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 Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Pack Station/ Bridgeport Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) Transfer: -- Riders: Min 2 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 2 %   Tax2: 8 %    

Rates Note:

2% charge for USFS fee 8% charge for regulatory taxes $15 Wilderness Permit Fee (mandatory)

Transfer and Other Charges:

Best to rent a car and drive. Most trips require you meet at the pack station for 7:00am.

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 the Pack Station will be for 7:00am of Day 1 and most rides start at 7:30am. On the last day of the trip, a van then meets us to take us back to the pack station where we started from - Generally we arrive back at the pack station around for 4:30pm to 6:00pm.
- On the longer itinerary there 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.


7 day trip, AP Lake of the Lone Indian from Rock Creek - Click here for full itinerary
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.

6 day trip, AP Mono Creek Trail (not offered in 2022+) - Click here for full itinerary
Start and end at 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.

7 day trip, AP Northern Yosemite - Click here for full itinerary
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.
This pack trip has a lot of ups and downs over some slick rocks.  

7 day tip, AP Kern River & Golden Trout- Click here for full itinerary
This seven-day pack trip provides a unique opportunity for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy some of the best fly fishing the High Sierra has to offer. Guests travel by horseback into remote areas of the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park to fish for isolated species of Golden Trout and Kern River Rainbows. The waters of the Kern Plateau hold the purest strains of Golden Trout in the world, a fish so unique and colorful, that it has been named the official state fish of California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued 52 Golden trout on September 19, 2016. They were aided by some of our trusty mules and wranglers. Here's the video.
Equally impressive, the waters of the nearby Kern River are home to the Kern River Rainbow, a close relative of the Golden Trout and one of the most sought-after fish in California.
Guests spend two full layover days fishing for Kern River Rainbows from a beautiful camp situated near the banks of the world class fishery. Along the journey to and from the Kern River there is the opportunity to fish the Golden Trout’s native waters, Golden Trout Creek and Volcano Creek from our camp at Little Whitney Meadow.

6 Day Trip, AP Mt. Whitney Trail Ride- Click here for full itinerary
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.

6 day trip, AP Triple Pass
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 two layover days. Side trips planned to Hopkins Lake and Grassy Lake.

6 day trip, AP Fish Creek Trail Ride - Click here for full itinerary
The fantastic fishing and beauty of Indian Summer make this time a favorite for the oldtimers. This 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. Layover days allow riders to further explore the surrounding lakes and meadows — Peter Pande, Wilbur May, Grassy, and Olive lakes.

6 day trip, AP Silver Pass - Click here for full itinerary
The ideal 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 good trail ride and beautiful scenery.

10 day trip, AP Evolution Valley Trail Ride - Click here for full itinerary 
When you ask Sierra backcountry adventurers which areas are their favorite, Evolution Basin, Le Conte Canyon, and Dusy Basin are always on the list. This trip combines all of these incredibly scenic regions into one trip. Stunning glacial-cut mountains, beautiful lakes, and tumbling rivers all contribute to one of the best trips in the Sierra.

5 day trip, AP Virginia Lakes Trail - Click here for full itinerary
Experience a section of Yosemite National Park that few visitors see. Virginia Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows.

5 day trip, AP History of the Sierra - Click here for full itinerary
Immerse yourself in the Natural History of the Sierra Nevada.
Join Fulbright Scholar and retired National Park Ranger Dr. Nancy Muleady-Mecham for a once in a lifetime chance to learn all about these mountains and the nature within them. We will explore the night sky in the truly dark skies of the backcountry. We’ll learn about animal adaptations, birds and mammals; Sierra geology, glaciation, and weather; dendrochronology (the science of tree-ring dating), the mixed conifer and alpine forests, wildflowers, fire ecology; and indigenous people through time. You will learn to make arrowheads and to use an atlatl (ancient spear-thrower). Bring binoculars, cameras and your sense of wonder.

6 day trip, AP Kern Peak Trail - Click here for full itinerary
Explore the Golden Trout Wilderness with a loop heading over Trail Pass into the meadows and stringers of the Kern Plateau. This is a secluded wilderness area with vast meadows and trails to explore. We make a loop with camps at Little Whitney and Big Whitney Meadows crossing both Barringer and Cottonwood Passes. Trails are good. A great trip for those that enjoy riding and seeing lots of new country every day.

6 day trip, AP Winchester Trail - Click here for full itinerary
We camp near creeks that comprise the native habitat of the golden trout, providing ample opportunity for anglers to catch these beautiful fish.

5 day trip, AP Mt Langley Trail - Click here for full itinerary
Layover days provide ample opportunity for anglers to catch golden trout, or explore the beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers.





Note: This tour is operating under permit with the USDA Forest Service through Special Use Permit on the Inyo National Forest.

                                            Bridgeport area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	42	46	52	59	67	76	84	83	76	66	54	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	8	12	19	23	30	37	41	39	32	23	16	10
Average High Temperature (°C)	6	8	11	15	19	25	29	28	25	19	12	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-13	-11	-7	-5	-1	3	5	4	0	-5	-9	-12
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	3	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	2	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. You should be prepared for ALL types of weather year round! And keep in mind that it can get quite cold at night, even when hot in the day time! Even in May and into the beginning of June, it can get down to 45-50° F at night, while in the daytime it can reach 70-80° F and be very beautiful and sunny!

The elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. Sierra summers are typically warm and dry. However, clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity!  July and August are normally the warmest months.

Information on What to Pack
Dunnage limit is 30 lbs. per person (this includes sleeping bags,liquor, etc.). There will be a surcharge of $3 to $10 per pound on dunnage in excess of the 30 lbs. Bring personal belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffels, 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 duffels. Attach name to dunnage, camera, canteen, etc. Tent provided, however, you may bring your own private tent if under 10 pounds, which is not included in 40lbs weight limit. 

You provide your own alcoholic beverages (if desired). 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. Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy resealable plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag will contain the spill. 

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). Please do not bring your own saddlebag unless it is pocket size. We have helmets to borrow. Please let us know at time of booking.

Remember - try to minimize the weight of your dunnage by packaging 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
- Woolen cap (evenings can be cold)
- Gloves (recommend gloves for riding, you 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.
- Chapstick 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
- Liquor (be sure to check in with the packers to see that your liquor is packed safely) 
-Fishing equipment (optional)  ◦CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE. Please note that fishing licenses are NOT available at or near the pack station. Be sure to get one BEFORE you arrive for your adventure. You can find information on California fishing licenses and online purchase at  TakeMeFishing.org. You can purchase them at a Bishop sporting goods store, as well.
◦ 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

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date shawn haubert 8/22/2017 toni lea corwin 9/17/2015

Accommodation
These are pack trips and all nights are spent camping (camp locations vary depending on the program chosen).

Description
We have a wide variety of tents available (single, double, or family), so please let us know what type you prefer. There is a solar shower and privy with toilet seat and tent at the campsites. There is no generator on our trips -- no electrical source is available.
We do not provide ground mats or sleeping bags, so you must bring your own! 



Meals
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Food is typically sourced from local establishments. We strive to provide a deluxe dining experience and tailor our menus to reflect the tastes of our guests. We prepare breakfast and dinner.

A hot breakfast is prepared fresh each morning. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads are available at lunch and dinner each day.
Lunch is a build-your-own affair, typically completed before breakfast is served. Sandwich makings, fruits, and snacks are available for you to create your own take-along meal.
Each dinner has a different entrée (beef, chicken, pork, etc).

Alcohol is not included in this trip, but guests are free to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarians with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Mostly quarterhorse mix
Pace:		between 2 to 6 hours per day - mostly at a walk | Walk |
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 6
Weight:		Max 240 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

Pace
Riding experience is considered when fitting you for a mount. There are plenty of horses and mules to choose from to fit your expertise. All trips go at a walk. Our crew will help you get comfortable before we leave the pack station. We ride as few as 2 hours or as many as 6 hours in a day.

Horses
Approximately 130 horses and mules are the backbone of the operation. Pack mules carry the provisions for trail riders, hikers, and those wishing to have their gear packed to a wilderness campsite. Mules typically carry 150-240 pounds of equipment, food and dunnage and work from June through September. During the off season, livestock graze fields in the Owens Valley.
Horses and mules come to the pack station as four to five year old green broke. After a couple of years of training they spend up to another twenty to twenty-five years working in the Sierra.

Tack
You are encouraged to bring your own saddle if you have one. However, if your tack doesn't fit our stock, or we deem is unsafe, you will not be able to use it.

Guides
Each year young men and women bring youth and enthusiasm to a crew of senior packers and cooks. Most of the crew come from ranch backgrounds and once they start packing with us, they have a hard time ever leaving. Every member of the crew carries on the traditions of the talented men and women who started the business in the 1940s. New employees learn the trails, traditions, and develop skills to serve another generation of guests. Only the most able, hard working and those with exceptional people skills succeed as staff.

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.