Horseback Riding and Pack Trips in the Eastern Sierra’s

 

There are so many places to go horseback riding in the Mammoth Lakes Area to experience the Sierra backcountry. To enjoy, fishing, hiking, photography and so much more. Horseback riding lets you escape deep into the beauty of nature and allows you to feel enveloped by the sights, sounds and smells of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. On horseback feel free to take in the sounds of the rushing waterfalls, the rustling of the wind in the Aspen trees and the sounds of distant birds and wildlife. The brilliant colors of fall and spring further complement the majesty, grandeur and splendor of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. A pack trip vacation may be the most memorable vacation you’ll ever take!

 

Before the horseless carriage and the iron horse, before tubular steeds and motorized hogs, the horse,, truly man's best friend. Judging from the number of city slickers taking horse packing trips these days, horses are as esteemed as ever. Don a wide-brimmed hat, climb into that squeaky saddle, and say the magic word - giddyap - and you're off on a fishing expedition, a wilderness camping trip, a ride to see wild mustangs, or a cattle drive. The Eastern Sierra high country around Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to horse around.

 

There are many different types of horseback riding trips that are available, check with the outfitter if you are looking for a particular ride.

   

Types of Pack Trips

 

DAY RIDES
This is the ride that many of us are familiar with. It is a guided horseback trip that can be from 1 hour to all day. Good for beginners to advanced riders. Check with your outfitter for times and cost. We suggest that in the summer months you make reservations in advance as this is a very popular time of year for horseback riding.

 

ALL-EXPENSE TRIPS
These are trips that include everything you will need from, stock, packers, cooks, food and camp equipment. The outfitter will usually customize your trip to suite the group’s interests, from fishing, hiking or photography. This is the way to go. The only thing you have to do is ride, eat, relax, enjoy the scenery. Of course if you like fishing there is plenty of that to do also.

 

TRAIL RIDES
Trail rides usually consist of stock, packers, cooks, meals, tents and camping equipment. Outfitters usually customize the trail rides to the groups interests from hiking, fishing or photography. Trails rides can go from 3 days to 14 days. Check with the particular outfitter for their specifications, costs and durations.

 

SPOT TRIPS

You travel by horseback and your gear and provisions are carried by pack animals to a campsite of your choice. Usually the campsite is on a lake or stream. The stock and packer leave after they you arrive at the campsite and return on a predetermined date. Usually you provide your own camping gear and food.

This is a great trip in that is encompasses hiking and horseback riding all with the comforts of a camp. Experience the eastern high sierra’s in a way that is truly pleasurable and easy enough that it has become very popular with families.

 

DUNNAGE PACKS AND CACHES
For Dunnage Packs the outfitter will take your camp equipment and your backpacks to a predetermined location where you will hike to meet it. Depending on the outfitter, some will provide horses if you wish to ride part of the day and hike out. As before, each outfitter has there own specification and for pack trips. check with the outfitter prior to booking to make sure they meet your needs.  Dunnage trips can be modified to suite your needs. Check with your packer.

 

HORSE DRIVES
This is where you get to participate with the herding of mules and horses.

 

HIKING WITH PACK STOCK
On these pack trips you hike and the horses or mules carry the gear.

 

BASE CAMPS Ride.
On this particular pack trip you ride to a camp that has been moved in by mule prior to your arrival. This location  becomes your base camp. This will be your vacation camp. A horse will be assigned to you for the duration of your time at Base Camp that will be available for day rides. Meals are usually provided by the outfitter.

 

CONTINUOUS HIRE OF STOCK AND PACKER
The stock and packer remain with you throughout the duration of your trip. You provide your own camping gear and food.

 

Things to ask your Outfitter when considering a pack trip

• The type of trip you want
• The dates of your trip
• The number of people in your party
• The location (if you have one) particular lake or area you wish to visit.
• The cost
• The particulars. Is camp gear, food included?
• Advise the outfitter of any special requirements you may need
• Email or mail your specification to the outfitter
• Make your reservations early

 

The art of “Packin’” is alive and well in the High Sierra to provide you with the vacation of a lifetime.

 

How to Plan a Pack Trip

1. Select an Outfitter that meets your requirements
2. Email or mail your requirements to the Outfitter.
3. Secure your trip. Check with Outfitter as to their requirements.
4. Be sure to let the packer now the number in your party (adults , children) and the type of trip you will be taking. This will let the packer know how many pack animals will be necessary to provide the best possible trip. The average party will need approx. one pack animal per person for a weeks stay. The packer takes into considerations, gear, food, duration of trip and season of trip. Certain season require more gear based on the activity that the party will be engaging in.
5. It is also important to let the packer know the number of children or persons weighing in more than 210lbs. This is particularly important when planning saddle horses.
6. If any change occurs in your plans, such as more or less people, unusual gear, change in dates, or change in area desired, you should notify the packer prior to the trip.
7. Bring camping gear and a warm sleeping bag and duffel bags. To figure out food for your trip consult with your packer.  To figure out the amount foods you will need for your trip consult with your packer for suggestions and trip.
8. Prior to or after your trip you might enjoy a stay in our condo or the other owners condos that are located in the Mammoth Lakes area. Enjoy comfortable condos with beautiful views. Various locations around town. We can connect you to condos that are located near the village, near the ski slopes, high end units or budget units. Condos for large groups or just the two of you, condos that are pet friendly and condos that are within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Come for the beauty and spender of Mammoth lakes, enjoy the best horseback riding around, camp out get in touch with the wilderness and then relax and recoup at Mammoth lakes condos, homes and cabins that are for rent directly by owners. The accommodations offered by Mammoth owners range to suite whatever your needs are. Speak with or email the owner directly to see pricing, terms and conditions.

 

The following is a list of the Eastern High Sierra Packers Association and Mammoth Lakes Wranglers

 

McGee Creek Pack Station

2990 Mcgee Creek Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546)

Phone: (760) 935-4324

 

McGee Creek Pack Station. Wilderness trips, Yosemite, fly- and spin- fishing, wagon trains, packing school. West of Crowley Lake between Tom's Place and Mammoth Lakes; (800) 854-7407 Frontier Pack Train.

 

 

Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfitter

P.O. Box 61
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfitter. John Muir Wilderness. Yosemite, mustang-observation Rides, spring and fall horse drives, three day trips to Bodie. Located by Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes Basin

 

Red’sMeadow/Agnew Pack Train

John Muir and Ansel Adams wilderness area, Photography trips, fly-fishing, horse drives, Parent and child trips. Reds’ Meadow is adjacent to Devils Postpile National Monument. Agnew Meadows is about 5 miles north of Devils PostPile. Both are off Minaret Road west Of Mammoth Lakes.

 

Pine Creek Pack Station  Berner's Pack Outfit
Pine Creek Pack Station
P.O. Box 968
Bishop, CA 93515
760/387-2797
800/962-0775

 

Rock Creek Pack Station

P.O Box 248

Bishop , Ca 93515

Winter Phone (760)872-8331

Summer Phone (760) 935-4493

 

Rock Creek Pack Station. Wilderness rides. Yosemite, horses, drives, mustang day trips, and packing and horsemanship school. By Rock Creek Lake west of Toms Place

 

Bishop Pack Outfitters
247 Cataract Road
Bishop, CA 93514
PHONE: 760/873-4785

Golden Trout Camp
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
805/646-4377
805/640-3201

 

Mt. Whitney Pack Trains
P.O. Box 248
Bishop, CA 93515
760/872-8331 (winter)
760/935-4493 (summer)

Cottonwood Pack Station
910 Gibson Ranch Road
Independence, CA 93526

 

Rainbow Pack Outfitters
760/878-2015

910 Gibson Ranch Road
Independence, CA 93526

 

Frontier Pack Train Frontier Pack Train.

Yosemite and the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Expeditions may focus on golden trout fly-fishing, wild mustangs, or horse drives.

In the June Lake Loop across from Silver Lake; 648-7701. 

 

What to know about horse back riding

 

Are you prepared?
To really enjoy your horseback vacation, you need to have a solid foundation in the basics. Muscles, especially in the legs, need to be trained and exercised and other areas need a little time in the saddle to "toughen up."

 

Basic skills
Before you go on a pack trip it might be helpful if you can spent a few weeks or months (if you have the time) preparing for your equine adventure. Prepare by  taking riding lessons and excising leg muscles. You should learn how to mount and dismount, develop balance in the saddle, cue the horse, and ride at the various gaits. Lessons also will help you develop the proper muscles for riding.

 

Gearing Up
Most of the gear will be provided by the same outfitter that supplies your horse, so the so the only items you need to worry about are your own personal effects such as proper riding footwear, and comfortable pants are a must. Take into consideration the weather conditions and bring cloths to keep you warm in cooler weather and perhaps gloves to protect your hands and a hat for protection against the sun or an equestrian helmet.

 

Equestrian Language
Tack: The equipment worn by your horse, including saddle and bridle.
Bit: Horse’s mouthpiece, usually made from steel.
Bridle: Headgear used on the horse during riding, includes reins and bit.
Halter: Equipment worn on the horse’s head for leading or tying.
Gelding: Castrated male horse.
Mare: Female horse.
Mule: Offspring of a horse and donkey. Nickname of many a stubborn horse.
English: Style of riding using a lightweight saddle with a shallow seat. Reins are held in both hands. Think
Western: Style of riding using a heavier saddle with a deeper seat. Reins are held in left hand. Think
Gaits: The different speeds the horse travels: walk, trot (or jog), and canter (or lope).

PACKING SCHOOLS: Learn how to pack and manage horses In the wilderness.

 

Mammoth Lakes Horseback Riding / Pack trip destinations

Distances are close approximations.

McGee Canyon	5-9 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Meadow	7 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Round Lake	6 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Martin’s Meadow	7 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Steelhead Lake	7 miles	Lake Fishing
Big McGee	9 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Grass Lake	6 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Hilton Lakes	8 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Davis Lake	8 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Hilton Lake #2	8 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Hilton Lake #3	9 miles	Lake Fishing
Convict Basin/Laurel Pass	10 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Lake Dorothy	10 miles	Lake Fishing
Edith Lake	8 miles	Lake Fishing
Mildred Lake	10 miles	Lake Fishing
Cloverleaf Lake	9 miles	Lake Fishing
Genevieve Lake	9 miles	Lake Fishing
Mildred Lake	11 miles	Lake Fishing
Bighorn Lake	12 miles	Lake Fishing
McGee Pass/Fish Creek	16 miles	Lake/Stream Fishing
Cecil Lake	16 miles	Lake Fishing
Izaak Walton	15 miles	Lake Fishing
Virginia Lake	16 miles	Lake Fishing
Horse Heaven	15 miles	Lake Fishing
Lee Lake	15 miles	Lake Fishing
Hortense Lake	15 miles	Lake Fishing
Tully Lake	13 miles	Lake Fishing
Tully Hole	16 miles	Lake Fishing
Fish Creek	14 miles	Lake Fishing

 

The following horse back riding trail routes  indicate distance from Mammoth Lakes.

Northern California	Tahoe Nation Forest - Nevada City	Bullards Bar Loop Trail  (169mi)
Northern California	Empire Mine State Park	Area Trails (159mi)
Northern California	Tahoe Nation Forest – Nevada City	Pioneer Trail (157mi)
Northern California	Tahoe Nation Forest – Nevada City	South Yuba River Trail (156mi)
Northern California	Tahoe Nation Forest – Nevada City	Mount Lola Trail (148mi)
Northern California	Tahoe Nation Forest – Nevada City	Grouse Ridge Trail (148mi)
Northern California	Auburn State Recreation Area	Western States Trail (144mi)
Northern California	Auburn State Recreation Area	Foothills Divide Trail (143mi)
Northern California	Tahoe National Forest – Truckee	Sand Ridge Trail Head (141mi)
Northern California	Tahoe National Forest – Truckee	Emigrant Trail (138mi)
Northern California	Eldorado National Forest	Fleming Meadow Trail (115mi)
Northern California	Eldorado National Forest	Red Peak Trail (116mi)
Northern California	Eldorado National Forest	Loon Lake Trail (119mi)
Nevada	Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest	Toiyaba Crest Trail (144mi)
Nevada	Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest	Monitor Valley Trail (142mi)
Nevada	Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest	Pine Creel Trail Head (141mi)
Nevada	Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest	Pasco Canyon Trail (138mi)
Nevada	Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest	Mount Rose Wilderness  (128mi)
Nevada	Yerington Trail System	Fort Churchill Road (114mi)
Nevada	Yerington Trail System	Carlson River Trail (114mi)
Nevada	Yerington Trail System	Mason Pass Road (92mi)
Nevada	Yerington Trail System	Weed Heights (92mi)
Nevada	Yerington Trail System	Pine Grove Trail (73mi)

 

Visit Mammoth and stay in Mammoth before or after your equestrian adventure in condos, homes or cabins that are available for rent directly from the owners. From luxury to budget accommodations  enjoy comfortable, pleasing and inviting locations with views and amenities to suit whatever your style or budget allows. For an adventure you will remember visit Mammoth Lakes, the place to saddle up for everything from fishing trips to cattle drives to rides into the wilderness.