The Lake McDonald Corral is located across the road from the Lake McDonald Lodge. Lake McDonald is the largest of Glacier’s 250 alpine lakes and the area around the head of the lake is home to a rare cedar forest.
We offer several rides from this location. All rides are conducted at a walking pace ONLY. Trails 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 heavy traffic, construction delays, and competitive parking. Temporary restrictions to Glacier National Park entry may be put in effect at any time. Please make sure to print or screenshot your confirmation email for permitted entry during temporary restrictions. Click here to learn more.
Check-in at the stated time. After check-in, we will administer paperwork and give a mandatory safety briefing. This takes roughly an additional 45 minutes with the entire loading process. The “time in the saddle” is the duration listed on the reservation and is 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.
upper mcdonald creek
~3 hours in the saddle
$185 per person
- Checks in at 7:45am, 11:00am, and 2:45pm
- Riders must be 8 years or older
- Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weigh at least 48lbs
- Riders must weigh no more than 225lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Between September 14-20, riders must weigh no more than 200lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
Riders who do not meet the above requirements or arrive late WILL NOT be able to participate and WILL NOT receive a refund. View full restrictions and refund policy here
This non-stop ride takes you out and back through the oldest forest in Glacier National Park for about 2.5-3 hours. You will spend the majority of the ride meandering through a thick forest of ancient red cedar, larch, and hemlock trees that provide cool shade in the heat of the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for lingering glances of gorgeous Mt. Brown and Mt. Stanton through the trees. You’ll pop out of the forest briefly to cross Upper McDonald Creek at the Sacred Dancing Cascade.
Please be aware that this ride goes over the creek on a tall, narrow wooden bridge and along a sparsely wooded cliffside twice. It also goes under the Going-to-the-Sun Road through a tunnel twice. Riders with a fear of heights or closed spaces may find these moments nerve wracking. It is worth it, as the view of the cascades and experience of riding alongside the roaring water is the highlight of the ride!
sperry chalet
full day in the saddle
$450 per person
- Checks in at 8:00am
- Not recommended for beginners
- Riders must be 10 years or older
- Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weigh at least 48lbs
- Riders must weigh no more than 225lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Between September 14-20, riders must weigh no more than 200lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
- Lunch available for pre-purchase when booking
- For your safety, bring a liter of water
Please note: This ride is not available in May or June
Riders who do not meet the above requirements or arrive late WILL NOT be able to participate and WILL NOT receive a refund. View full restrictions and refund policy here
On August 31, 2017 the Sperry Chalet Dormitory was lost to the Sprague Fire. However, thanks to the cooperation of the National Park Service, Belton Chalets Inc., the Glacier National Park Conservancy, and numerous donors from the general public, Sperry has been rebuilt!
Since the Sprague Fire burned in a mosaic pattern, you may be surprised by both the changes from the fire and how much remains the same. Mixed with the untouched portions of forest are standing snags, charred logs, and uncovered rock. Along these more exposed portions of trail, fireweed and bear grass flourish. The trail is drier and more open to the elements than ever before, so come prepared for a rigorous ride!
You’ll need stamina for this ride and it is not recommended for beginners. The trail gains 3,300 feet in elevation over the 6.7 mile trek up to the chalet, and that’s just one way! The steep ride down can be very hard on rider’s knees. Our wranglers even feel it too! Many guests choose to walk down instead of ride. This also allows them more time to explore the area around the chalet.
Be warned- we do not allow you to wear a backpack on the horse. Space is in the saddle bags is limited, and our weight limit is STRICT- we have scales and will weigh you and your gear. Pack lightly or opt for a pack horse for an extra fee. Please read more about space for gear in this pdf: Bringing Your Personal Gear on the Ride
Cover photo by Kevin Warrington, 2020
trout lake
full day in the saddle
$450 per person
- Checks in at 8:30am
- Riding experience required
- Riders must be 10 years or older
- Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weigh at least 48lbs
- Riders must weigh no more than 200lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
- Food not provided. Bring your own lunch
- For your safety, bring 2L of water
Please note: This ride is not available in May or June
Riders who do not meet the above requirements or arrive late WILL NOT be able to participate and WILL NOT receive a refund. View full restrictions and refund policy here
Trout Lake is nestled in the valley just north of Lake McDonald. The long journey is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. The trail is at times very exposed to the elements. Parts of the trail were burned in the 2018 Howe Ridge Fire, which has opened up the views and added diversity to the flora and fauna found along the way. You will see multitudes of berry bushes, beautiful wildflowers, picturesque mountains and streams and lakes abundant with fish. With a steep elevation gain of 4,200 feet to the saddle in between Mt. Stanton and Mt. Vaught, the grade and sharp switchbacks are intense. However, the resulting views of the McDonald and Camas Valleys are stunning! Drop down the ridge to the quiet and scenic lake for a stretch break and enjoy your lunch, then saddle back up to return the way you came.
cedar forest
1 hour in the saddle
$110 per person
- Checks in at 8:15am, 1:15pm, and 3:30pm
- Availability extremely limited
- Riders must be 8 years or older
- Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weigh at least 48lbs
- Riders must weigh no more than 225lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Between September 14-20, riders must weigh no more than 200lbs (including clothing and gear)
- Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
Riders who do not meet the above requirements or arrive late WILL NOT be able to participate and WILL NOT receive a refund. View full restrictions and refund policy here
The beautiful old growth forest of the Lake McDonald area is a special treat. It is technically classified as a rainforest- a rarity in Montana! This easy, non-stop, one hour ride meanders underneath the canopy of the thick cedar forest. It is quiet, sheltered, and the terrain is mild- making it great for beginners or those with a busy schedule. Due to the popularity of the Upper McDonald Creek ride, this ride has extremely limited availability.
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.
