Trip Overview:

Join us in herding horses and mules between our winter range in the Owens Valley and our Pack Station in the High Sierra. Since 1968, the first time we took guests, the Horse Drives have been the most exciting four days of the year. You do not have to be an expert rider but should have some time in the saddle. We have mounts to suit your ability.

The cook and camp crew have a comfortable camp set up in advance of each arrival. Tents and all the good food you can eat are provided. Just bring your sleeping bag and personal gear.
Read guest comments about the Horse Drive adventure.

Spring Horse Drive... To the Pack Station from Independence, CA winter pasture Arrive by 4:30 p.m., Friday, at Lower Corral. This is where the drive ends. Remember that this is bear territory. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOODSTUFFS IN YOUR VEHICLE!! We take you to camp on our horses' winter range for Friday night. For the next four days, live a truly western experience. *Arrive back at Lower Corral Tuesday afternoon. Celebration Banquet Tuesday evening in Bishop. Map of the Lower Corral location. GPS coordinates are: 37.468497,-118.724330 , if you are using a gps navigator.

Fall Horse Drive .... From the Pack Station to the winter range near Independence, CA Meet at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, in Bishop in the parking lot North of the City Hall and Fire Station. Entrance to the parking lot is directly across from the Wash Tub coin-op laundry at 237 North Warren Street. We take you to Rock Creek for breakfast and then we leave from Lower Corral. Ride ends after lunch on Tuesday, at our winter range. We return to the Bishop Civic Center by 4 p.m., Tuesday afternoon. Celebration banquet Tuesday evening in Bishop. Map of parking lot North of City Hall location (enlarge the map and you will see the Wash Tub named on Warren Street). GPS coordinates are: 37.3632512,-118.3961255, if you are using a gps navigator.

What you need to know for Horse Drives

Dunnage limit is 40 lbs. per person (this includes sleeping bags,liquor, etc.). Yes, it is 10 lbs more than our pack trips!

You may bring your own tent up to 10 pounds that is in addition.

PERSONAL CHECK LIST

Bring belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper recommended, ideal size approximately 14" x 32". It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag INSIDE of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.

Sleeping bags can be in separate duffels --again, line the inside of the duffle against rain. Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy resealable plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill. When possible, it is a good idea to transfer alcoholic beverages to sturdy plastic bottles with well fitting caps - it will save weight and protect against breakage.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS:

• Sleeping bag with a comfort range of 20 to 60 degrees and a moisture proof ground cloth.
  
• Air mattress or small 1/4"-1/2" foam hip pad recommended - your night's rest will affect your next days enjoyment. Bring the best sleeping pad you can manage.
• Broad-brimmed hat is essential for protection from sun at high altitude. It must have strings to keep from blowing off.
• Sunglasses (RX glasses) - high altitude sun is BRIGHT!
• Coffee mug (plastic for camp)
• Pint water bottle for your horn bag
• Pocket knife or small multi-tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Camera and film (sturdy strap)-- if using digital - don't forget an extra battery and card
• Rain jackets and pants or slicker (rolled up you can tie them to the back of your saddle)
• Hat protector (to keep your hat dry)
• Light jacket (windbreaker)
• Wool or fleece pullover/sweater (layers will keep you comfortable)
• Heavy jacket
• Bandana
• Woolen cap (evenings can be cold)
• Gloves (recommend gloves for riding, may want warm gloves for evenings)
• Socks
• Riding boots
• Shoes for camp (moccasins, athletic shoes, etc)
• Shirts and pants (long sleeved shirts offer sun, bug and branch protection)
• Underwear
• Bathing suit
• Bath towel/wash cloth/soap (try a multi-use bar or liquid for use on hair, body and laundry. Biodegradable choices are available.)
• Insect repellent such as Cutters
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• comb/brush clips/pins/ponytail holders
• Shaving kit (a small mirror is helpful)
• Sun Screen (lotion, cream or stick)- use liberally for sunburn and chapping prevention.
• Chapstick with sun protection SPF 15 or better
• Moisturizer (cream or lotion - altitude and sun can be dry and chap skin)
• Prescription medicine (if required - if you have any allergies, remember to bring appropriate medication)
• Band-aids, aspirin, ibuprofen, eye drops, moleskin for any blisters
• Baby powder/Talcum powder (helps to relieve any raw or irritated areas from boots, clothes or saddles)
• Kleenex
• Jogging suit (sweats are comfortable for after-swim and campfire lounging)

LOW-IMPACT GUIDE FOR THE WILDERNESS USER

We are dedicated to conducting our trips so that others following us will find the country unspoiled. Livestock is a natural part of the wilderness and when properly managed enhances man's enjoyment of our unmechanized wilderness area. Today, just as it was when the entire west was mostly wilderness, the horse and mule remain our companions and servants in wilderness travel. We practice and expect you to observe the following during your trip.

1. Keep horses on trail; do not cut switchbacks (corners).
2. Tie horses 200 feet away from streams, trails and campsites. At camps, horses and mules are tied to picket lines, stretched between trees on granitic soil.
3. If you can't tie animal to picket line use a tree greater than 8" in diameter, not on grass. Tie high and short (2-3 ft.) so horse doesn't get foot caught in rope.
4. Choose a tent site at least 100 ft. from water (THE LAW) where drainage will not be a problem, avoiding the need to trench. No tents or camp area allowed on grass or meadowlands.
5. Utilize pre-existing fire rings where possible. Don't surround fires with rocks! Dig a hole in sand and cover when finished. When you leave camp, bury ashes from fire rings. Leave existing fire rings clean for the next user.
6. When breaking camp, return the spot to its natural state and broadcast a covering of needles and cones. Scout the area to make sure nothing will be left behind. Remove the smallest pieces of aluminum foil and trash.
7. Pack out all trash. Don't bury garbage, scatter organic wastes or leave foil in campfire pit. Burn cans and flatten. On our group trips we have a bag for cans and aluminum foil.
8. Don't use soap (even biodegradable) in streams or lakes, Wash yourself, clothes and dishes away from water sources.
9. Bury human waste 200 ft. from water, campsites and trails. Dig a hole 4-6" deep and after use tamp with sod.
10. Don't pick flowers or cut branches from live trees. Use only downed wood for fires.
11. You are required to keep bears from getting to your food at all times. Please ask for current regulations and suggestions on how to prepare for your trip.

Click on the map to see a larger version.

You can purchase quality topo maps at TOM HARRISON MAPS.