Is there a weight maximum?

Our absolute upper weight limit is 225 pounds for the combined weight of the rider and their gear, but additional restrictions may apply to some trails. Imposing a weight limit is not a matter of prejudice, it is a means by which to ensure rider safety and the welfare of our horses.

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How old do children have to be?

Children 7 years and older can begin to ride on some trails and locations. Higher age minimums may apply to certain trails and locations due to length of rides or difficulty of terrain. We do not allow “double riders” in which a child rides in a parent’s lap. We do not allow children in backpack baby carriers. Children must be 48 inches or taller and 48 pounds or more, even if they fit the age requirement. So, even if your child is old enough to ride, they may be turned away if they are not large enough! All children (including teens under 18) who are able to participate will be required to wear a helmet.

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Why can't we use a mounting block?

If you can’t get on and off the horse unaided, it is not advisable to proceed with riding it. An inability to dismount yourself safely puts you at a far greater risk of injury if you desire or are instructed to get off the horse quickly. On our half and full day rides, riders are expected to dismount and remount the horses at the halfway point for a stretch/snack/bathroom break and allow the horses to rest. But, even on a shorter non-stop ride, there could be unforeseen circumstances that could necessitate a dismount and remount. Or, in rare circumstances, a rider may become separated from the horse involuntarily. In contrast to your home circumstances, where a mounting block can always be readily available, our rides take place out on the trail which is an uncontrolled environment. Before we set out on the trail, we need to feel confident that you will be able to remount the horse from the ground at any point on the trail.

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Can I bring a camera?

Yes! We want our guests to be able to capture their memorable horseback ride in and around Glacier National Park. However, the safety of our guests and horses are of the utmost importance, so there are some restrictions. Guests must be able to successfully control their horse and operate their camera/phone at the same time. Guides reserve the right to deny a guest the use of their phone/camera at any time. We do not allow phone calls, texting, or video chats during the ride.

Cameras must be able to be operated in one hand. GoPros are allowed so long as the handle is no longer than 7 inches. Selfie sticks are not allowed. Larger cameras may be brought along and packed in saddle bags for longer duration rides (half day, full day, and overnight trips) for use when dismounted. Please see our full photo policy here.

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What will I get to see?

Glacier National Park spans over a million acres, making it virtually impossible to list all the amazing things you might come across. In a nutshell though, you can expect to see shady forests, stellar snow-capped mountains, glacier-carved valleys, majestic alpine vistas, aquamarine streams and lakes, wildflowers, and all sorts of wildlife from coyotes to bear to deer.

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Can we just rent the horses and do as we please?

No. All of our trips are guided by staff. All of our trips are at set times on set trails. All of our trips are conducted at a walking gait only.

Our staff are knowledgeable and friendly people dedicated to making your experience one to remember. If your wrangler has done a great job on your ride, feel free to show your appreciation by tipping them as you would a waitress or other customer server. If you would like to BE a wrangler, then you may apply through our online portal.

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Do I need to know how to ride a horse?

No you do not need to know how to ride a horse. Though some of our trail rides are more difficult than others, we have plenty of trails that are great for beginners. Our experienced wranglers will guide first time riders through every step of the process to make sure they feel comfortable and safe. If you have never ridden before, we suggest sticking with a 1 hour or 2 hour ride.

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Is horseback riding easier than walking?

It is a common misconception that horseback riding is easier than walking. Horseback riding uses a tremendous number of muscles and joints in ways you may not be accustomed to using on a regular basis, so in some ways it can actually be more strenuous than walking. Many of our Sperry Chalet riders choose to walk down as that trail is particularly steep and tough on the knees on the way down. If you can’t reasonably hike the same trail as that of your ride, you ought not to be riding it either and should choose a shorter ride or milder terrain.

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Will I be sore?

Given that horseback riding uses many muscles and joints in ways that you may not be used to using them, it is likely that you will be sore. The most frequent area of complaint is pain or stiffness on the outside of the knee joint. It is a good idea to stretch before and after your ride and to drink plenty of water to help relieve sore muscles. Immediately after your ride, we recommend strolling around a bit to “walk it off” before you hop back in your car.

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What should I wear?

Weather in the mountains can change in the blink of an eye, so it is a good idea to dress in layers (i.e. tank top or t-shirt, long sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt or light jacket). Long pants are required, but they need not be denim necessarily. Your own hat (or one of our helmets) are also recommended. Ensure that your hat is securely fitting such that it will not blow off in a gust of wind. Flying hats are extreme safety hazards. Your footwear is important and you will be turned away if you arrive in sandals. The ideal footwear is a sturdy leather boot with a smooth sole and a slightly raised heel. Hiking boots with a tread on the bottom will usually work, but if you have an extremely large shoe size, you may be better off in lighter tennis shoes in order for your foot to fit safely in the stirrup. Shoes that lack an enclosed toe or heel, such as sandals or crocs, are absolutely not allowed.

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Does reserving a horseback ride get me around the Park's vehicle reservation system?

It could get you a park vehicle reservation. When applicable (depending on the ride time and location) to ensure that our reserved guests aren’t hindered, we issue special passes to bypass the Park’s vehicle reservation system.

However, do not sign up for our horseback rides if you have no interest in or intention of riding. You are ruining it for the folks that genuinely want to ride! Furthermore, be warned that your attempt to game the NPS system will be thwarted by our strict refund policy.

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How much do Glacier trail rides cost?

Please visit our rates page.

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Should I tip my wrangler?

We like to say, “If you liked your ride, kiss your horse and tip your guide!” Many people do not realize that it is customary to tip your trail ride wrangler. If you had a great time on your ride, show your appreciation. The standard is 15-20% – similar to what you would tip a waiter or waitress.

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How can I make reservations?

Some of our rides can be booked online. This includes our 1 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, and Cowboy Cookout. Simply click the orange button under the ride’s description on this site. The online booking function is disabled 72 hours before the start time of the ride, so for last minute bookings you must submit an inquiry or call.

Our half-day and full-day rides cannot be booked online. You must submit an inquiry or call us on the phone.

For a list of contacts and the information we will need to know to reserve your trail ride, click here.

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Do you require a deposit?

Our policy is to collect full payment when the ride is booked. We can charge your reservation to a Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

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What’s your refund policy?

Read our refund policy here

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Do I need a "Vehicle Reservation" to get to the corral?

If you have not booked a ride and are hoping to book in-person at the corral, then yes, you will very likely need to have a vehicle reservation. Accessing the most desirable parts of the Park during the desirable times of the season/day will likely need a vehicle reservation. The areas and times will likely vary, so check the Park’s website for the most accurate and up to date information.

If you have booked in advance with us and a vehicle reservation would apply to accessing your ride, then 48 hrs before your ride we will send you a special pass in lieu of a vehicle reservation so that you will not have to worry about accessing the corral. The pass we send is only good for the specific day/area needed for your ride. If you wish to enjoy other areas of the park or on other days, then you will want to get your own vehicle reservation anyways, or, access the park outside of the managed-use windows.

Either way, you still have to pay your separate park entrance fee.

The above does NOT apply to our West Glacier corral, which lies outside the Park.

Learn more: Accessing the Park.

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How should I decide which trail ride to take?

We tend to recommend the shorter rides for large groups, families with kids, and novice riders.  But, even very experienced riders often choose and enjoy a shorter ride. Half day rides and all day rides are certainly better suited for experienced horseback riders or athletic guests.

If you are eager to get lots of horseback riding in during your vacation, but worried about your comfort and stamina,  you can book several shorter rides, one at each corral! This way, you get to see lots of the Park without running the risk of making yourself sore from spending too much time in the saddle on a single ride.

There are many factors to consider and we have many options, so check out our page Which Ride Should You Choose? for more advice.

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Should I wear a helmet?

Children are required to wear helmets. While it is not mandatory for adults (18+) to wear helmets, we highly recommend that you do. Horse related falls often result in head injuries, regardless of the experience of the rider.

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Can I wear a backpack?

No. Backpacks, fanny packs or any kind of strap around the neck are prohibited on our rides. However, minimal gear can be carried in pommel bags for short duration rides or saddle bags for longer duration rides. Pommel bags have two pockets that each measure 4 inches wide by 6 inches tall by 2 inches deep. They sit over the horn of the saddle and are perfect for a water bottle, keys and a wallet. Saddle bags have two pockets that each measure 12 inches wide by 12 inches tall by 4 inches deep. They are attached to the back of the saddle and are perfect for a lunch, a first aid kit or toiletry bag, an extra water bottle or a camera. Extra jackets can be tied to the back of the saddle.

You can read more about saddle bags in this pdf Bringing Your Personal Gear on the Ride

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Are we in danger of bear attacks?

Since bears are wild animals, there is always a chance of encountering them on the trail. However, the horses are smelly and riders make a lot of noise, so bears in the vicinity tend to wander off to avoid contact. All of our wranglers have completed Bear Safety Training. They will assess each bear encounter and respond in such a way to minimize conflict.

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Do I need to bring bear spray on the ride?

No. In fact, bear spray is prohibited on our horseback rides. Horses and bear spray do not mix.  The chances that the bear spray will inadvertently affect the horses instead of the bear are extremely high. If that were to happen, you would be in much greater danger of a horse accident than you would have been of a bear attack. The horses are actually your best defense against bears that you may see out on the trail.

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Can I bring a firearm with me on the ride?

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. However, it is Swan Mountain Outfitters’ policy that no guests or employees may carry firearms with them on our horseback rides.

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What should I do about lunch?

If you are going on a half day or a full day ride, we recommend that you bring a lunch or some snacks. We provide saddle bags that you will be able to use. If you are going on the ride to Sperry Chalet you can prepurchase lunch that will be served at the chalet for $19.50. Let out reservation staff know you are interested in lunch at the chalet at your time of booking.

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** HEADER PHOTO BY TRAPPER BADOVINAC