Christened on May 10, 1910, Glacier National Park became the United States' 10th national park. Nestled in the northwest corner of Montana, the park covers 1.4 million acres of wilderness encompassing part of the Rocky Mountains. Called the "Backbone of the World," Glacier National Park borrows its name from the 150-plus glaciers that once inhabited the park. These glaciers have carved the terrain into breathtaking scenery, which can be well appreciated from the back of a horse.
History
Humans have used and inhabited the land in Glacier National Park for more than 10,000 years, according to the National Park Service. Before European settlement, the Blackfeet, Salish and Kootenai Indians occupied the territory, living in the valleys and hunting herds of buffalo. Many sites in the park still hold sacred spiritual value for the descendants of these tribes. By the late 1800s, people began to appreciate the landscape and advocates, like George Bird Grinnell, who negotiated 15 years for the area to become a National Park, which it did under President William Taft.
Horseback Riding
A trip to Glacier National Park puts visitors in touch with nature in a variety of adventures. Horseback riding is one popular way to explore the Glacier National Park. Open May through September, Swan Mountain Outfitters, a family-owned company, guides tours that last one-hour to all day. Three main corrals offer trails that cross the park, according to Swan Mountain Outfitters.
Agpar Trail Rides
Based near the western entrance to Glacier National Park, Agpar Corral gives riders three trail choices. For beginners, a simple, one-hour ride meanders through McDonald Meadows and forested areas bordering the Flathead River. The most popular trail from Agpar, C.M Russell lasts two hours and takes riders through lodge pole forests, offering beautiful views of Flathead River and McDonald Creek. The hardest trail ride, Agpar Lookout, extends for half a day and travels through a burned area on the way up a mountain.
Lake McDonald Trail Rides
Lake McDonald Corral stands on the east side of Lake McDonald and also offers three trail options. The easy, one-hour ride winds through the Cedar Forest, while the most popular ride to Sperry Chalet travels through scenic backcountry and ends at the natural rock, full-service Sperry chalet. A middling, two-hour ride called Upper McDonald Creek provides views of Lake McDonald and McDonald Falls.
Many Glacier Corral
For an intense exploration of Glacier Park's back country, writes Swan Mountain Outfitters, try Many Glacier Corral. From here, trails spider web out in a plethora of rides that last from one hour to all day.
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