) | Up to 200 ft AGL in outer rings |
| Missoula (MSO) | Class D | Yes | Up to 200 ft AGL in outer rings |
For recreational flyers, the B4UFLY app shows real-time airspace restrictions. In Billings, the controlled zone extends roughly 5 nautical miles from the airport. Downtown Billings and the Heights neighborhood are partially within this zone. In Missoula, the zone covers most of the city center and the University of Montana campus. Flights near the Missoula County Fairgrounds or the Clark Fork River may require authorization depending on your exact location.
Smaller towns like Bozeman, Kalispell, and Helena also have controlled airspace around their airports. Always check airspace before launching—even a small airport with no control tower may have a flight advisory zone that requires caution.
Can I Fly in Gallatin National Forest Near Yellowstone?
Yes, you can fly a drone in Gallatin National Forest (now part of the Custer-Gallatin National Forest) as long as you follow FAA regulations and forest-specific rules. The forest surrounds Yellowstone National Park on its north and west sides, making it a popular alternative for drone pilots who want to capture mountain scenery without breaking park rules.
Key restrictions to remember:
- No flying over wilderness areas designated by the Forest Service (e.g., the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness).
- No disturbing wildlife—keep at least 100 feet from animals.
- No launching from or landing in developed recreation sites like campgrounds or trailheads without a permit.
- Stay below 400 feet and maintain visual line of sight.
Is Flying Allowed in Lolo National Forest?
Yes, Lolo National Forest, located west of Missoula, permits drone flights under the same FAA and Forest Service rules. This forest covers over 2 million acres and includes the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and the Bitterroot Mountains. Drone flying is generally allowed in most non-wilderness areas.
However, there are seasonal restrictions. During wildfire season (typically July through September), the Forest Service may issue temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that ban all drone flights within a certain radius of active fires. Flying a drone near a wildfire can ground firefighting aircraft and result in severe penalties, including civil fines up to $20,000.
What About the Missouri River Breaks?
The Missouri River Breaks National Monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is one of Montana’s most scenic drone-friendly locations. The BLM generally allows drone flights on public lands it manages, provided you follow FAA rules and do not interfere with other visitors or wildlife.
The monument stretches 149 miles along the Missouri River from Fort Benton downstream to the Fred Robinson Bridge. Drones are allowed over the river and the surrounding badlands, but you must avoid the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument’s designated wilderness study areas (WSAs). These areas have stricter protections that may prohibit motorized equipment, including drones.
For the best experience, launch from public access points like Coal Banks Landing or Judith Landing. Avoid flying near archaeological sites or historic homesteads, as these are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
Pros of Flying at Missouri River Breaks
- Stunning geological formations and river bends
- Low air traffic density
- BLM permits recreational drone use
Cons to Consider
- Remote locations with limited cell service
- Wilderness study areas restrict some zones
- Wind can be extreme in open areas
Final Thoughts: How to Fly Legally in Montana in 2026
Montana offers incredible drone photography opportunities, but the key is knowing the boundaries. Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are complete no-fly zones, while the surrounding national forests (Flathead, Gallatin, Custer, Lolo) and BLM land (Missouri River Breaks) are generally open. The Beartooth Highway corridor is a standout legal option for scenic mountain footage. Always use the No-Fly Zone Checker before each flight to confirm airspace status, and carry your FAA registration and Part 107 certificate. With proper planning, you can capture Montana’s wild beauty without breaking the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drones allowed in Glacier National Park?
No, drones are completely banned in Glacier National Park under National Park Service policy. This ban includes all trails, backcountry, roads, and lakes within park boundaries. Fines start at $1,000 and can include confiscation of your drone. The ban is actively enforced by park rangers who patrol both popular and remote areas.
Can I fly a drone on Going-to-the-Sun Road?
No, Going-to-the-Sun Road is entirely within Glacier National Park, so the drone ban applies to the entire 50-mile route. You cannot launch from any pullout, campground, or trailhead along the road. The only legal way to capture aerial footage near this iconic drive is to launch from adjacent Flathead National Forest land outside the park boundary.
What are the drone rules in Montana?
Montana follows FAA baseline rules: drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered, recreational flyers must pass the TRUST test, and all flights must stay under 400 feet AGL within visual line of sight. National parks (Glacier, Yellowstone) are banned, but national forests (Flathead, Gallatin, Lolo) and BLM land are generally open. State parks have no blanket ban but may have local restrictions. Always check with local authorities before flying in urban areas or near airports.
Where can I fly legally near Glacier National Park?
The best legal areas are Flathead National Forest, which surrounds the park on the west and south. Popular launch points include the Hungry Horse Reservoir area, Swan Lake, and the Jewel Basin Hiking Area (outside wilderness). You can also fly in the Stillwater State Forest to the north. Ensure you are at least 400 feet from any designated wilderness area and outside the National Park boundary.
Are drones allowed in Montana State Parks?
Montana State Parks do not have a statewide drone ban, but individual park superintendents can impose restrictions. Most state parks, including Flathead Lake State Park and Makoshika State Park, allow drone flight if you follow FAA rules and avoid disturbing visitors or wildlife. Always call the specific park office before flying, as seasonal restrictions may apply near sensitive wildlife areas.
Can I fly a drone on the Beartooth Highway?
Yes, the Beartooth Highway corridor is mostly within Custer Gallatin National Forest and Shoshone National Forest, both of which are open to drone flight. You can launch from pullouts along US-212, but avoid the small section near Cooke City that enters Yellowstone National Park. The high-altitude alpine scenery offers incredible photo opportunities, but be cautious of strong winds and avoid flying over wildlife.
Can I fly a drone in Glacier National Park with a permit?
No. The National Park Service bans all drone operations in Glacier National Park, and no permits are issued for recreational or commercial drone use. The only exceptions are for official NPS research or emergency response operations.
What is the fine for flying a drone in Yellowstone?
Fines for flying a drone in Yellowstone National Park start at $1,500 and can reach up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. You may also face confiscation of your drone and a federal citation.
Are there any drone-friendly hotels near Glacier Park?
Many hotels in Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Kalispell allow drone flying on their private property with permission. Always ask the front desk before launching. The Flathead National Forest adjacent to Glacier Park is a better option for unrestricted flights.
Can I fly a drone at Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is surrounded by a mix of private property, state parks, and tribal land. The state parks on the lake (like Flathead Lake State Park) prohibit drones. Flying from private property with the landowner’s permission is legal, but you must avoid flying over state park areas.
Do I need Part 107 for commercial drone work in Montana?
Yes. Any drone flight that is not purely recreational—including real estate photography, inspections, or paid aerial surveys—requires a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The rules are the same in Montana as anywhere else in the United States.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – 14 CFR Part 107
- National Park Service – 36 CFR § 2.17 (Aircraft and Air Delivery)
- U.S. Forest Service – Drone Use on National Forest System Lands
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – State Park Regulations
- Bureau of Land Management – BLM Drone Policy
Drone Allowed
DroneAllowed editor covering drone regulations, aviation law, and aerial photography across USA, UK, Canada & Australia.