Horseback Riding & Packing

Horseback Riding and Mule Packing in the Eastern Sierra

Mule packing in the Eastern Sierra opens doors to remote wonders unreachable by conventional means. Unlike hiking or vehicle tours, this mode of travel has the unique advantage of traversing rugged landscapes with ease. Mules, known for their strength and sure-footedness, can navigate steep terrain, ensuring your access to secluded spots. This adventure not only brings you closer to nature but also allows for a deeper connection with history on trails that have been used for centuries.

Compared to backpacking, where you carry your own gear, mule packing offers the luxury of exploring without the burden. You immerse in the wilderness, yet the essentials travel with you, cared for by seasoned professionals from local pack stations. Through mule packing, the Eastern Sierra’s majesty unfolds in a manner both respectful to the environment and enriching to the soul.

Eastern Sierra’s Equestrian Centers

Without horses there would be no mules. Read more about the History of Mules here.

Centers for equestrian pursuits in the heart of the Eastern Sierra have long-standing, well developed programs designed to cater to varying skill levels from beginners to advanced riders. They offer lessons on horse care, riding techniques, and safety with a distinct blend of traditional and modern equestrian practices. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada they boast prime riding trails that meander through this scenic backdrop, offering unparalleled experiences for riders. Visitors can engage in a range of activities from trail riding to participating in rodeo sports, all under the watchful guidance of seasoned professionals.

It’s all about where you want to go…

Selecting the ideal equestrian station for your Eastern Sierra adventure starts with three basic questions.  When are you going? Where are you going? What are your interests?

Summer and autumn are prime times for exploring the backcountry. The warm weather and long days offer ideal conditions for journeys into the wilderness. During these seasons stations operate at full capacity, offering a wide range of tours and activities. Operations at pack stations serving the high country may slow down or close during winter and spring, with some offering winter-specific activities. Equestrian centers based at lower elevations operate year-round.

Whether your interest lies in serene Sierra landscapes of lakes and creeks, or the rugged terrain of craggy mountain passes, or a view of the history of the region, each station provides unique experiences tailored to diverse preferences. Do you want to summit Mt. Whitney, take a leisurely afternoon ride, or enroll kids in a packing camp? Choose your station accordingly to ensure a safe and memorable adventure regardless of your proficiency.

No matter the experience, age, or capability of the members of your group, a pack trip can cater to each person’s needs and ensure a great group adventure.

Directory of Pack Stations, Equestrian Centers & Day Rides

• Convict Lake Resort (2000 Convict Lake Rd., 9-miles south of Mammoth Lakes, on the shores of Convict Lake)
• Cottonwood Pack Station (Located at Horseshoe Meadow, 8-miles southwest of Lone Pine)
• McGee Creek Pack Station (2990 McGee Creek Rd., 3-miles from Crowley Lake, on the edge of the John Muir Wilderness)
• Millpond Equestrian Center (45 Sawmill Rd., Bishop)
• Mt. Whitney Pack Trains (Operated by Rock Creek Pack Station out of Horseshoe Meadow near Lone Pine)
• Rainbow Pack Outfitters (on S. Lake Rd., at Parchers Resort in Bishop Creek Canyon)
• Rock Creek Pack Station (On Rock Creek Rd. off US-395, 26-miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 33-miles north of Bishop)
• Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit (On Virginia Lakes Road, 5-miles from the junction with US-395 near Conway Summit)

Types of Pack Trips

• Spot Trips: You and your gear are transported to a remote Eastern Sierra location and returned by pack train on a specified date.
• Dunnage Drop: All gear is transported on pack mules.
• Thru-hiker Resupply: Arrange your JMT or PCT hike to be resupplied by a local pack station
• Day Trail Rides: A few hours, a half day, or all-day ride into the mountains of the magnificent Eastern Sierra.
• Drives: Participate in an authentic mounted drive to move livestock from one area to another seasonally.

Mule Days

California was literally built on the backs of mules. This magnificent pack animal is still revered in the Eastern Sierra and Bishop is home to an annual celebration of the mule. Mule Days, held every Memorial Day weekend, is “The Greatest Mule Show on Earth.”

Read all about Mule Days here.