Transfer and Other Options:

Each of the different departure dates will have their own specific itinerary, but all of them will follow the below guidelines:

Your arrival and meeting at Rock Creek Pack Station will be in the early morning of Day 1 and most rides start at 7:30 AM.  The end of the ride is on the last day of the trip and is normally around 4 PM. A van then meets us to take us back to the pack station where we started from - generally we arrive back at Rock Creek around 5 PM.

On the longer itinerary their are layover days where you can ride and explore the area from camp since we are not moving camp locations. Most of our camps also have opportunities for fishing during the day.

Because the trip starts in the early morning, we highly recommend you make arrangements for an extra overnight in a local hotel the night before to experience minimum stress when finding the pack station and arriving on time.

4 Day Trip, AP  Hilton Lakes Ride from Rock Creek
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 on horseback.

3 Day Trip, AP Parent and Child Ride from Rock Creek
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.

4 day Trip, AP  Fourth of July Ride from Rock Creek
Celebrate the 4th of July by starting out on a four-day trail ride to Davis Lake. Fishing is great, with day rides to Turk Meadows, Lower Hilton Creek and the Upper Hilton Lakes.

6 Day Golden Trout Pack Trip from Sage Flat
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.

5 Day Trip, AP August Special  from Rock Creek
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.

3 Day Trip, AP  Dorothy Lakes Trail from Rock Creek
A leisurely trail ride to the lakes and streams of the East Fork of Rock Creek.
Camp at Dorothy Lake gives easy access to Catherine, Buck, Francis, Deer and Dam lakes. You can ride and explore the area returning to camp at night (2 nights total). The alternating forest, meadows and streams of the Tamarack Basin makes this the ideal trip for those seeking wilderness seclusion without a long ride to camp. There are opportunities for fishing as well.
The trip starts and ends at Rock Creek near Bishop, CA

5 Day Trip, AP Silver Divide Trail from Rock Creek
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.

6 Day Trip, AP Mono Creek Trail from 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.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS:

• Sleeping bag with a comfort range of 20 to 60 degrees and a moisture proof ground cloth.
• Air mattress or small 1/4"-1/2" foam hip pad recommended - your night's rest will affect your next days enjoyment. Bring the best sleeping pad you can manage.
• Broad-brimmed hat is essential for protection from sun at high altitude. It must have strings to keep from blowing off.
• Sunglasses (RX glasses) - high altitude sun is BRIGHT!
• Coffee mug (plastic for camp)
• Pint water bottle for your horn bag
• Pocket knife or small multi-tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Camera and film (sturdy strap)-- if using digital - don't forget an extra battery and card
• Rain jackets and pants or slicker (rolled up you can tie them to the back of your saddle)
• Hat protector (to keep your hat dry)
• Light jacket (windbreaker)
• Wool or fleece pullover/sweater (layers will keep you comfortable)
• Heavy jacket
• Bandana
• Woollen cap (evenings can be cold)
• Gloves (recommend gloves for riding, may want warm gloves for evenings)
• Socks
• Riding boots
• Shoes for camp (moccasins, athletic shoes, etc)
• Shirts and pants (long sleeved shirts offer sun, bug and branch protection)
• Underwear
• Bathing suit
• Bath towel/wash cloth/soap (try a multi-use bar or liquid for use on hair, body and laundry. Biodegradable choices are available.)
• Insect repellent such as Cutters
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• comb/brush clips/pins/ponytail holders
• Shaving kit (a small mirror is helpful)
• Sun Screen (lotion, cream or stick)- use liberally for sunburn and chapping prevention.
• Chap stick with sun protection SPF 15 or better
• Moisturizer (cream or lotion - altitude and sun can be dry and chap skin)
• Prescription medicine (if required - if you have any allergies, remember to bring appropriate medication)
• Band-aids, aspirin, ibuprofen, eye drops, moleskin for any blisters
• Baby powder/Talcum powder (helps to relieve any raw or irritated areas from boots, clothes or saddles)
• Kleenex
• Jogging suit (sweats are comfortable for after-swim and campfire lounging)

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Small notepad and pencil
• Collapsible plastic wash basin (optional)
• Solar shower (optional)
• Water filtering pump (optional)
• Liquor- not provided. Bring your own. (be sure to check in with the packers to see that your liquor is packed safely)
  There is no way to cool it except the lake!  Has to be included in the 30 lbs weight limit per person.
• Fishing equipment (optional)
  • Rod/reel/line (a rod that breaks down into 3 or more pieces is recommended)
  • Compact metal rod case to carry on saddle
  • Canvas creel (no tackle boxes)
  • Leader material (1-3 lb.)
  • Flies: black gnat, mosquito, grey hackle, brown hackle, & royal coachman (No. 12-14 hooks)
  • Bait: worms & Pautzke red eggs
  • Egg hooks, worm hooks (No. 10-14)
  • Split shot
  • Lures (personal choice)
  • Pliers
     

We supply great horses and guides, safe saddlery, tasty camp food, basic kitchen and camp supplies (utensils etc and tents to sleep in)! We have a wide variety of tents, so please let us know what type you prefer if you have not already (ie: single person, double, triple). Food will be plentiful and high in quality. We provide the preparation of breakfast and dinner, you pack your picnic lunch yourself with the supplies we provide. Any help with setting up and taking down camp is always appreciated, but not mandatory, we realize this is your special vacation time and may prefer to relax! Those desiring to learn how to pack the mules are welcome to participate in making up the loads and packing them up!

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.