In addition to scheduled horsepacking trips and hiking with stock, we also offer a base camping option. Our base camps are open to individuals or groups who would like to ride, fish, hike or relax in the Sierra wilderness. Take advantage of all the wonders of a camping vacation without the cooking, cleaning and equipment costs of "doing it all yourself".

We are privileged to be able to offer pack trips into Yosemite National Park. We offer two Yosemite trips - the "Yosemite Trail Ride" travels from Rock Creek to Tuolumne Meadows (now you can travel in one or both segments), while the "Northern Yosemite Trail Ride" travels from Tuolumne Meadows to Bridgeport.

Check our Horse Drives, too. Our wide variety of upcoming Traveling Pack trips and Parent/Child Trail Rides (in chronological order) include:

HILTON LAKES TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
4 Days
June 19-22, 2008
Start and End at Rock Creek
$595
Be among the first of the season to enjoy the beauty of nearby Hilton Lakes, On this three-day trip we camp near Davis Lake, the largest lake in the area. There will be time for you to explore the upper lakes and the meadows below the Basin.
For a detailed description of the Hilton Lakes Trail Ride Itinerary click here.

 
 
 
PARENT/CHILD TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
June 20-22, 2008
(all dates:
June 20-22
June 27-29
July 4-6
August 15-17
August 22-24
and August 30-Sept 1)
Start and End at Rock Creek
$450
We invite you and your child to join us for three days of riding, fishing and camping. Learn how to care for your horse and enjoy comfortable camping. A wonderful experience for those who enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Click Here for a map of the area.

For a detailed description of the Parent/Child Trail Ride click here.

Packing School #1
6 days
June 21-June 26
$900
Meet Rock Creek Pack Station ---
backcountry itinerary at Tamarack/Hilton with emphasis on mastering hitches, packing techniques and management of livestock and people to minimize impact on wilderness.

Packing School #2
Saturday June 28-July 3, 2008
6 days
$1000
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
Meet Sage Flat, Olancha-- six day traveling educational pack trip from Olancha Pass to Horseshoe Meadows. Emphasis on moving camps, wrangling and feeding livestock on the extended wilderness pack trip.

PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOL PROGRAM OF SECTION 1 & 2
13 DAYS
June 21 through July 3, 2008
$1700
This program encompasses both sections 1 and 2, described above.

GOLDEN TROUT TRAIL RIDE
6 days
June 29-July 4, 2008
Start and End at Sage Flat
$950
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
Explore the headwaters of Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork of the Kern River as the first explorers did. The route begins below the Sierras rugged eastern escarpment, crosses Olancha Pass, and descends into the magnificent Kern Plateau. Riders will make camps at Monache Meadows, Kern Fork Stringer and Little Whitney Meadows. Layover days allow time to explore Kern Peak, Volcano Meadows and ride to the Kern River. Terminate at Horseshoe Meadows after crossing Cottonwood Pass. Excellent fishing for Golden Trout.

FOURTH OF JULY SPECIAL
John Muir Wilderness
4 days
July 3-6, 2008
$560
Start and End at Rock Creek
Celebrate the 4th of July by starting out on a four-day trail ride to Davis Lake. Fishing is great, and there are day rides to Turk Meadows, Lower Hilton Creek and the Upper Hilton Lakes.
For a more detailed description of Fourth of July Special Trail Ride click here.

KERN PEAK TRAIL RIDE July 4-7,2008
4 days
$625
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
Meet at Horseshoe Meadows 7AM on Friday, July 4.
Day 1: HSM to South Fork Kern
Day 2: South Fork Kern to Kern Peak Stringer
Day 3: Ride to top of Kern Peak
Day 4: Kern Peak Stringer to Horseshoe Meadows.
OUTSTANDING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING.

 
 
SIERRA NEVADA TRAIL RIDE
7 days
July 5-11, 2008
Start and End at Rock Creek
$1225
SATURDAY, JULY 5 --From Rock Creek, we cross Mono Pass (elev. 12000') and continue on to camp near Second Recess. Rock Creek to Second Recess Area (lots to do FROM here as a base)
SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUES-- layover days --A trip to Mott Lake, a ride to explore First Recess pond and meadows, or an exploration of Grinnel or up Second Recess. Fishing, hiking, riding or just relaxing - you choose.
(We may move after a day or two, depending on the feed for the stock or the condition of the campsite. Campsite is at the crew's discretion.)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 -- Break Camp - Ride out to Third recess (below Lower Hopkins Lake)
THURSDAY, JULY 10 -- Layover - Great fishing in Lower Hopkins Lake - an easy ride. Relax, Swim, Hike
FRIDAY, JULY 11 -- Ride out to Rock Creek Pack Station

A map of the area

KERN RIVER FISHING TRIP
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
7 days
July 5-11, 2008
$1195

HORSEPACKING IN THE WILDERNESS
Horseshoe Meadow loop trip in Golden Trout Wilderness
University Extension, UC Davis
7 days
July 12-18, 2008
Also offered July 19-25, 2008
$1400
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
This seven-day, deluxe pack trip has been acclaimed as an outstanding adventure and educational experience. Wise wilderness use, hitches, veterinary care and all aspects of packing in the backcountry are part of the course. Call UC Davis University Extension at 1-800-752-0881 to enroll, or go to this link for more information.

MT. WHITNEY TRAIL RIDE
Sequoia National Park/John Muir Wilderness
7 days
July 13-19, 2008
$1150
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows
Pack your tackle for the ultimate Golden trout fishing adventure. Experience the subalpine beauty of Sequoia National Park with camps at Tyndal Creek, Wallace Creek, Crabtree Meadows and Rock Creek. Layover day at Crabtree gives you easy access to climb to the top of Mt. Whitney.
For a more detailed description of the Mt. Whitney Trail Ride itinerary click here.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE
John Muir/Ansel Adams/Yosemite Wilderness
10 days
July 13-22, 2008
$1595
Rock Creek to Tuolumne Meadows
Explore over 100 miles of the John Muir-Pacific Crest Trail through wildflower-blanketed valleys, alpine lakes, and forested campsites. Opportunity for Golden, Rainbow, and Brook trout fishing. The wildlife, glaciers and majestic peaks over 13,000 feet made this John Muir's favorite backcountry, his "range of light." We will ride over Mono Pass and join the John Muir Trail before crossing Silver Pass. Continuing on past countless lakes, we skirt the Mammoth Divide, permitting stirring views of Cascade Valley and Fish Creek, to descend to the base of the Minarets. Journey past Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner before climbing to Donohue Pass, the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While at our last camp on Lyell Fork, we explore the high country above Vogelsang. Trip ends at Tuolumne Meadows.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE -- FIRST SECTION ONLY
Rock Creek to Red’s Meadow
6 days
July 13-18, 2008
$1000
See the full description above.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE -- SECOND SECTION ONLY
Red's Meadows to Tuolumne 5 days
July 18-22, 2008
$875
See the full description above.

HORSEPACKING IN THE WILDERNESS
7 days
July 19-25, 2008
also offered July 12-18, 2008
$1400
This trip is operated by the Mt. Whitney Pack Train
Horseshoe Meadow loop trip in Golden Trout Wilderness
Call UC Davis University Extension at 1-800-752-0881 to enroll, or go to this link

This seven day, deluxe pack trip has been acclaimed as an outstanding adventure and educational experience. Wise wilderness use, hitches, veterinary care and all aspects of packing in the backcountry are part of the course.

TRIPLE PASS TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
6 days
July 19-24, 2008
$985
Rock Creek to Mammoth
Experience the beauty of countless streams, lakes and meadows carpeted with wildflowers. Route covers a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and crosses Mono, Silver and Duck passes. Opportunity for trout fishing mornings, evenings and on two layover days. Side trips planned to Hopkins Lake and Grassy Lake.
For a detailed description of the Triple Pass Trail Ride click here.

ELDERHOSTEL - Riding the Range of Light
Camp at East Fork of Rock Creek
6 days
July 20-25, 2008
$789
Join this Active Outdoor-Horseback Elderhostel Adventure to experience the magnificient Sierra Nevada from a backcountry camp. Daily rides to view lakes, meadows, and forests with ample time to fish and see wildflowers. Evenings around the campfire provide opportunities to learn about the mule and horsepacking business, local history, natural history and to enjoy a western sing-along.
For detailed program information and to register go to www.elderhostel.org Program #10322RJ.

JOHN MUIR TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
5 days
July 21-25, 2008
$895
Start and end at Rock Creek
This is a leisurely trip with modest moves between camps. Travel through scenic subalpine basins and enjoy forested camps every night beneath the stars. An excellent introductory trail ride for first-time guests or those with only a few days vacation. The wildflowers are in full bloom and hopefully we will see deer, marmots, coyotes and a multitude of High Sierra birds.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE
John Muir/Ansel Adams/Yosemite Wilderness
10 days
July 23 - August 1, 2008
$1595
Rock Creek to Tuolumne Meadows
Explore over 100 miles of the John Muir-Pacific Crest Trail through wildflower-blanketed valleys, alpine lakes, and forested campsites. Opportunity for Golden, Rainbow, and Brook trout fishing. The wildlife, glaciers and majestic peaks over 13,000 feet made this John Muir's favorite backcountry, his "range of light." We will ride over Mono Pass and join the John Muir Trail before crossing Silver Pass. Continuing on past countless lakes, we skirt the Mammoth Divide, permitting stirring views of Cascade Valley and Fish Creek, to descend to the base of the Minarets. Journey past Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner before climbing to Donohue Pass, the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While at our last camp on Lyell Fork, we explore the high country above Vogelsang. Trip ends at Tuolumne Meadows.

You may participate in the FULL trip or in either section of the trip, as shown, below.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE -- FIRST SECTION ONLY
Rock Creek to Red’s Meadow
6 days
July 23-28, 2008
$1000
See the full description above.

YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE -- SECOND SECTION ONLY
Red's Meadows to Tuolumne 5 days
July 28-August 1, 2008
$875
See the full description above.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL RIDE
The John Muir Trail
John Muir/Ansel Adams Wilderness
Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
29 days
August 2-30, 2008
$4500
Tuolumne Meadows to Lone Pine
Complete the John Muir Trail Tuolumne Meadows to Lone Pine. Seven layover days allow for time to rest and explore the remote jewels of the Sierra Nevada. Call for information.
Click here for a day-by-day itinerary.

NORTHERN YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE
Yosemite Wilderness
8 days
August 2-9, 2008
$1350
Tuolumne to Bridgeport
Ride north on the Pacific Crest Trail to visit the treasures of the Yosemite Wilderness. McCabe Lakes, Matterhorn Canyon, Smedberg Lake, Benson Lake and Kerrick Canyon are highlights of this journey.
For a more detailed description of the Northern Yosemite Trail Ride click here.

AUGUST SPECIAL TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
5 days
August 3-7, 2008
$895
Rock Creek to Mammoth
Discover what a vacation was meant to be on this five-day trail ride. Ample riding each day with time to fish, hike or relax in camp. The trip traverses Mono, Silver and Duck Passes on the sixty-mile journey. Late August is the favorite time of year for seasoned Sierra Nevada visitors.
For a more detailed description of the August Special Trail Ride click here.

LAKE OF THE LONE INDIAN TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
August 2-8, 2008
$1195
Rock Creek to Mammoth
This seven-day trail ride goes through the most remote areas of Fish Creek and Mono Creek backcountry. Trip itinerary includes Mono Pass, Silver Pass and Jackson Meadow. Several layover days allow riders to further explore the surrounding lakes and meadows — Peter Pande, Wilbur May, Grassy, and Olive lakes.
For a more detailed description of the Lake of the Lone Indian Trail Ride click here.

SILVER DIVIDE TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
5 days
August 10-14,2008
$895
Rock Creek to Mammoth
The ideal loop trip for those that like to see new back country. Spectacular trail riding as we cross Mono and Silver passes to reach Cascade Valley. Enjoy the camaraderie of those who enjoy a campfire and a good trail ride.
For a more detailed description of Silver Divide Trail Ride click here.

GIANT LOOP TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
8 Days
August 17-24, 2008
Rock Creek to Pine Creek
$1400

Ride the John Muir-PCT on this eight-day loop going south to King's Canyon National Park, up Piute Canyon, French Canyon and over Pine Creek Pass. Many feel this is the most complete representation of all zones of the High Sierra. This trip is designed for those who enjoy a lot of riding. Layover days in Bear Creek and French Canyon provide acess to some of the finest Golden Trout fishing in the High Sierra.
For a detailed description of the Giant Loop Trail Ride click here.

ROCK CREEK TO MAMMOTH LAKE TRAIL RIDE
5 days
August 31-Sept 4, 2008
$895
We travel deep into the John Muir Wilderness on this five day trip. We explore Little Lakes Valley, Mono Pass and the vast Mono Creek areas as we head to the John Muir Trail. It is a spectacular journey over Silver Pass to fabulous Fish Creek. We spend some time exploring Jackson Meadow and the Grassy Lake area or heading down canyon to bathe in Iva Belle Hot Springs. The last day we head out over Duck Pass to the Lake Mary trailhead. A map of the Fish Creek area can be found here.

LABOR DAY TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
August 30-September 1, 2008
$495
Start and end at Rock Creek
A leisurely trail ride to the lakes and streams of the East Fork of Rock Creek. Our camp at Dorothy Lake provides easy access to Catherine, Buck, Francis, Deer and Dam lakes. The Tamarack Basin provides alternating forest, meadows and streams - ideal for those seeking wilderness seculsion without a long ride to camp.

PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOL
John Muir Wilderness
6 days
September 6-11, 2008
$995
Start and End at Rock Creek
Master packing and outfitting skills in this September course on a six-day pack trip into Mono Creek. Emphasis on wrangling and moving camp daily to improve packing skills. This fall session will be an ideal course for those who have completed UC packing courses, Backcountry Horseman seminars and introductory packing clinics.
For a more detailed description of our Professional Packing School courses click here.

MONO CREEK TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
6 days
September 6-11, 2008
$995
Start and end at Rock Creek
The fantastic fishing and beauty of Indian Summer make this time a favorite for the oldtimers. We'll set up a camp near the confluence of Hopkins Creek and explore Pioneer Basin, Hopkins Basin and the Recesses.
To see a detailed description of the MonoCreek Trail Ride's itinerary click here.

FALL COLOR TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
September 12-14, 2008
$475
Start and End at Rock Creek
A leisurely trail ride to the lakes and streams of the East Fork of Rock Creek. Our camp at Dorothy Lake provides easy access to Catherine, Buck, Francis, Deer and Dam lakes. The Tamarack Basin provides alternating forest, meadows and streams - ideal for those seeking wilderness seculsion without a long ride to camp.

FALL HORSE DRIVE
Inyo National Forest/LADWP Land
4 days
September 20-23, 2008
Rock Creek to Independence
$785
Join us in herding the horses and mules to winter pasture in the Owens Valley. You do not have to be an expert rider but should have some time in the saddle. Beautiful time of year to ride. Write for additional brochure and details.
For a more detailed description of the Spring and Fall Horse Drives click here .

Click here for more information and a map detailing where we are in California with area maps as well.

Call us TODAY at 760-872-8331 for a quick reponse to your questions.
You can email us, also.

All Trail Rides and Packing Schools are subject to an 8% regulatory reservation fee, plus 2% USFS fee.

NOTICE: Persons of any race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or with any handicapping condition are welcome to use and enjoy all facilities, programs and services of USDA (Forest Service).

Discrimination in any form is strictly against agency policy and should be reported to Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20520