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Yosemite Expedition Pack Trip


Itinerary for Yosemite Expedition Pack Trip




Sample Itinerary: Rock Creek to Tuolomne Meadows - subject to changes

Day 1: Rock Creek to Third Recess and Mono Creek
Leaving the Pack Station (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 go alongside Gold Creek and Mono Creek to reach camp down the canyon.
Estimated riding time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp near the confluence of Third Recess and Mono Creek

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 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Silver Pass Meadow


Day 3: Silver Pass Meadow to Horse Heaven
Continue north on the Muir Trail past Silver Pass Lake to reach Silver Pass (10,900 ft). To the south, view Seven Gables Mt. (13,075 ft), 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 Heaven. 
Estimated riding time 4.5 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Horse Heaven


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 ft) and Red and White Mountain (12,850 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Horse Heaven


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 ft) and Purple Lake (9,900 ft) 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 ft).
Estimate riding time: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Deer Creek


Day 6: Deer Creek to Gladys Lake
Riders make good time descending into Red’s Meadow (7,500 ft). 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 ft). We ride another hour and a half through forests, ponds and meadowy country to Gladys lake (9,600 ft).
Estimated riding time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Gladys Lake


Day 7: 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 ft).
Estimated riding time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Thousand Island Lake


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 ft). 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 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Lyell Fork Canyon


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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp at Lyell Fork Canyon


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: 3.5 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Sample Itinerary: Virginia Lakes to Twin Lakes - subject to changes

Ride the Pacific Crest Trail on this eight-day trip going from Virginia Lakes to Twin Lakes. This trip is designed for those who enjoy a lot of riding. Expect some rough terrain and beautiful sceneres.

Day 1: Ride to Virginia Canyon
Day 2: Layover day with a day-ride to McCabe Lake
Day 3: Ride to Matterhorn Canyon
Day 4: Layover day with day-ride opportunity to Burro Pass
Day 5: Ride to Benson Lake with its sandy shore
Day 6: Layover day at the lake
Day 7: Ride up to Upper Kerrick Meadow
Day 8: Finish the ride and exit at Twin Lakes

Note: This tour is operating under permit with the USDA Forest Service through Special Use Permit on the Inyo National Forest.
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Yosemite Expedition Pack Trip
Tour Code: RTCA07
10 days / 9 nights
Dates : July, Aug

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
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.
CIntermediate
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.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Basic
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 07/28 - 08/06 10d / 9n 10 day pack trip - Rock Reek... 2 /12 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Western
Horses: Mostly quarterhorse mix
Pace: between 2 to 6 hours per day - mostly ...
Walk,
Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
Location on Google Map
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Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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