Proud Participants in Glacier National Park's Centennial
Frequently Asked Questions
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, many of which you may not be accustomed to using on a regular basis, so in some ways it can actually be more strenuous than walking.
Will I be sore?
Given that horseback riding uses many muscles in ways that you may not be used to using them, it is likely that you will be sore. It is a good idea to stretch before and after your ride and to drink plenty of water to help relieve sore muscles.
How old do children have to be to take a horseback ride?
Children 7 years and older can ride at our Apgar Corral and on the one hour and two hour rides at our Lake McDonald Corral. Children 8 years and older can ride at our Many Glacier Corral. Children 10 years and older can do the ride to Sperry Chalet.
Is there a weight limit?
Our weight limit is 250 pounds. We have scales at each corral location for any guests that may be close to the weight limit.
How much are trail rides?
Our trail rides range from $40 to $160, depending on the duration of the ride. Ride durations range from one hour to an all day trip (6 to 8 hours).
How should I decide which trail ride to take?
We tend to recommend the two hour ride for families with young kids as well as guests who have never ridden before or who don't ride very often. Half day rides and all day rides are better suited for experienced horseback riders or athletic guests. If you are eager to get lots of horseback riding in during your vacation, a popular option is to take a two hour ride at each of our corrals. This way, you get to see lots of the Park (each of the corrals is located in a unique part of the Park) without running the risk of making yourself sore from spending too much time in on a single ride.
Should I tip my wrangler?
At Swan Mountain Outfitters we 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 by tipping your wrangler. The standard is similar to what you would tip a waiter or waitress.
How can I make reservations?
We accept reservations via phone from 8:00am to 6:00pm mountain standard time. Please call our main reservation number for any advanced reservation. For same day reservations during the summer, please call the corral you wish to take a trail ride out of directly. For a list of phone numbers and the information we will need to know to reserve your trail ride, click here.
Do you require a deposit?
Our policy is to collect full payment for any advanced reservation. We can charge your reservation to a Visa or MasterCard. Please also note that it is our policy to charge all guests 2010 rates for the 2010 season regardless of when they book the ride. 2010 rates will be released in March or April of 2010. In the event that you book a ride prior to when the 2010 rates are released and the rate on your ride has increased from what was charged in 2009, you will have a balance due for the difference between the 2009 and 2010 rates.
What's your refund policy?
We can grant a full refund, less a three percent credit card processing fee, all the way up to 24 hours in advance of the ride. Within 24 hours of the ride's departure, the ride is not refundable.
What time should I arrive for my trail ride?
Arrive no later than the times stated on this website to check in for your ride. Our check in process consists of a proper trail ride orientation (covering such topics as approaching the horses, getting on and off, sitting in the saddle, proper use of the reins and stirrups, etc.), matching each guest up to the appropriate horse, mounting all the horses and checking all the equipment. In terms of planning other activities around your trail ride, total time with us will be about an hour longer than the duration of your ride. For example, guests on the one hour ride will be with us for about two hours, guests on the two hour ride will be with us for about three hours, etc.
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). Close-toed shoes and pants are required. Boots, hats, sunscreen and a water bottle are also recommended.
Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
No. 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.
Who will guide us on the trail?
We employ several experienced trail ride wranglers. Not only are these individuals horse experts, but they are all around great people dedicated to making your experience in Glacier National Park 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.
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.
Will lunch be served?
Swan Mountain Outfitters - Glacier Division is not permitted by the National Park Service to serve meals. As a result, we encourage our guests to bring their own food and water. Additionally, box lunches can be ordered from most lodges and chalets within the park.
Are we in danger of bear attacks?
Since bears are wild animals, there is always a chance. However, in the history of the park, there has never been an attack around or threatening the horses.The horses make a lot of noise, and bears in the vicinity tend to wander off to avoid contact. All of our wranglers have completed Bear Safety Training and their foremost job is to protect our customers.
Do I need to bring bear spray on the ride?
No. In fact, bear spray is prohibited on our horseback rides. 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.
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.
Should I wear a helmet?
While it is not mandatory for adults eighteen and over to wear helmets, we highly recommend that you do because many horse related falls result in head injuries, regardless of the experience of the rider. If you elect not to wear a helmet, we will ask that you sign a helmet waiver.
Do I have anything to be scared of?
No. Horses may be big animals, but they are very gentle and actually more scared of us than we are of them. Also, your wrangler is a horse expert who knows Glacier National Park very well.
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