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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