Reserve a Trip: All Swan Mountain Offerings

Wilderness Guide School-Students Using VA Benefits

Our hunting guide school uses a unique modular approach to providing critical information for hunting guide students in seven distinct categories of learning. Our hunting guide program content is rich in each category with emphasis on not only covering the basics of hunting and guiding techniques as a foundation but also by thoroughly exploring the latest innovations in techniques and gear for hunting.  

Complete descriptions of all course modules including the areas that are unique to our hunting guide program can be found on our website at : http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/hunting-guide-school/

Wrangler Training Program

The curriculum for this course is composed of a variety of topics that we have found to be critical for our business and other similar businesses. These include the following:  
•The Proper Tools – identification of key equipment, repair and maintenance, leather care and of course proper blanket/saddle and bridling techniques  
•The Horse – overview of horse anatomy, behavior and socialization  
•The Mule – explanation of how to interact with mules as well as key differences as opposed to horses  
•The Daily Routine – overview of equine nutrition, hydration and daily care  
•The Veterinarian – basic veterinary training on all aspects of equine issues and ailments that a wrangler should be able to both identify and treat  
•The String – overview of the most common and effective knots as well as how to string and pony animals safely  
•The Trail – hands on experience with proper trail clearing and trail maintenance aimed at keeping animals and people safe.  
•The Trail Ride – riding techniques specific to leading trail

Wilderness Guide School

Our hunting guide school uses a unique modular approach to providing critical information for hunting guide students in seven distinct categories of learning. Our hunting guide program content is rich in each category with emphasis on not only covering the basics of hunting and guiding techniques as a foundation but also by thoroughly exploring the latest innovations in techniques and gear for hunting.  

Complete descriptions of all course modules including the areas that are unique to our hunting guide program can be found on our website at : http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/hunting-guide-school/

Horse Packing School

The packer training program is a 6 day course and includes the following:  
-Horse, Mules and Packing Techniques  
-Outdoorsmanship and Woodsmanship  
-Laws, Rules and Ethics & Responsibilities  
-Career Development  

More information can be found on our website at: http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/horse-packing-school/

West Glacier Gateway

This non-stop two hour ride is a popular trail for experienced and beginner riders alike. The lodgepole forest opens to include views of Strawberry Mountain. Pockets of stately larch trees and cottonwoods abound as well, making this ride a gorgeous choice in the fall when the colors start to turn!  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds. After September 15th, all riders must be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the West Glacier Corral at (406) 387-4566 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.

West Glacier Lookout

This three-hour ride affords views of Strawberry and Desert Mountain and a quick peek at the peaks of Glacier National Park. At the half way point, you’ll dismount the horses and have time to stretch your legs and enjoy your own snacks or one of our hearty sack lunches (extra fee applies) as you admire the scenery.  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds. After September 15th, all riders must be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the West Glacier Corral at (406) 387-4566 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.

West Glacier Lodgepole Loop

This easy, non-stop one hour ride is a great option for young children and novice or nervous riders. As you gently stroll through lodgepole forest, you’ll have the perfect amount of time to get comfortable on the horses and get a taste for what it’s like to explore the area on horseback.  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds. After September 15th, all riders must be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the West Glacier Corral at (406) 387-4566 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.

Spring Bear Hunt

Black bears are plentiful in western Montana and are legal game. The Swan Valley has the highest population concentration, and produces the best color phased bears in the state. We hunt black bears in the spring exclusively and in the fall in combination with our other hunts, or as a stand alone hunt.

Apgar C.M. Russell

This two-hour non-stop ride is very popular! Cruising underneath the green canopy of a lodgepole forest, you’ll catch some views of the Flathead River and Lower McDonald Creek. This mild trail doesn’t gain any elevation so riders can focus instead on their horse and the potential to spot wildlife!  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the Apgar Corral at (406) 888-5010 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.

Apgar Meadows

This one-hour non-stop ride is great for anyone! Enjoy the shady trail through a lodgepole forest, with some views of either the Flathead River or Lower McDonald Creek. This mild trail doesn’t gain any elevation so riders can focus instead on their horse and the potential to spot wildlife!  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the Apgar Corral at (406) 888-5010 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.

West Glacier Cowboy Cookout

Combine traditional Montana pastimes of trail riding and camp cooking! Work up an appetite first with at least two hours in the saddle exploring the trails.  
Then, tuck into an outdoor dining experience around the campfire with steaks, corn on the cob, baked beans, green salad and a roll. Save room for a S’more for dessert!  

Riders must be 7 years or older. Riders must be 250 pounds or less, but riders under 6 feet tall should be no more than 225 pounds. After September 15th, all riders must be no more than 225 pounds.  

Please note we do not accept online reservations. Submitting an inquiry expresses your interest in a trip, but does not indicate an actual booking. If you are interested in a trip occurring within the next 48 hours, it is best to call our office at (406) 387-4405 or the West Glacier Corral at (406) 387-4566 as we may not see the online inquiry in time.