Wild Mustangs - A Living Legacy California USA The hills north of Boundary Peak look far too barren to support any animals larger than a chipmunk. Yet, ride deep into this high desert along the Nevada/California border, and you'll find cool springs, a few emerald meadows--and the wildest mustang herd in North America Track wild horses and relive the old west in the seldom visited Pizona area of the lnyo National Forest. From a central meadow camp, riders will track the mustangs in their natural pinyon forest habitat. Observe and photograph present day herds and wildflowers. Enjoy spectacular sunsets of the Sierra and White Mountains while the cook prepares dinner over an open fire. Later, around the campfire, our experienced tracker guides will, share their knowledge of the wild horses and other wildlife. Learn about the social behavior of the horses and their current struggle. This is a trip for those who would like to experience the life of a cowboy out on the range. An active, riding trip for people of all ages and riding levels. The group will operate from base camp and will ride out each day to the open range by high mountains. Don't miss four days of hospitality, home cooking and the thrill of Western life. The scenery is spectacular and if you haven't experienced camping in this part of California, you will be pleasantly surprised. The vistas of the Sierra from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney to the west and of Boundary Peak and the White. Camping Ride with pack horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: River Springs Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) Transfer: -- Riders: Min 6 riders Max 20 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 3 %    

Rates Note:

3% charge for USFS fee

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are not available for this trip. It is best to rent a car and drive. For the Pizona Springs trip, we will meet at 8am on Day 1 at River Springs. For the Photography Special trip, we will meet at 3pm on Day 1 at River Springs.

Sample Itinerary: Benton Hot Springs - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We start with dinner at 6:30 PM. Camp will be being set-up that afternoon and there will be plenty of time to walk around, check out the horses and relax. If people can’t get there for dinner, they can arrive late or come out to camp the following morning.
Meals included: Dinner
Camping at Benton Hot Springs

Day 2: First Ride
Breakfast at 7AM and we meet the horses and explain safety rules. We’ll take a sack lunch and ride out for the day to explore the hills around Old Benton.
Afternoon is for soaking in the hot springs and getting ready for a fun filled evening with music and stories of the gold rush era.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Benton Hot Springs

Day 3: Ride to Pizona Camp
Breakfast at 6:30 AM and dunnage needs to be ready for the crew by 7:15 AM. We will be on the trail by 8:30AM and head north over the Benton Range on the power line road until we cut off to our camp in Lower Pizona (riding about 15 to 17 miles). We take a pack mule for water a lunch buffet and camera equipment. Camp is set up with showers available.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Camp

Day 4: Mustangs
Breakfast at 7:00 AM and the first group heads out to explore Upper Pizona, McNamara Lake, McBride Springs and the rolling mountainsides of Pizona to see the Mustangs. Those seeking a more leisurely ride, leave later and head out for a shorter loop that includes visiting the petroglyphs. We try and break up groups to meet various guests’ desires for length of ride.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Camp

Day 5: Last Day
Breakfast at 7:30 AM and we head back to River Springs via the Adobe Lake trail. We’ll cut tracks and look for bands of horses that are working between Adobe and River Springs. We arrive at River Springs by 2PM and will transport guests to Benton to pickup cars by 3PM.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Sample Itinerary: Memorial Day Special - subject to changes

Track wild horses and relive the Old West in the seldom-visited Pizona area of the lnyo National Forest. From a central meadow camp, riders will track the mustangs in their natural pinyon forest habitat. Observe and photograph herds of horses and wildflowers. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Sierra and White Mountains while the cook prepares dinner over an open fire. Later, around the campfire, our experienced tracker guides will share their knowledge of the wild horses and other wildlife. Learn about the social behavior of the horses and their current struggle.

We recommend that you spend the night before the ride in Lee Vining, Bishop or Benton Hot Springs.

Day 1: Arrival
We will meet at River Springs at 8:00am. You will be greeted by your guides, paired with your horse and ride into the Pizona Springs camp. Seminars include map orientation and history of the wild horse.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Springs

Day 2 & 3: Pizona
Full day in the field, riding out to track and observe horses on open range and watering sites. Periodic stops for viewing, informal discussion and rest. Seminars include social structure and behavior of wild horses, seasonal range ecology and current issues affecting maintenance of free-roaming wild horses.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Springs

Day 4: Departure
Take a ride to the western range with lunch before returning to vans at River Springs Roadhead. Seminars today include obtaining, training and using wild horses. The last meal served will be lunch. Expect to arrive at your cars by 4:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Sample Itinerary: Photography Special (max 15 guests) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival, photography session on foot
Our adventure begins at 3pm when we meet at River Springs camp (NOT Rock Creek Pack Station), approximately 54 miles north of Bishop, CA. After introductions and an overview of our workshop schedule, Buren and one of Rock Creek’s naturalist guides will help you prepare for our first shooting session by going over wildlife photography techniques, some basic equine behavior/herd dynamics and how to best approach the mustangs. Then we’ll break for an early dinner before heading out for a sunset shooting session on foot. River Springs is where we will see the largest number of horses, often as many as 70 or more. It’s common to see stallions battling and foals of the year nursing or playing, but mostly we’ll see mustangs doing what all horses mostly do, which is eat. The keys to photographic success in this situation are patience, preparation and awareness. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice all of these during this workshop.
Meals included: Dinner
Camping at River Springs

Day 2: First ride, photography session on horseback
We begin pre-sunrise with hot coffee or tea. Once the caffeine kicks in, we’ll head out for our second shooting session. The wide valley floor, between two snow-capped mountain ranges, is ideally situated for both morning and evening light, but completely different photographically in each situation. It’s difficult when the adrenaline is pumping but maintaining awareness of light and backgrounds in addition to behavior when shooting this morning will pay off in stronger images. After our morning photo session, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast and then we saddle up and head out for the ~3-hour ride to our second camp at Pizona Springs. On the way, we’ll ride past the herd we just photographed and have lunch on the trail at a spot overlooking the River Springs herd. After our arrival at Pizona, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax and explore. Look for blooming wildflowers or check out the old stone stagecoach tollhouse nearby. Or take a nap. After dinner, Buren will cover some finer points of wildlife photography. Then relax around the campfire until you hear your sleeping bag calling.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Camp

Day 3: Ride to high desert country, track wild mustang herds
We ride into the high country today in search of smaller bands of mustangs and grand landscapes. We’ll saddle up after breakfast and head out for an all-day ride. Somewhere down the trail, we’ll cross the state line into Nevada. Rock Creek’s guides are experts at tracking and finding mustangs, but there are no guarantees. If we are very fortunate, we’ll find mustangs at the very top of our ride where we our view covers a huge expanse of the Sierra Nevada and immense Boundary Peak. The scenery here is simply breathtaking. Even if the mustangs don’t cooperate (which happens often), this is an amazing spot for macro photography and landscapes, especially black and whites. Your horse can also model for you for the price of an apple core or a few carrots. End the day with generous servings of cowboy cuisine followed by an informal discussion on image management and processing using Adobe Lightroom.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping at Pizona Camp

Day 4: Ride to River Springs, photography session on horseback. Departure.
Our final day begins with an optional sunrise landscape session in the valley just beyond our camp. If you’ve seen enough sunrises, just get up in time for another hearty breakfast. Then we pack, break camp and ride back to River Springs.
One last shooting session with the River Springs herd, lunch and then we say our goodbyes.
End of Service.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch


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

                                                Bishop area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	54	58	65	72	81	92	98	96	88	76	63	53
Average Low Temperature (°F)	23	26	31	36	44	51	57	54	47	37	27	22
Average High Temperature (°C)	12	14	18	22	27	33	37	35	31	24	17	12
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-5	-3	0	2	7	11	14	12	8	3	-3	-6
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	1

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. This ride ranges from about 6500 to 8500 feet (1900 to 2600m) so it tends to be colder than in Bishop.
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 for Mustangs Trip
Dunnage limit is 40lbs per person (this includes sleeping bags, fishing equipment, liquor, etc.). There will be a surcharge of $3 to $10 per pound on dunnage in excess of the 40 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)
- Binoculars

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)


For the Photography Special, we recommend to bring:
- Knee-high waterproof boots for wild horse photography sessions on foot
- Light long-sleeve shirt with UV protection

Average ratings from 8 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 cathy beach 7/18/2017 andrea szilagyi 7/5/2017 lori millis 6/23/2017 andrea szilagyi 6/19/2017 agnes luster 6/10/2017 susan peters 6/17/2014 jamie warnken 6/15/2010 kim higgins 5/30/2006

Accommodation
This is a pack trip so most nights are spent camping.

Description
Depending on the program you chose, you will sleep at different locations.

During the Pizona Springs ride, we will be camping at a stationary 'tent city' and doing day trips out from this location. 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 campsite. 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! 

During the Benton Springs ride, guests can spend the 2 first nights in a room at the Old House Bed & Breakfast or camp in a tent at Benton. The last two nights we’ll all camp in tents at our wilderness style camp in Pizona.
At the Old House B&B, rooms are available for singles, couples or families. Each room is equipped with running water, toilet and a TV. Those wanting to camp will have tents near the Old House.



Meals
All meals are included.
For the Pizona Springs trip, meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.
For the Benton Springs trip, meals are included from lunch 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:		Quarter Horse crosses
Pace:		Between 2 to 6 hours per day - mostly at a walk | Walk |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 6
Weight:		Max 240 lbs
Riders:		Min 6 riders	Max 20 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. We typically have two guides for each 10 riders.  Sometimes we break trips up into smaller groups.

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.