Swan Mountain Outfitters is authorized within Glacier National Park to provide guided horseback trail rides at Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier.
Horseback Riding in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, otherwise known as the "Crown of the Continent", stretches across thousands of miles of snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks in Northwest Montana. The Glacier backcountry is a land of shining mountains, sweeping alpine views and aquamarine glacial waters you simply have to experience. And, what better way to do that than on horseback? The majority of Glacier's most magical secrets are found off the beaten track and we can take you to them. We offer a variety of trail rides, where no two trips are the same. Or, for a truly unique experience, check out our drop camp services. All you have to do is decide which horseback riding adventure you want to embark on:
Swan Mountain Outfitters Locations in Glacier National Park
Please keep in mind that availability of all trails in Glacier National Park is subject to change. Swan Mountain Outfitters reserves the right to change or cancel a ride at any time due to unfavorable trail conditions, inclement weather or the presence of wildlife.
Apgar Trail Rides For 2013, our Apgar corral is scheduled to be open from May 25th through September 2nd, weather dependent. This corral is located near the West Entrance of the park. We offer 3 types of trail rides from this location:
Apgar Lookout
This half day ride takes you through a lodgepole forest, which burned in the Roberts Fire of 2003, to the NPS fire lookout atop Apgar Mountain. The combination of bare trees from the burn and the steepness of the trail provide incredible views that keep getting better as you climb to the top. Once you reach the top, you are treated to panoramic views of the Lake McDonald Valley, the North Fork, the Gateway to Glacier Canyon and even glimpses of the Great Bear Wilderness. There is very little tree cover since you are riding through a burn, so bring sunscreen and water. This trail is recommended for more experienced riders due to the steepness (2500 foot elevation gain) and has a four person minimum.
C.M. Russell
This two hour ride is our most popular Apgar offering. You'll love the combination of cruising underneath the green canopy of a lodgepole forest while simultaneously getting great views of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and the lower portion of McDonald Creek. The Apgar lodgepole forest is home to plenty of resident wildlife including black bear, deer, coyotes and beavers - so keep your eyes peeled!
Apgar Meadows
Of all the one hour rides we offer, the Apgar Meadows trail is the most scenic. This is a great option for beginner riders as it is only half the distance of the C.M. Russell two hour ride, but still offers great views of either the Flathead River or the Oxbow of McDonald Creek and good opportunities to see animals!
Lake McDonald Trail Rides For 2013, our Lake McDonald corral is scheduled to be open from June 1st through September 29th, weather dependent. This corral is located on the east side of Lake McDonald, the largest of Glacier's 250 alpine lakes. We offer outstanding trail rides from this location:
Sperry Chalet
The ride to Sperry Chalet opens July 11th (weather dependent) and is one of our most popular trips - perfect for overnight guests of Sperry Chalet or the experienced rider looking for a full day horseback adventure. As we climb up to this beautiful full service chalet, built of natural rock in a high alpine setting, you will experience all the wonders of the Glacier back country in style. Enjoy the breath-taking views as your trusty steed powers up the 6.7 mile trail, gaining 3,300 feet in elevation! Once at the Chalet, treat yourself to a one of a kind meal made from ingredients that are delivered bi-weekly to the Chalet via a pack string of mules! 
This scenic two hour ride takes you through a dense, old growth Cedar/Hemlock Forest and provides excellent views of both the upper portion of McDonald Creek and Lake McDonald. A truly picturesque ride, not to be missed!
Cedar Forest
This easy one hour ride meanders underneath the canopy of the Cedar Forest surrounding our Lake McDonald Corral.
Many Glacier Trail Rides For 2013, our Many Glacier corral is scheduled to be open from June 15th through September 15th, weather dependent. This corral is located across the parking lot from the Many Glacier Hotel, which sits alongside Swiftcurrent Lake. From this corral, we offer our most intense exploration of the Glacier back country:
Cracker Lake
This all day ride takes you out along the shores of Lake Sherburne and up along Canyon Creek until you reach the striking turquoise waters of Cracker Lake. The ride is packed full of majestic views of the surrounding mountains and good opportunities to see wildlife, especially bears.
Poia Lake
This all day ride is chock-full of panoramic views of the entire Swiftcurrent Valley as we ride up and over Swiftcurrent Ridge. In one glance, you can take in thousands of years of geological history spread out before you. Once we reach the top, we will wind down along Kennedy Creek to the untouched Poia Lake where you will be swept away by the perfect silence of Mother Nature.
Swiftcurrent Ridge
This half day ride takes you down along Swiftcurrent Falls, across the Many Glacier Road and starts climbing the ravine alongside Poia Mountain. At the Swiftcurrent Ridge hitching rail, you'll dismount to get a great view over Lake Sherburne and the entire Many Glacier Valley. Then, you'll head back down the mountain with the backdrop of the Many Glacier Hotel spanning before you.
Josephine Lake
This picturesque horseback ride takes you down the first few miles of the Piegan Trail. As you ride along the heavily forested trail, you'll catch glimpses of Swiftcurrent Lake, Josephine Lake and the Garden Wall. Keep your eyes peeled for trickling waterfalls and curious animals along the mountain side.
Cracker Flats
This is our most scenic two hour ride in the Park. This awesome trail heads out along the shores of Lake Sherburne and on to Cracker Flats, where the old mining town of Altyn once stood at the turn of the century. On the flats, you'll get 360 degree views of all the mountains surrounding the Many Glacier Valley as well as great opportunities to see wildlife!
Josephine Loop
We also offer daily trail rides that last one hour. Times and locations change daily based on availability of horses and wranglers.
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