Are you considering a vacation to Glacier Park? Glacier is one of the most beautiful parks in the nation and every year millions of tourists flock to this destination. Massive peaks, waterfalls, grizzly bears and other wildlife are the main attractions in this pristine national park.

Going to the sun road (GTSR) is probably the most traveled area of Glacier and it’s easy to see why. This narrow winding road allows visitors to drive up over Logan Pass which offers spectacular views from the comfort of your vehicle. Numerous nature trails that range from easy to strenuous also are accessed from GTSR.

Glacier’s popularity has grown to the point that park officials have instituted a vehicle permit process the last couple years. Vacationers now have to obtain a highly sought after permit in addition to purchasing a park pass. For tourists planning a week long vacation to Glacier these permit dates can be planned and if the visitor is prudent to request a permit in the first few minutes they come available, you probably will be successful. If the vacationer is not diligent in obtaining a first come first serve permit then you’re going to get to enjoy the park through pictures or articles like this one.

Out of the area visitors have the fortune to plan their specific dates to visit Glacier. Locals on the other hand have difficulty in embracing this permit concept. Glacier is basically in our back yard, the view from our living room looks at the Apgar range, McDonald valley, Mt. Cannon and the garden wall. Residents like ourselves are accustomed to venturing into Glacier on a whim. Picture a bluebird sunshine morning in July and you get the urge to take a drive over Logan Pass, GTSR is only a 15 minute drive from home. Well that doesn’t happen anymore and it can be frustrating. The only option for the resident without a permit is to access the park before 6 in the morning or after 3 in the afternoon. 6 am to 3 pm are the hours permits are required.

Although it’s disappointing for locals that park access is controlled these days, it may be a justified inconvenience. As I noted in a previous writing, the faces of Montana have changed drastically in the last few years. The migration of people seeking residency in this beautiful state is bound to strain resources and park officials are obligated to take measures to conserve the area plus enhance the experience of those that do visit. This year not only GTSR is restricted, but also the Polebridge, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine access roads.

For many people that live and recreate in Montana’s mountains, the thought of owning horses is a very romantic notion. Thoughts of riding off into the backcountry can be extremely alluring.

For us, horses are a very important part of our lives that we relish and enjoy. We live in an area that is conducive to raising and training our horses to life in the mountains. 

Raising horses on a mountain is not a easy task. There is constant work in building and maintaining fence. Hauling hay, cleaning stalls, visits to the vet, giving vaccinations, deworming, along with daily feedings are all chores that will become tedious if you do not have a true love of living with horses.

Horse people have a term for winter feeding – “headlamp season”. You are always out taking care of your stock early in the mornings and later in evenings so the headlamp is always on your hat.

Then spring breaks in all its beauty and the horse owner is eager to enjoy the backcountry. The problem is most trails need to be cleared yearly for stock access.

So you pack your saw and head out, but after you cut a few miles of trail I guarantee your enthusiasm will diminish.

The next hiccup newbies to these mountains will encounter is the numerous bears that prefer to use the same trail you and your horses are using. Usually bears will shy from encounters with stock, but never-the-less your horse knows the bear is in the area and may spook. The only remedy for keeping your horse calm during these situations is experience, and the only way to gain experience is to get out there and let er buck!

this little guy wasn’t much of a threat, but his mom would be!

For those willing to do the work and put in the time, backcountry stock use can be very rewarding. Riding into that mountain lake to fish or cresting a pass with magnificent views, just you and your trail buddy. These are adventures few people in this world get to enjoy.