This corral is located up the hill from the Many Glacier Hotel at the back of the main parking lot. The Many Glacier valley is characterized by sweeping views. The terrain here receives less rainfall and is much windier than our corrals on the West side of the divide.

We offer several rides from this corral. 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 NOT accessed via the Going-to-the-Sun-Road within Glacier National Park.

Many Glacier is accessible by shuttle or private parking, but parking is extremely limited and competitive. Capacity will be reached quickly. Please make sure to print or screenshot your confirmation email for permitted entry during temporary restrictions to Park. 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.

swiftcurrent loop

• Checks in at 12:45pm
• Riders must be 8 years or older
• Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weight at least 48lbs
• Riders must weigh no more than 225lbs (including clothing and gear)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• Located in the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

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 one-hour loop is the perfect length for beginners and those with a busy schedule! Ride along hilly terrain and through lush forests in the shadow of Mt. Allen. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional view of Mt. Grinnell peaking through the trees. The trail then descends an exposed, rocky avalanche chute to the valley floor. Finish your ride by passing “Stump Lake”, an enlarged channel connecting Lake Josephine to Swiftcurrent Lake. This quaint body of water is a popular spot for moose to cool off on hot summer days!

cracker flats

• Checks in at 7:45am and 10am
• Riders must be 8 years or older
• Riders must be at least 48″ tall and weight at least 48lbs
• Riders must weigh no more than 225lbs (including clothing and gear)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• Located in the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

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 two-hour ride is offered only in the mornings. Begin by riding through a wooded trail that showcases some of Glacier’s best flora, such as Bear Grass and Indian Paintbrush. As you continue along the side of Mt. Allen, you will be treated to views of Sherburne Reservoir. Experience the history of the long-gone mining town of Alytn, which once stood on Cracker Flats, as well as 360° views of the surrounding mountains. “The Flats” are a perfect habitat for wildflowers and wildlife alike!

*This trail is more mild and slightly shorter than our other two-hour option, Josephine Lake

josephine lake

• Checks in at 2:15pm
• 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)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• Located inside the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

This non-stop two-hour loop begins by traveling along the first few miles of the Piegan Trail. As you ride along the heavily forested trail, you’ll catch glimpses of Mt. Grinnel and the Garden Wall towering over the turquoise waters of Lake Josephine. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you ride, especially as you descend the open, rocky avalanche chute toward Stump Lake. This quaint body of water is an enlarged water channel connecting Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake, in which moose are frequently spotted! Much of this ride is spent in a lush, shaded forest, which you will appreciate on a hot afternoon.

*This trail is more difficult and slightly longer than our other two-hour ride, Cracker Flats. It is often closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes in the saddle

Piegan Valley

• Checks in at 8:00am
• 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)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• Located inside the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

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 morning half-day ride is an extension of our two-hour Josephine Lake ride. Wind through a lush green valley, experience stunning views of Lake Josephine, Grinnell Point, and the distant view of Salamander Glacier. Halfway through the ride, riders can dismount, stretch their legs, and take in the majestic views from the hitching post. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you ride back to the corral down a rocky avalanche chute and through the forest alongside Stump Lake, an enlarged channel connecting Josephine Lake and Swiftcurrent Lake.

*This trail is shorter, less rigorous, and more sheltered than our Apikuni Forest half-day. This trail is often less than 4 hours in the saddle

Apikuni Forest

• Checks in at 12:15pm
• 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)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• Located inside the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

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 afternoon out-and-back, half-day ride takes you along the historic trail past the Many Glacier Hotel and Swiftcurrent Falls. Weave through forests and meadows as you traverse the side of Mt. Altyn, slowly gaining elevation as you go. Glimpse Sherburne Reservoir on your way to the halfway point, where you can dismount to stretch your legs before heading back to the corral. Enjoy the same views as you head down the mountainside, keeping your eyes open for wildflowers and wildlife.

*This trail is longer, more rigorous, and less sheltered than our Piegan Valley half-day. This trail is often longer than 4 hours in the saddle and best suited to riders with experience

many glacier full day ride

• Checks in at 8:15am. Not offered in June
• 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)
• Weight will be verified by scale at check-in
• For your safety, bring 2L of water and your own lunch
• Located inside the Many Glacier Valley – plan for entry fees, heavy traffic, and limited parking

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

For a full day in the saddle, we are permitted to take guests to either Cracker Lake or Poia Lake. You will NOT choose which trail to go on. Beginning in 2017, the National Park Service mandated equal use across these two trail systems to manage impacts from horses on high-use trails. As a result, the destination of our full day ride will be chosen each day by Swan Mountain staff based on current use numbers and trail conditions. You cannot request or be guaranteed either destination.

Both of these destinations are packed full of majestic views, the potential to spot big game such as moose and bear, and feature a stretch break at a beautiful lake.

• The Cracker Lake trail takes you out along the shores of Lake Sherburne and up along Canyon Creek until you reach it’s outlet and the striking turquoise waters of Cracker Lake.
• The Poia Lake trail takes you up and over Swiftcurrent Ridge. Once we crest the ridge, we will wind down along Kennedy Creek to it’s outlet at the foot of the quiet and pristine Poia lake.
• Please Note: If the designated ride for the day will be to Poia Lake, be prepared to check in at the main corral, then you will drive a short distance in your own vehicle to the trailhead to mount the horses and start your ride.
  

You must bring your own lunch and water, it will NOT be provided for you. You’ll need your own vehicle to get from the check-in point at our corral to the actual trailhead.

Cover photo by Geneva Thompson

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.

** HEADER PHOTO BY Trapper Badovinac