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.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date and Direction
Jul 07 - Jul 11 (Lone Pine, CA to Horseshoe Meadow, CA)
  • Jun 09 - Jun 13 (Bishop, California to Pizona)
  • Jul 07 - Jul 11 (Lone Pine, CA to Horseshoe Meadow, CA)
  • Aug 25 - Aug 29 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 12 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jul 7 - Jul 11, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Starts in Lone Pine and takes places in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Jul 07 - Jul 11 (Lone Pine, CA to Horseshoe Meadow, CA)
  • Jun 09 - Jun 13 (Bishop, California to Pizona)
  • Jul 07 - Jul 11 (Lone Pine, CA to Horseshoe Meadow, CA)
  • Aug 25 - Aug 29 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 12 (Bishop, California to East Fork of Rock Creek, CA)
Jul 7 - Jul 11, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Starts in Lone Pine and takes places in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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5 days
4 nights
12 meals
4 B 4 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Lone Pine, CA
D
Dow Hotel & Dow Villa Motel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Please note that smoke and forest fires can cause road closures in California during the summer months. For up to date road conditions and closures, contact the California Department of Transportation hotline at 1-800-427-7623 or at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: We will walk to a nearby restaurant. As we linger over dinner, get to know some of our wranglers/staff from the pack station who will talk informally about our learning adventure on horseback.

Evening: Orientation: 6:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All of our rides will take place in a national wilderness area. The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the legal definition of wilderness in the United States and at that time, protected 9.1 million acres of federal land. Typically, we will ride 4-9 miles a day or approximately 5-6 hours with an hour break for lunch. Topics for evening campfire talks will vary by season, location, and staff expertise. There may be opportunities for limited fishing (California license required) and swimming, so pack accordingly. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After orientation we’ll walk back to the hotel. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
2
Arrive Base Camp, Trail Rides into Sierra Nevada Mountains
Horseshoe Meadow, CA
B,L,D
Sierra Nevada Campsite

Activity note: Driving personal vehicles, up to 35 miles, approximately 1 hour. Horseback riding up to 8 miles round-trip; mounting/dismounting throughout the day, mounting blocks not available on trail. No cell phone service at Pack Station. Elevation up to 10,000 feet.

Breakfast: Upon arrival at the pack station.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel early and drive our personal vehicles to the pack station before breakfast. After breakfast, We’ll then divide into two groups and mount up for our initial trail rides up to South Fork of Cottonwoods Creek or Trail Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, learning about local flora and fauna along the way.

Lunch: In a scenic spot, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: Our learning adventure exploring the wilderness will continue. Fishing is available with a California fishing license. Later in the afternoon, we’ll ride back to camp and get settled.

Dinner: Around the campfire.

Evening: Evening campfire talks will vary by season and staff expertise, addressing a range of topics such as natural or human history.

DAY
3
Cottonwood Pass, Chicken Spring Lake, Lecture
Horseshoe Meadow, CA
B,L,D
Sierra Nevada Campsite

Activity note: Horseback riding up to 16 miles roundtrip, mounting and dismounting throughout the day; mounting blocks not available on trail. Elevation up to 11,000 feet.

Breakfast: Around the campfire.

Morning: Our horseback riding field trip this morning will take us to Cottonwood Pass which is at 11,200 feet. We’ll divide into two groups for trail rides into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, learning about aspects of natural history as we go.

Lunch: Boxed lunch from Rock Creek Pack Station.

Afternoon: Returning to camp through this scenic wonderland, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Around the campfire.

Evening: We’ll gather around the campfire with fellow Road Scholars for another opportunity to learn about the area’s fascinating natural and human history.

DAY
4
Meadow Trail Ride, Entertainment
Horseshoe Meadow, CA
B,L,D
Sierra Nevada Campsite

Activity note: Horseback riding about 6 miles roundtrip; mounting/dismounting throughout the day, mounting blocks not available on trail. Elevation up to 11,000 feet.

Breakfast: Around the campfire.

Morning: We will set out on a horseback riding field trip to Cottonwood Lakes Basin which has excellent fishing and beautiful subalpine lakes. We’ll divide into two groups for trail rides into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, learning about aspects of natural history as we go.

Lunch: On the trail, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: Returning to camp along the trail, the remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Dinner: Around the campfire. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: In the superb silence of the High Sierra, we’ll enjoy a special treat as we’re joined by a guest musician. Sing, clap, dance, or just sit back and relax under the star-filled sky.

DAY
5
Ride to Trail Pass, Program Concludes
Horseshoe Meadow, CA
B,L

Activity note: Horseback riding about 6 miles roundtrip; mounting/dismounting throughout the day, mounting blocks not available on trail. Elevation up to 11,000 feet.

Breakfast: Around the campfire.

Morning: Today we will ride Trail Pass with less than 500 feet elevation gain. Enjoy nice views of Circue Peak. Take in the beauty of the high county as we reflect back on our program in one small section of John Muir’s Range of Light.

Lunch: At the Rock Creek Pack Station cookhouse. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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