The Apgar Corral is located near the West Entrance of the park. The Apgar area is home to a light lodgepole forest and the tranquil waters of Lower McDonald Creek.

We offer several trail rides from this location. All rides are conducted at a walking pace ONLY. Trail use is dictated by the Park service and temporary closures or detours may be outside of SMO control.

This corral is accessed via the Going-to-the-Sun-Road within Glacier National Park. It is often subjected to vehicle reservations (aka ticketed entry), traffic delays, and construction delays. Click here to learn more.

Check-in at the stated time, but please plan to be with us for an extra 45 minutes for paperwork, mandatory safety briefing, and the loading process that is in addition to the listed “time in the saddle”. Time in the saddle is also an approximate.

Need help choosing a ride? Check out this page: Which Ride Should You Choose? While budget and schedule are likely the first things you will determine, your physical fitness is a huge factor and is very important to consider before you even hit the trail: All of our riders are expected to mount the horse from the ground without a mounting block. Be sure to discuss your abilities and expectations with all the members of your party.

To review our complete Cancellation and Refund Policy, please click here.

APGAR MEADOWS

1 HOUR IN THE SADDLE

$85 per person

This one-hour non-stop ride is a great option for beginner riders or those with a busy schedule. The trail takes you through a forest of predominantly lodgepole pine. You’ll also pass through a meadow alongside either the Flathead River or Lower McDonald Creek. Throughout the ride there are good opportunities to see animals such as birds, deer, fox, and even the occasional bear! This mild trail doesn’t gain any elevation so riders can focus instead on the horse and their surroundings.

C.M. RUSSELL TRAIL

2 HOURS IN THE SADDLE

$120 per person

This two hour non-stop ride is our most popular Apgar offering. You’ll love the combination of cruising through a light lodgepole forest while sometimes popping out for a view of the both the powerful Middle Fork of the Flathead River and the tranquil, aqua-blue lower portion of McDonald Creek. While lodgepole pines predominate, the forest is also home to plenty of huckleberry bushes! Keep your eyes peeled for resident wildlife including black bear, deer, fox and beavers, and waterfowl. This mild trail doesn’t gain any elevation so riders can focus instead on the horse and their surroundings.

Camas loop

3 hours in the saddle

$150 per person

This three hour non-stop ride builds on the one and two hour trails, but then continues to the opposite shore of the creek (accessed via a 2-lane road bridge) and onto quiet trails at the base of Apgar Mountain. There is very brief, but excellent view of Lake McDonald. This ride is great for those who want a little more time in the saddle, but need something still mild and tranquil compared to the steep climb of the Apgar Lookout ride.

Apgar Lookout

4 hours in the saddle

$215 per person

This half day ride takes you up Apgar Mountain, which burned in the 2003 Roberts Fire, to the NPS fire lookout and radio tower at the top. The lack of trees from the burn and the steepness of the trail provide incredible views that keep getting better as you climb to the top. However, the exposure and steep grade can be too intense for riders with a fear of heights. This trail is recommended for more experienced riders due to the steep switchbacks (2500 foot elevation gain). Once you reach the top, we will dismount for a stretch break. 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 a rain jacket, sunscreen, and securely fitting hat. For your safety you are required to bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack.

After checking in at the corral, you will proceed to the trail head in your own vehicle over a single-lane, tightly curved wooden bridge, and dead-end in a small parking area. Therefore, we strongly advise you do not attempt to drive with a large motorhome/RV on the day of your ride.

Trail System

Still need help choosing a ride? Check out this page: Which Ride Should You Choose? While budget and schedule are likely the first things you will determine, your physical fitness is a huge factor and is very important to consider before you even hit the trail: All of our riders are expected to mount the horse from the ground without a mounting block. Be sure to discuss your abilities and expectations with all the members of your party.