Description
Spend a full day in the saddle on a horseback trail ride near Glacier National Park. Get an authentic mountain horse experience with sweeping views of Glacier Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Great Plains through the national forest bordering the south side of Glacier National Park. You will be led by knowledgeable guides who know this country intimately and deliver an incredibly friendly and personalized experience. You will ride through rivers, meadows, and up mountain trails. The full-day trail is a giant loop, so you never ride the same trail twice.
You will begin at ranch that sits between East Glacier and West Glacier on the southern edge of the National Park. After checking in and getting a brief orientation, you will follow the crew about 10 miles up the road to the Lubec trailhead where you'll check saddles, get a brief safety and horse talk before mounting up. After everyone is comfortable and stirrups are adjusted, your guide gives a fuller talk on how to ride and how to stay safe on the trail.
On the Trail
You will start out the same way as the half-day ride, climbing up to Buffalo Lakes, but from the lakes you keep going. Follow the ridge over the top and wind down through old growth forest and meadows until you land on the river bottom for lunch near Hall Creek Falls. That is about 2.5 hours of riding to lunch, where you take a 45-minute break beside the water. On a hot day, swimming is optional and well worth it.
After lunch it is a 2-hour ride following the turquoise waters of the South Fork of the Two Medicine River back to the trailhead, normally arriving at the trucks and trailers by about 3:30 PM. It is quite a ride, climbing ridges, passing old trees and meadows, and tracing the river the whole way home. A pretty awesome day.
Our guides are local and have been riding for many years. They are fluent in the native plants, animals, mountains, and history of the area, and we keep groups small, with no more than 6 riders per trip. We take our time and enjoy the trip.
Rider Requirements
Riders must be at least 7 years old, with a maximum weight of 225 pounds. Riding experience is not necessary, but this is an active, strenuous experience that requires use of your muscles, and the full day is a long stretch in the saddle. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. A long sleeve shirt and hat are recommended but not required, and helmets are available upon request.
This experience may not be suitable for guests with certain physical limitations, including but not limited to: pregnancy; recent hip, knee, back, ankle, or shoulder surgeries or replacements; significant mobility or balance limitations; chronic pain conditions affecting riding ability; conditions that make mounting, sitting, or dismounting difficult; or severe fear of horses or heights. If you are unsure whether this experience is appropriate for you, we strongly encourage contacting our team prior to booking.
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Montana Outfitter #4292
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at Bear Creek Guest Ranch, 15750 US-2 E, Essex, MT 59916. After introductions, waivers, and packing lunch, you will follow the crew about 10 miles to the trailhead.
How long is the ride?
About 4.5 hours in the saddle plus a 45-minute lunch break. It is roughly 2.5 hours of riding to the lunch spot and 2 hours back after lunch. The trail is a giant loop, so you never ride the same trail twice. You are normally back at the trucks and trailers by 3:30 PM.
What should I wear?
Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Layers for your upper half and a hat are recommended. Helmets are available upon request. On hot days, bring a swimsuit if you want to swim at the lunch stop.
Do I need riding experience?
No riding experience is required, but you must be interested and engaged. This is an active experience that is strenuous and requires use of your muscles. The full-day ride is a long day in the saddle, so come ready for an adventure.
What are the physical requirements?
Riders must sign a waiver and be able to independently mount and dismount with wrangler assistance. All participants must be at least 7 years old. Maximum weight of 225 pounds.
This experience may not be suitable for guests with certain physical limitations, including but not limited to: Recent hip, knee, back, ankle, or shoulder surgeries/replacements, Significant mobility limitations, Balance concerns, Chronic pain conditions affecting riding ability, Conditions that make mounting, sitting astride, or dismounting difficult, Pregnancy, Severe fear of horses or heights. If you are unsure whether this experience is appropriate for you, we strongly encourage contacting our team prior to booking.
Can we take photos?
Yes, there are plenty of places to take pictures, ask questions, and enjoy the scenery, from ridge tops with 360-degree views to the turquoise waters of the Two Medicine River.
What if I'm pregnant, or had a recent surgery or have other physical limitations?
This experience may not be suitable for guests with certain physical limitations, including but not limited to: Recent hip, knee, back, ankle, or shoulder surgeries/replacements, Significant mobility limitations, Balance concerns, Chronic pain conditions affecting riding ability, Conditions that make mounting, sitting astride, or dismounting difficult, Pregnancy, Severe fear of horses or heights. If you are unsure whether this experience is appropriate for you, we strongly encourage contacting our team prior to booking.