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Mustangs in the Wild
California
USA
Ride with us as we track
and observe the unbridled and untamed Mustang in its natural habitat: the wilds of California. Stepping
back in time, we explore the historic past of the Truman Meadow area of the
Inyo National Forest; interestingly, the hills north of Boundary Peak look too barren to support any animal larger than a chipmunk. Yet, as we ride deeper into the high desert along the border of Nevada, we soon find the cool springs, emerald meadows and the wildest and proudest Mustang herd of North America!
We invite you to spend days with us as we observe and discuss the free roaming herds, the blooming flowers and flora, and other resident wildlife including the mysterious mountain lion, the horses' natural predator. Making camp in the meadows, riders will track the Mustangs through their natural pinyon forest habitat, observe and photograph the herds amidst the brilliant and bountiful wildflower backdrops. Often we are privy to spectacular sunsets over the Sierra and White Mountains we relax and wait as the camp cook prepares a delicious back country dinner each night over an open fire. Each evening after mealtime, discussions will be led by our experienced guides and often guest speakers as well, focusing on the horses' history, social behaviors and uncertain future.
This is a great little getaway trip if you yearn to experience cowboy life out on the range and learn about the majestic animals that have long represented freedom, capturing hearts and intriguing riders since childhood.
The focus is primarily the Mustangs: The ride is very slow paced due to the nature required to observe the animals. This makes it also suitable for riders of all levels to join.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Double Dee Ranch
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Airport:
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Mammoth Lakes or Reno
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Transfer:
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Bishop
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
24 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Tent accommodations, all meals, and transfers from base, 4 (3) riding days.
| A | 2013 | 4 day trip, AP Wild Mustangs | 4d / 3n | $550 |
Tax:
2
%
Tax2:
$5
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Mammoth Lake Airport to June Lake (per group)
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2013
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Best to drive/rent a car
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Mammoth Lakes flights from LAX on Horizon (Alaska Air) : Take taxi to Bishop (fixed rates). Flights arrive in the adfternoon, so extra night is needed at hotel. We will pick you up from there the next morning.
Reno flights: Best to drive in (rental car) -- but there is a bus service from Reno to June Lake as well - Reno departure at ~1:30 PM - arrival at 5 PM. On return leave June Lake at ~8:45 AM and arrive in Reno at 12:15 noon.
Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag, ground mat.
Day One
Meet in Bishop, California, at 8 AM. After breakfast, we will travel as a group to the base camp, 30 miles from Mono Lake. We meet our horses and start out on the trail. After the day's activities, we will gather around the camp fire and chat some about the historical background and political evolution of the wild horse populations on the region.
Day Two
After a hearty breakfast, you're on the trail again. Each day we will ride out in a new direction to keep things fresh and novel. Today's discussion will be centred on the physical environment of the wild horses' range. This includes climate, geology, water and seasonal changes. After another great cowboy dinner that evening, we will focus on the physiology, reproductive and social behaviors, and nutrition of the local wild horses.
Day Three
After more delicious cowboy coffee and breakfast, our trail will take us on an exploration of how the wild horses effect their natural habitat (both animals and plant life) and vice versa. This will include the interesting relationship between the mountain lions and the wild horse herds of the area.
Day Four
There will be a seminar in the morning all about obtaining, training and making useable saddle horses from wild horses. Then we hit the trail for our last ride, homeward bound to base camp and Bishop, arriving at about 4 PM.
-- exact itinerary subject to change if necessary --
Riders of all abilities, from beginner to expert, are welcome!!
General Information
The horseback riding on this trip is at a walk only due to the requirements of tracking and observing the wild horses. Your tour package includes tent camp overnights w/ general camping supplies, three mountain-style "gourmet" meals per day, a horse with complete tack, instant friends with lots of tall tales of the trail and enthusiastic singing around the campfire. Your personal details and sleeping bag is all that you need to supply!
Meeting:
Double Dee Ranch
Airport:
Mammoth Lakes or Reno
Transfer:
Bishop
Distance:
45 minutes or 3.5 hrs
Mammoth Lakes flights from LAX on Horizon (Alaska Air) : Take taxi to Bishop (fixed rates). Flights arrive in the adfternoon, so extra night is needed at hotel. We will pick you up from there the next morning.
Reno flights: Best to drive in (rental car) -- but there is a bus service from Reno to June Lake as well - Reno departure at ~1:30 PM - arrival at 5 PM. On return leave June Lake at ~8:45 AM and arrive in Reno at 12:15 noon.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarterhorse mix
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Pace:
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4-7 hours
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice
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Weight:
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Max
260
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
24 riders
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This trip is "walk only" (i.e. the horses are walking). Riders of all abilities, from beginner to expert, are welcome.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. You should be prepared for all types of weather, it can get cold at night- but hot in the day time.
IE: at the end of May/beginning of June- it can get down to 45-50° a night, daytime it can reach 70-80° and be very sunny! So in general the weather is variable.
Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. Most of the moisture comes in the months of January, February and March, and the winter climate is relatively mild.
Sierra summers are typically warm and dry.
April and November are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.
Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m):
Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft / 2,600 m)
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Comfortable riding jeans
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Cowboy boots or short boots (no cleats) and half chaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Rain pants or slicker
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Heavy jacket
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Camp shoes
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Swimsuit
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For Camping trips:
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Sleeping Bag
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foam pad or air mattress
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Towel and small bar of soap
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Canteen and Coffee Mug
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection (Tick protection as well)
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries
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| Binoculars! |
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Weight limit for baggage is 40 lbs. per person including sleeping bags, fishing gear, liquor.
We provide a saddle bag for trail essentials.
No alcoholic beverages served or included in trip fee, but feel free to BYOB.
Bring your own filter pump or purification tablets if you deem necessary.
Pack all your gear into nylon duffel style bags, but sleeping bags and mats are separate from this.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Camp...
All camping gear is provided (except your sleeping bags and ground mats). The owners personally attend to the details for utmost safety and hospitality that can make the difference between a mediocre trip and one that will be remembered for a long time. A full camp is set up with latrines, quality tents, chairs and a back country kitchen for old fashioned cowboy cooking. Private tents are supplied for couples and singles will be reserved by request so let us know what you require. The riding group
often helps out with the camp chores to make for camaraderie - but this
is never mandatory! Relax if you want to relax! This is your little vacation!
Meals...
Delicious "cowboy gourmet" meals are prepared by an experienced wilderness chef for you. Breakfast is served on the first day while gear is packed on the mules. The last meal included on the tour is lunch on the last day. We do not treat the water, if you have reservations about this, please feel free to bring your own filter pump or purification tablets to use! We won't be offended! There are no alcoholic beverages or alcohol sales on this trip, but you are welcome to bring your own. Who doesn't like a nice beer or spritzer as you wind down for the night. Just don't get tipsy around the horses or before riding is all we ask!
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
|
|
Quarterhorse mix
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|
Pace:
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4-7 hours
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
260
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|
Riders:
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|
Min
2 riders
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Max
24 riders
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This trip is "walk only" (i.e. the horses are walking). Riders of all abilities, from beginner to expert, are welcome.
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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Mustangs in the Wild
Tour Code:
RTCA01-P2
4 days /
3 nights
~$550.00
Dates :
May to June
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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