FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to sign a waiver for everyone in my party?

    Yes, a waiver must be completed for each member of your party for all tours. Please check your confirmation emails to access the link. Please fill out and sign the waivers.

  • Do I need to make a reservation for any of the tours?

    We recommend making reservations 48 hours in advance on our website for the best availability for our tours. However, if you are wanting to book a tour with less than 48 hours advanced reservation, please call us at 406-450-8420, and we will try our best to accommodate you.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Deposits are refundable with 60 days advance written notice. An administrative fee of 15% per person will be charged on all refunds. In the event of cancellation, the client may have the option to apply the deposit balance to a future date. There are no refunds due to weather or change in trip itinerary. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance, or fail to show up for your trip, no refund will be given, and there are no rescheduling options. 


    Blackfeet Tours reserves the right to change or cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Itineraries and/or meeting locations may be changed due to road construction, spring run-off, weather, fire danger, forest fires, unfavorable trail conditions, or the presence of dangerous wildlife or grizzly bear activity.


    Trip insurance is recommended to all of our clients to protect them in the event of cancellations. Montana Outfitters and Guides recommends Signature Travel Insurance

    https://www.montanaoutfitters.org/wp-content/uploads/Travel-Insurance-1-pager.pdf. 


  • What is the terrain?

    Foothills, valleys, and peaks dominate the landscape of the Blackfeet Reservation and the Badger Two Medicine Forest south of Glacier National Park. The Badger Two Medicine borders the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness. For the Badger Two Medicine Backcountry Adventures, be prepared to hike or horseback ride in steep mountainous terrain and through possible river crossings in various unpredictable weather conditions including snow and wind. The land terrain in Montana varies greatly from deep draws, coulees, and rock structures. We are careful not to take hikers and horseback riders into areas that are any more than they can handle in terms of physical skills.

  • What are the risks and dangers?

    Poor planning and inadequate preparation leads to increased risks and dangers while hiking and horseback riding. Being physically prepared is of prime importance. Consider bringing plenty of warm clothing that can be layered. Remember wild game animals live here. Be mindful of extreme changes in temperature and weather conditions. High altitudes and rugged terrain presents its own challenges. Animals including domestic horses and mules, and wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous to hikers and horseback riders; all beyond the control of the outfitter.

  • What are the health requirements?

    Many of our trips take place in the wilderness backcountry. Our clients should be healthy to partake in physical activity at higher elevations. Clients with specific medical conditions should consult with their physician before booking a trip.


    Please inform us of any medical conditions, dietary requests, and/or allergies.


    Clients with specific medical conditions should consult with their physician before booking a trip.

  • Will a tour be scheduled during inclement weather conditions?

    We will go rain or shine; however, some roads or trails may be closed due to road conditions. We will take an alternate route. In case of extreme weather, Blackfeet Tours, reserves the right to modify, shorten or cancel any tour, to prevent damage to the trails or avoid unsafe conditions.

  • What is on the menu for the hiking and horseback tours?

    We provide a hearty lunch to each of our guests. Each lunch includes a sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie, and water.

  • What communications are available?

    Limited cell phone coverage is available depending on where you will be touring. If you feel that you need cell service, we recommend that you acquire a satellite phone.

  • Can I bring alcohol on any of the tours?

    Absolutely no alcohol of any form will be used while out on the tours. However, for multi-day backcountry trips you are more than welcome to bring your own alcohol and imbibe. This is for the safety of our clients, guides, and other employees. If you decide that you need or want a drink during the day, that’s fine, but you will be done participating in the tour for the day.

  • What should I tip my guide, cook, or other help?

    All of our guides, cooks, and wranglers work hard to assist our clients wherever possible. Gratuities are appreciated. Direct tipping is recommended.


    While tipping is not required, it is customary if you feel your guides have worked hard to provide you with a great experience.

  • Are there restrooms on the tours?

    Since we operate off road for the most part, there may be only porta potties or vault toilets with no running water. We recommend that you use the restroom prior to departure.

  • Are tour times and schedules exact?

    Not always. We try to meet our guests at the scheduled time, but for some unforeseeable circumstances, there may be situations that may affect the departure times. These may include, but not limited to, loading horses, weather and road construction, and road conditions, staffing availability, mechanical issues, forest fires, or road closures. Your understanding and cooperation during these tour modifications is appreciated. 

  • Safety:

    • Stay together. Do not split up and venture off alone.
    • Please be mindful about bringing valuables. We do not have a safe to store your valuables.
    • If you are not prepared to follow our rules for safety, we will ask you not to participate in the activity.
    • In the backcountry, we do not let our clients venture off alone.
    • Our guides are CPR and First Aid certified. The owner and operator, Alger Swingley, is a licensed Paramedic with the state of Montana. 
  • Questions to ask yourself for the hiking or horseback tour::

    • What is your proficiency at hiking or horseback riding?
    • Am I looking for a wilderness experience or a ranch-type of touring experience?
    • Am I prepared to be in the wilderness without the creature comforts of home?
  • Does Blackfeet Tours provide car seats?

    No. Customers must bring a car seat or booster seat for children who require them.

  • Will you transport our party from the meeting location to the trailhead for the hiking or horseback tours?

    No. However, our meeting location is at Glacier Park Lodge (Main Entrance): 499 MT-49, East Glacier Park, MT 59434. From there we will drive approximately 12 miles to the trailhead near Summit. Please have  your own vehicle transportation from Glacier Park Lodge to the trailhead. 

    Please note: the meeting location is subject to change, and if so, we will communicate that information to you.

  • What do I need to bring?

    Be prepared for all kinds of weather. The weather in Montana is ever-changing and often changes very quickly. It is important to bring layers of warm clothing, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars.

    We recommend that you bring a light to medium weight jacket in the summertime and a heavier jacket in the fall. Temperatures can drop quickly as we gain elevation. Be sure to wear plenty of warm and cool layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bottle of water, and any medication that you might need. For hiking or horseback trips, you may want to bring a backpack. For hiking trips, you may want to bring trekking poles.

  • What are the age, weight, height, and other restrictions for riding horseback?

    • Age: No children under the age of 16.
    • Weight: For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply for horseback riding. Maximum weight: 250 pounds.
    • Height: Minimum height: 54 inches.
    • It is our policy to refuse horseback riding to any woman known to be or claiming to be pregnant. Horseback riding during pregnancy may present a significant risk to the rider and/or the unborn.
    • Safety helmets are required for riders under the age of 18.
    • No double riders.
    • No riders with physical limitations that prevent them from operating their own horse.
  • Specifically, where does Blackfeet Tours run their operations?

    Blackfeet Tours runs their operations within the boundaries of the Helena - Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Badger Two Medicine.


    Our Educational Cultural Jeep Tours operate on the Blackfeet Reservation.


    We do not operate within the boundaries of Glacier National Park.

  • What can I expect from the off-road Jeep Tour experience?

    Exploring the lands around the reservation means that we experience ever-changing terrain, unpredictable weather, washed-out roads or rocks, rare flat tires, or mechanical issues. The tour may include rough, bumpy, and windy trails and maneuvering steep climbs. With frequent stops, you will be able to get out and stretch your legs and take advantage of photo opportunities.  Depending on the tour, the off-road experience may not be for everyone. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

  • Can I bring kids on a Jeep Tour?

    Our tours are kid-friendly, but you know your children better than anyone. Please consider their attention spans and if your family can handle the off-road experience. If your child requires a car seat or booster seat, please bring one. 

  • Where are the meeting locations for the Jeep Tours?

    East Glacier/Browning Tour: departs from Glacier Park Lodge, in East Glacier Park Village, MT

    St. Mary/Babb/Chief Mountain Tour: departs from St. Mary Lodge, St. Mary, MT

    We have 2 tours each day: 

    8:00 a. m. to 12:00 p. m., and 

    2:00 p. m. to 6:00 p. m


  • What should I bring for the Jeep Tour?

    Closed-toe shoes are recommended, as we will be stopping to stretch our legs. Flip flops and sandals are not recommended. Bring your camera as we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos. You may bring your cell phone, but please note that cell service is not always available.  Please check the weather forecast and bring extra layers in case of cooler weather or the possibility of rain. Luggage, large bags, sports equipment, etc. cannot be accommodated due to limited space.  Prohibited items include, but are not limited to firearms, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, drones, glass containers, alcohol, coolers, professional video equipment, illegal substances, guns, weapons of any kind, or cremated remains. No smoking is allowed in any of our vehicles. Due to extreme fire danger, no smoking is allowed.

  • Do you accommodate people with disabilities?

     Yes, we make every effort to accommodate everyone. However, please understand that due to the nature of the tours and the vehicles, there are limitations. It is up to you to make the final determination if we can safely take you on the tour.


    If you have mobility issues, such as using adaptive equipment, we will do our best to help you in and out of the vehicle assuming our staff can do so without risk of injury to you, our guest, or themselves. This is at the discretion of each tour guide. We will provide a step for you to get in and out of the Jeep. For the safety of our passengers, all guests must have upper body strength with the ability to hold themselves up during the tour, and guests are responsible for getting themselves in and out of the vehicles for the tour.  Drivers will lend a hand loading and unloading, but guests must be physically able to take steps in and out of the jeep.


    Guests must be able to sit upright with the seat belt on while traversing bumpy terrain. The rugged off-road tours are not recommended for persons with neck or back problems or pregnant women.


    Due to limited space in the vehicle, there is little room to transport to store larger mobility devices. Please contact us about your unique situation so we can plan for your arrival or if you have any questions. Seat belts must be always worn, and if you have special seating needs, it is imperative that you contact us in advance to give us an opportunity to make any necessary changes.


    If needed, we have an American Sign Language interpreter available. Please let us know if you need this accommodation.


  • What about service animals?

    If you have a certified ADA service animal that you and tend to bring on this tour, please call us at (406) 450-8420 so we can accommodate your needs. 

  • Can I bring my dog on a Jeep Tour?

    We love our furry 4-legged friends, but we cannot accommodate them in our vehicles. prefer that you do not bring your dog with you due to limited space.

  • Can I go on a Jeep tour if I am pregnant or have any medical issues?

    It is up to you and your primary care provider, and it depends if you are at risk or close to term. Our Jeep tours are off-road, and include rugged, bumpy dirt and rock trails for several hours. Restrooms will not be immediately available. Because some of the tours might be rougher than others, please call us if you need more information.  However, we offer a tour that stays on the pavement for the most part which is a great option. We require a signed acknowledgement of risk with our waiver form that must be filled out for each guest acknowledging the risks and disclosing any health issues.

  • On the Jeep tours, will we be doing a lot of walking or hiking?

    Most of our tours do not require hiking, however, we will make frequent stops where you will get in and out of the vehicle and do short walks on uneven terrain. If you are interested in hiking specifically, please consider our backcountry hiking tour in the Badger Two Medicine.

  • Jeep Tours: Seat belts

    All of our vehicles are equipped with seat belts. Our guides receive extensive training in both on road and off-road driving. Our guides are CPR and First Aid certified. The owner and operator, Alger Swingley, is a licensed Paramedic with the state of Montana. 

  • What is the minimum age for children for the Jeep Tours?

    The minimum age of children allowed to ride in our jeeps is 2 years old. All children must be accompanied by proper parental supervision.

  • How many passengers do your vehicles hold?

    Our Jeep can each hold up to four medium-sized persons.

  • Can we bring food and eat in the vehicle?

    You can bring snacks on your trip. You will be able to eat on the trail at one of the stops. No large coolers are allowed due to limited space in the vehicle.

  • When is the best time to fly fish in Montana?

    Ideally, the best time to fish is mid-spring to late fall. The hatches on the rivers and lakes promote more fish activity throughout the day.

  • What should I bring fishing?

    Because the weather is ever-changing, be prepared for all kinds of weather. It is important to bring rain gear and layers of warm clothing including jackets, warm hats, broad brimmed hat, and gloves. Temperatures can range from the 30’s to 60’s in early spring and late fall, and range from the 60’s to 90’s in the summer.


    Bring polarized sunglasses, sun screen, lip balm, waders, and wading boots. In the heat of the summer, shorts are fine. Our best advice is to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a camera to capture those great memories of catching a giant Rainbow or Brown trout!

  • Do I need to bring fly fishing equipment?

    Blackfeet Outfitters has a variety of fly rods for your use from 4, 5, 6, and 7 weight rods. We also provide the flies and tackle that you will need. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish. If you don’t have waders or wading boots, you can rent them at the local fly shops in the area. We do not provide waders and boots.

  • Where are the nearest airports?

    Great Falls International Airport & Kalispell, MT

  • Where can I stay?

    Great Falls and Kalispell, MT has many motels and hotels to stay. We are happy to make recommendations if you wish.

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