Transfer and Other Options:

Full Ride:             Rock Creek to Tuolumne Meadows
First Section:        Rock Creek to Red’s Meadow
Second Section:   Red's Meadows to Tuolumne 

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Rock Creek to Third Recess and Mono Creek.
Leaving Rock Creek (10,000ft.), the route follows the Mono Pass Trail, which ascends Mt. Starr to Mono Pass (12,000ft). Enjoy the views of Little Lakes Valley framed by Mt. Morgan (13,748), Bear Creek Spire (13,601), Mt. Dade (13,601), Mt. Mills (13,468) and Mt. Abbott (13,715). After crossing the pass, enjoy unrestricted views of Pioneer and Hopkins Basins. Riders descend past Trail Lake before coming to Gold Creek. Riders ride alongside of Gold Creek and Mono Creek to reach camp down canyon near the confluence of Third Recess and Mono Creek. Estimated riding time: 5 hours.

Day 2: Mono Creek to Silver Pass Meadow.
Riding down canyon, riders pass through several life zones with groves of fir, Jeffrey, Juniper and Lodgepole Pines, interrupted by meadows and ridges of flowers. After several hours, turn north on the John Muir Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) to climb towards Silver Pass. The trail skirts the edge of Pocket Meadow before heading up beneath the waterfall of the North Fork of Mono Creek. Camp is in a secluded meadow with spectacular views of the mountain ranges to the south. Estimated riding time 4 ½ hours.

Day 3: Silver Pass Meadow to Horse Heaven.
Continue north on the Muir Trail past Silver Pass Lake to reach Silver Pass. (10,900). To the south, view Seven Gables Mt. (13,075) - a grand peak overlooking Bear Creek. To the northwest, see Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak and the edge of Yosemite. Descend to the head of Cascade Valley after passing the five lakes in the basin of the Lone Indian. Riders cross the Fish Creek Bridge before following the Muir Trail a short ways to Tully Hole and Horse Heavan. Estimated riding time: 4 ½ hours.

Day 4: Layover
A good day to rest and fish. Or take a day ride up the McGee Pass Trail. Explore the lakes and streams of Upper Fish Creek beneath Red Slate Mt. (13,163) and Red and White Mountain (12,850).

Day 5: Tully Hole to Deer Creek
The riders skirt the peaks of the Mammoth divide while riding north alongside the rim of Fish Creek Canyon. Lake Virginia (10,300) and Purple Lake (9,900) are two beautiful lakes next to the trail. After meeting the trail to Duck Lake, continue several hours more to reach a heavily forested camp on Deer Creek (9,200). Estimate riding time: 6 hours.

Day 6: Layover

Day 7: Deer Creek to Gladys Lake
Riders make good time descending into Red's Meadow (7,500). Ride through Devil's Postpile National Monument. These cliffs of crystallized columns of basalt are right next to the middle fork of the San Joaquin River. After crossing the river, the trail ascends alongside Minaret Creek to Johnston Lake (8,150). We ride another hour and a half through forests, ponds and meadowy country to Gladys lake (9,600) Estimated riding time: 5 hours.

Day 8: Gladys Lake to Thousand Island Lake.
Riders pass Rosalie Lake, Shadow and Garnet Lake on this ride beneath the Minarets. This is the most spectacular part of the Ansel Adams beneath Ritter, Banner and The Minarets. We make camp on the northwest side of Thousand Island Lake (9,850). Estimated riding time: 4 hrs

Day 8: Thousand Island Lake to Lyell Fork Canyon.
Riders head north over Island Pass to the Rush Creek drainage and exit the eastern side of the Sierra with a climb to Donohue Pass (11,152). This marks the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The views of Mt. Lyell and its glacier are in view as we descend to expansive meadows in Lyell Fork Canyon. Estimated riding time: 5 hrs.

Day 9: Layover in Lyell Fork Canyon.
The day ride will go up to explore the Vogelsang area of Yosemite. Lake Ireland, Evelyn Lake and the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp are amongst the choices riders have in exploring this alpine area. Or, wander through the meadows and enjoy a day of leisure before heading home.

Day 10: Lyell Fork Canyon to Tuolomne Meadows:
We ride north through large meadows to end the trip at one of the most spectacular large meadows in the Sierra. Estimated riding time: 3 ½ hours  Transfer back to Rock Creek or Bishop.
                

--Subject to changes!

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
     

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.