High Sierras Wilderness Pack Trips California USA Take a week, pack up, and really get away from it all. Join us on a week-long pack trip into the Eastern High Sierras of California. On horseback we will explore regions of the Sierras like the John Muir Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness or Mount Whitney. Explore, relax, fish a bit, talk about nothing or everything around the campfire - just be you for a while.  Our riding excursions will explore the vast areas of the John Muir Wilderness throughout the summer. This is a land of snow-capped mountains with hundreds of lakes and streams and beautiful meadows. Elevations range from 4,000 to 14,496 ft. Lower elevations slopes are covered with stands of Jeffrey Pine, incense cedar, white and red fir and lodgepole pine. The higher elevations are barren granite with many glacially carved lakes. Other rides will be in the Mount Whitney area. Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. The peak lies within the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia National Park Wilderness. These areas were set aside by Congress and the President to provide opportunities for solitude and unconfined, primitive types of recreation. Wilderness areas are places where the earth and its communities of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. Or chose to explore the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Ansel Adams is characterized by spectacular alpine scenery with barren granite peaks, steep-walled gorges and rock outcroppings. Elevations range from 3,500 feet to 13,157 feet and there are several small glaciers on the north and northeast facing slopes of the highest peaks. The Ansel Adams Wilderness contains the headwaters of the North and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River. Camping Ride with pack horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Rock Creek Airport: Mammoth Lakes / Reno Transfer: Rock Creek- best to rent a car Riders: Min 2 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 10 %   Tax2: $15    

Transfer and Other Options:

Mammoth Lakes flights from LAX or SFO: Take taxi to Tom's Place, overnight and we will pick you up from there. Flights arrive in the adfternoon, so extra night is needed either at Tom's Place or camping at Rock Creek.
Reno flights: Best to drive in (rental car) -- but there is a bus service from Reno to Bishop as well - Reno departure at 1:30 PM - arrival at 6:30 PM. On return leave Bishop at 7:30 AM and arrive in Reno at 12:15 noon.

Arrival in the morning of Day 1. Most rides start at 7:30 AM and end around 4 PM on the last day. A van meets us to take us back to the pack station. Generally we arrive back at Rock Creek around 5 PM.
You should make arrangements for an extra overnight before the trip.

7 day trip, AP Mt.Whitney Trail from Horseshoe Meadow
From Horseshoe Meadow - 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.

6 day trip, AP Triple Pass Trail
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.
Note: This trip will move to the Golden Trout Wilderness, if there is a delay in getting over Mono Pass in 2011.

8 day trip, AP Giant Loop Trail
Golden Trout Wilderness /Sequoia National Park
A unique loop of the Sequoia National Park through the high country near Mt. Whitney and exploring the remote Kern Canyon. Riders take the Pacific Crest Trail north to Rock Creek, Crabtree Meadows and Wallace Creek. We ride down to the Kern River and head south alongside the Kern River. The last two days are climbing out of the Kern Canyon and riding through the beautiful meadows of the Golden Trout Wilderness.

7 day trip, AP Lake of the Lone Indian from Rock Creek
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.

7 day trip, AP Wallace Creek Trail
Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows
Pack your tackle for the ultimate Golden Trout fishing adventure. Experience the beauty of Sequoia National Park with camps at Wallace Creek and Rock Creek. Three layover days in remote Wallace Creek gives opportunity for unsurpassed fishing in Wallace Lake and the Wright Lakes Basin.

7 day trip, AP Ansel Adams - Yosemite
We explore the lakes, meadows and streams beneath the majestic spires of the Minarets and Mt. Ritter and Banner for the first part of our trip. Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes are among the most beautiful lakes on the Muir Trail. The last few days we explore Lyell Canyon and visit the alpine meadows and lakes near Vogelsang.

8 day trip, AP Northern Yosemite
Start from Tuolumne - 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.
Note: Please note that this trip MAY have to originate and terminate at Tuolumne - depending on snow loads over the pass.

7 day trip, AP Professional Packing School
June (Packing Fundamentals) , July (Advanced Packing) and September (John Muir)  dates
June:  Backcountry itinerary at Tamarack/Hilton with emphasis on mastering hitches, packing techniques and management of livestock and people to minimize impact on wilderness. Meet in Rock Creek
July:  Meet at Horseshoe Meadows—a six day traveling educational pack trip into the Golden Trout Wilderness. Emphasis on moving camps, wrangling and feeding livestock on the extended wilderness pack trip.
September: 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.

Bring belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffel; side zipper recommended, ideal size approximately 14" x 32". It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag INSIDE of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.
Sleeping bags can be in separate duffel --again, line the inside of the duffel against rain.
Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy reseal able plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill.
When possible, it is a good idea to transfer alcoholic beverages to sturdy plastic bottles with well fitting caps - it will save weight and protect against breakage.
Check in fishing worms and bottle goods separately; don't put in duffel. Place fishing rods in metal or plastic cases.
You will be given a small saddle bag that goes on your saddle horn to carry your lunch and a few personal items. (Weight limit 3 lbs - including lunch).
Remember - try to minimize the weight of your luggage by packing only the amount of any item you will need (like soaps, lotions and medications).

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
     

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We supply horses, saddles, food, kitchen and eating utensils, and camping equipment.
We have a wide variety of tents, please let us know what type you prefer (ie: 1 person, double, triple, etc.)

Food will be plentiful and deluxe in quality. We provide the preparation of meals; any help is appreciated but not mandatory. Those desiring to learn how to pack may participate in making up loads and packing the mules. 

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Mostly quarterhorse mix
Pace:		4-7 hours per day - mostly at a walk | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Novice
Weight:		Max 240
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

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.