California

Off the Map: Horseback Riding in the High Sierra Nevada Wilderness

Program No. 10322RJ
Immerse yourself in the Sierra Nevada’s rugged beauty, surveying the secluded landscapes on horseback to learn about the region’s history, culture and legends from local adventurers.

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At a Glance

Deep in the heart of the backcountry, accompanied by just your horse and a small band of intrepid adventurers, marvel at the lakes, forests and flower-filled meadows of the High Sierra Nevada wilderness areas. Ride the rugged trails of these unblemished natural treasures on horseback as you imbue your own spirit with the peace and tranquility of the Inyo National Forest in June, Golden Trout Wilderness in July, John Muir Wilderness/Inyo National Forest in August, or the Hoover Wilderness in September. Learn about the Eastern Sierra’s human history and early exploration and gain historical insight into these beautiful wilderness areas.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Horseback riding approximately 5 to 9 miles a day, some experience preferred. Some easy hiking. Elevations of 9,000-11,000 feet. Early arrival to acclimatize to the high altitude is desirable. Hydration before and during the program is highly recommended to assist the body in adjusting to the altitude.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience the rugged grandeur of the beautiful and remote High Sierra wilderness led by pack station wranglers.
  • Learn various perspectives of the history, culture and tales of the High Sierras shared by expert leaders.
  • Enjoy an evening of live music around the campfire in a serene mountain setting under a canopy of stars.

General Notes

This program is part of our “Off the Map” series, exploring truly remote areas of the United States as a way to connect with local culture and landscapes, and disconnect with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Our goal is to bring you to places that have limited access to Wi-Fi, cell service and other technology so you can enjoy authentic learning experiences without modern distractions. Location and wilderness area varies by departure. For your safety and for the health of the horses, this program has a participant weight limit of 225 lbs., unless weight is proportional with height. In order to ensure your comfort and safety while journeying into the wild beauty of California's Eastern Sierra, participants will be required to fill out a Rock Creek Pack Station rider information form that requests this information before participating in the program. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
12 Meals
4 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 11, 2024
  • Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 11, 2024
  • Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 13, 2024 (Bishop, California to Pizona)
  • Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 11, 2024 (Lone Pine, CA to Horseshoe Meadow, CA)
  • Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
3 nights
Inyo National Forest
Take in the fresh air and starry night sky of the Inyo National Forest from your tent in a back country location. Although the Rock Creek Pack Station provides all meals and most camping supplies, you will be responsible for providing some of your own equipment, such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A detailed packing list will be included in the informational packet you will receive before the program.
1 night
Lone Pine
The Dow Historic Hotel was built in the early 1920's primarily to house movie industry personnel who frequently came to the Owens Valley to film Westerns, including John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Clint Eastwood. Many early Westerns and the epic "Gunga Din" were filmed in the ancient Alabama Hills to the west of town. The hotel faces the beautiful, snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountain range and magnificent Mt. Whitney, which at 14,496 feet is the highest peak in the lower 48 States. Lone Pine is also the gateway to Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level. The Dow Villa Motel, adjacent to the Dow Historic Hotel, was built in three stages in the late 1950's and early 1960's to meet the growing demand for more rooms. The hotel boasts a refined, graceful air and still attracts many film and TV companies. The Dow property is all non-smoking and has been family-owned and operated since 1957.
3 nights
Sierra Nevada
Take in the fresh air and starry night sky of the Sierra Nevada high country from your tent in a back country location. Although the Rock Creek Pack Station provides all meals and most camping supplies, you will be responsible for providing some of your own equipment, such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A detailed packing list will be included in the informational packet you will receive before the program.
3 nights
Sierra Nevada
Take in the fresh air and starry night sky of the Sierra Nevada high country from your tent in a back country location. Although the Rock Creek Pack Station provides all meals and most camping supplies, you will be responsible for providing some of your own equipment, such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A detailed packing list will be included in the informational packet you will receive before the program.
3 nights
Sierra Nevada
Take in the fresh air and starry night sky of the Sierra Nevada high country from your tent in a back country location. Although the Rock Creek Pack Station provides all meals and most camping supplies, you will be responsible for providing some of your own equipment, such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A detailed packing list will be included in the informational packet you will receive before the program.





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