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WELCOME TO ROCK CREEK PACK STATION

(760) 872-8331

Dates for 2023
WILDERNESS PERMITS: All wilderness permits for our guests are provided through the Pack Station commercial quota allocation. These wilderness permits are not issued from the general public quota. If you are riding or hiking with us, the permit will be issued from our commercial quota.

A trail ride is a horseback adventure that includes camping in the wilderness. We furnish stock, horse tack, packers, a cook, food and camping equipment and tents. You are responsible for your own sleeping bag, mattress, clothing and personal items. For a full list of personal items, please look HERE.

MUSTANG TRIPS.

SPRING and FALL HORSE DRIVES.

PARENT/CHILD TRIPS.

PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOLS.

SPRING HORSE DRIVE
Inyo National Forest/LADWP Land
4 days
June 16-20, 2023
$1750
Independence to Rock Creek
Space is LIMITED to 25 guests
Join us in herding the horses and mules from winter pasture in the Owens Valley to the high elevation Pack Station. You do not have to be an expert rider but should have some time in the saddle.
For a more detailed description of the Spring and Fall Horse Drives
click here


DAVIS/HILTON LAKES TRAIL RIDE #1
John Muir Wilderness
4 Days
June 22-25, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$1150
Be among the first of the season to enjoy the beauty of nearby Hilton Lakes. On this four-day trip we camp near Davis Lake, the largest lake in the area, or near Lake #2. There will be time for you to explore the upper lakes and the meadows below the Basin.
For a detailed description of the Hilton Lakes Trail Ride Itinerary click here.


PARENT/CHILD TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
June 23-25, 2023
June 30- July 2, 2023
July 7-9, 2023
July 14-16, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$825
We invite you and your child to join us for three days of riding, fishing and camping. Learn how to care for your horse and enjoy comfortable camping. A wonderful experience for those who enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Click Here for a map of the area
For a detailed description of the Parent/Child Trail Ride click here.


GOLDEN TROUT TRAIL RIDE #1
5 days
June 25-29, 2023
$1425
Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
The route begins at Horseshoe and continues to South Fork Kern, then travel to our campsite Golden Trout Creek below Tunnel Meadows. Layover days allow for rides to Little Whitney Meadows, South Fork of the Kern in Templeton/Ramshaw Meadows and options to ride to Kern Peak and Big Whitney Meadows. We will terminate at Horseshoe Meadows.
Excellent fishing for Golden Trout.
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.


PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOL
Packing Fundamentals

6 days
June 24-29, 2023
$1800
Meet at Rock Creek Pack Station
Backcountry itinerary at Tamarack/Hilton with emphasis on mastering hitches, packing techniques and management of livestock and people to minimize impact on wilderness.
For a more detailed description of our Professional Packing School courses click here.


PARENT/CHILD TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
June 23-25, 2023
June 30- July 2, 2023
July 7-9, 2023
July 14-16, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$750
We invite you and your child to join us for three days of riding, fishing and camping. Learn how to care for your horse and enjoy comfortable camping. A wonderful experience for those who enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Click Here for a map of the area
For a detailed description of the Parent/Child Trail Ride click here.


COTTONWOOD LAKE TRAIL RIDE
4 days
July 1-4, 2023
$1150
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Depart from Horseshoe Meadows
Meet at Horseshoe Meadow and travel to our camp at Cottonwood Lake.
We will have day rides from the camp. Return to Horseshoe.
OUTSTANDING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING.
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness


FOURTH OF JULY SPECIAL
John Muir Wilderness
4 days
July 1-4, 2023
$1050
Start and End at Rock Creek
Celebrate the 4th of July by starting out on a four-day trail ride to Davis Lake or Lake #2. Fishing is great, and there are day rides to Turk Meadows, Lower Hilton Creek and the Upper Hilton Lakes.
For a more detailed description of Fourth of July Special Trail Ride click here.


PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOL #2
Advanced Packing in the Wilderness (section 2)
6 days
July 2-7, 2023
$1800
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Meet at Horseshoe Meadows?a six day traveling educational pack trip into the Golden Trout Wilderness
Emphasis on moving camps, wrangling and feeding livestock on the extended wilderness pack trip.
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness


COTTONWOOD LAKE TRAIL RIDE #2
4 days
July 6-9, 2023
$1150
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Depart from Horseshoe Meadows
Meet at Horseshoe Meadow and travel to our camp at Cottonwood Lake.
We will have day rides from the camp. Return to Horseshoe.
OUTSTANDING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING.
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness


PARENT/CHILD TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
June 23-25, 2023
June 30- July 2, 2023
July 7-9, 2023
July 14-16, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$825
We invite you and your child to join us for three days of riding, fishing and camping. Learn how to care for your horse and enjoy comfortable camping. A wonderful experience for those who enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Click Here for a map of the area
For a detailed description of the Parent/Child Trail Ride click here.


VETERINARY CARE AND HORSEPACKING IN THE WILDERNESS
Horseshoe Meadow loop trip in Golden Trout Wilderness
7 days
July 10-16, 2023
$1925
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
This seven-day, deluxe pack trip has been acclaimed as an outstanding adventure and educational experience.
Topics will include:

  • Wilderness conduct of people
  • Trail riding safety and horse equipment
  • Methods of feeding livestock in the backcountry
  • Management of livestock
  • Preventative medicine
  • Evaluating the normal horse
  • Treating a hurt or sick horse in the wilderness
  • Packing equipment, fitting saddles, making loads, hitches and leading strings of mules
  • Veterinary skills including physical examination, floating teeth, intramuscular/IV injections, applying wraps, animal restraint and aging horses
  • Shoeing
INSTRUCTOR:
Craig London, D.V.M., is owner of Rock Creek Pack Station and Mt. Whitney Pack Trains in the southeastern Sierra Nevada mountains. He practices veterinary medicine in Bishop and has taught many UC Davis Extension courses on veterinary care and wilderness horsepacking.
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness


DAVIS/HILTON LAKES TRAIL RIDE #2
John Muir Wilderness
4 Days
July 14-17, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$1155
Be among the first of the season to enjoy the beauty of nearby Hilton Lakes. On this four-day trip we camp near Davis Lake, the largest lake in the area, or near Lake #2. There will be time for you to explore the upper lakes and the meadows below the Basin.
For a detailed description of the Hilton Lakes Trail Ride Itinerary click here.


PARENT/CHILD TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
June 23-25, 2023
June 30- July 2, 2023
July 7-9, 2023
July 14-16, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$825
We invite you and your child to join us for three days of riding, fishing and camping. Learn how to care for your horse and enjoy comfortable camping. A wonderful experience for those who enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Click Here for a map of the area
For a detailed description of the Parent/Child Trail Ride click here.


SILVER PASS TRAIL RIDE
6 days
July 15-20, 2023
$1900
Rock Creek to Mammoth
The ideal trip trip for those that like to see new back country. Spectacular trail riding as we cross Mono and Silver passes to reach Cascade Valley. Enjoy the camaraderie of those who enjoy a good trail ride and beautiful scenery.
For a more detailed description of Silver Divide Trail Ride click here.


NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SIERRA NEVADA
Golden Trout Wilderness
5 days
July 10-14, 2023
$1850
Start and end at Cottonwood Pack Station
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Immerse yourself in the Natural History of the Sierra Nevada.
Join Fulbright Scholar and retired National Park Ranger Dr. Nancy Muleady-Mecham for a once in a lifetime chance to learn all about these mountains and the nature within them. We will explore the night sky in the truly dark skies of the backcountry. We?ll learn about animal adaptations, birds and mammals; Sierra geology, glaciation, and weather; dendrochronology (the science of tree-ring dating), the mixed conifer and alpine forests, wildflowers, fire ecology; and indigenous people through time. Bring binoculars, cameras and your sense of wonder.
Look here for trip details.


HIGH SIERRA ON HORSEBACK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
PIONEER BASIN
5 days
Session 1: July 16-20, 2023
Session 2: July 22-26, 2023
$2,973
Start and end at Rock Creek
This is a beautiful area to explore! Bring your camera and work with photographer Ken Lee to improve your skills. In Ken's words: "Get ready for 5 days of intensive photography education, inspiration and practice in the heart of the spectacular Sierra Nevada! Our destination is Pioneer Basin, one of the most scenic settings in what John Muir aptly named The Range of Light. Truly a photographer's paradise, this remote location is not so easy to access. Fortunately, we will have our equine companions to help us with the heavy lifting as we ride into this magnificent alpine environment. Alpenglow, Golden Hour, Blue Hour - these are the conditions that produce portfolio images. Therefore, our days will start early and end late but there will be plenty of time in between to explore or just soak in your surroundings and appreciate the sheer beauty of unspoiled nature. Your level of photography experience is not as important as your desire to grow your image making abilities."
For more information on this trip or to SIGN UP, please go to Ken Lee's website .


KERN RIVER GOLDEN TROUT HERITAGE TRAIL RIDE
7 Days
July 16-22, 2023
$2750
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
This seven-day pack trip provides a unique opportunity for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy some of the best fly fishing the High Sierra has to offer. Guests travel by horseback into remote areas of the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park to fish for isolated species of Golden Trout and Kern River Rainbows.
For detailed information please click HERE.


MT. WHITNEY TRAIL RIDE
Sequoia National Park/John Muir Wilderness
6 days
July 17-22, 2023
$2750
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows
Pack your tackle for the ultimate Golden trout fishing adventure. Experience the subalpine beauty of Sequoia National Park with camps at Tyndal Creek, Wallace Creek, Crabtree Meadows and Rock Creek.
Planned itinerary:
Day 1: Horseshoe Meadow to Lower Rock Creek
Day 2: Layover
Day 3: Lower Rock Creek to Guitar Lake
Day 4: Option to climb Mt. Whitney and back to Crabtree/Sandy Meadow
Day 5: To Rock Creek
Day 6: Out to Horseshoe Meadow
More information on the Golden Trout Wilderness


TRIPLE PASS TRAIL RIDE
6 days
July 22-27, 2023
$2200
Rock Creek to Mammoth
Experience the beauty of countless streams, lakes and meadows carpeted with wildflowers. Route covers a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and crosses Mono, Silver and Duck Passes. Opportunity for trout fishing - mornings, evenings and two layover days. Side trips planned to Hopkins Lake and Grassy Lake.


VIRGINIA LAKES TO TUOLUMNE MEADOWS TRAIL RIDE
Starts at Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit ends at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite
5 days
July 29 - August 2, 2023
and August 10-14, 2023
$1,800
This trip is operated by Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit.
Explore the unseen Yosemite during the peak wildflower bloom. Join others that share a love of the backcountry, fishing and sharing stories around the campfire. A unique opportunity to experience secluded wilderness and ride through the majestic meadows of the Park. Virginia Lakes to Virginia Canyon Virginia Canyon to Miller Lake Miller Lake to McCabe Lake McCabe Lake to Glen Aulin Out to Tuolomne Meadows
More information on the Virginia Lakes to Tuolumne Trail Ride.


YOSEMITE TRAIL RIDE
Rock Creek to Tuolumne
10 days
July 30 - August 8, 2023
$3850
Rock Creek to Tuolumne Meadows
Explore over 100 miles of the John Muir-Pacific Crest Trail through wildflower-blanketed valleys, alpine lakes and forested campsites. Opportunity for Golden, Rainbow and Brook trout fishing. The wildlife, glaciers and majestic peaks over 13,000 feet made this John Muir's favorite backcountry, his range of light. We will ride over Mono Pass and join the John Muir Trail before crossing Silver Pass. Continuing on past countless lakes, we skirt the mammoth Divide, permitting stirring views of Cascade Valley and Fish Creek, to descend to the base of the Minarets. Journey past Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner before climbing to Donohue Pass, the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Our last camp is in the Lyell Canyon. We explore what some call the most majestic meadows in the Sierra in our last day's ride.
More information on the Yosemite Trail Ride.


HILTON LAKES TRAIL RIDE #3
John Muir Wilderness
4 Days
August 3-6, 2023
Start and End at Rock Creek
$1400
Be among the first of the season to enjoy the beauty of nearby Hilton Lakes. On this four-day trip we camp near Davis Lake, the largest lake in the area, or near Lake #2. There will be time for you to explore the upper lakes and the meadows below the Basin.
For a detailed description of the Hilton Lakes Trail Ride Itinerary click here.



HORSESHOE MEADOW TO BISHOP PASS
The John Muir Trail
15 days
August 15-29, 2023
$5500
Horseshoe Meadow to Bishop Pass
Complete the John Muir Trail from Horseshoe Meadow (near Lone Pine) to Bishop Pass. Layover days allow time to rest and explore the remote jewels of the Sierra Nevada.
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Look here for trip details..
The detailed description is particularly helpful for hikers, but will give you valuable information as a rider, too.


HORSESHOE MEADOW TO ONION VALLEY
The John Muir Trail
7 days
August 15-21, 2023
$2750
Horseshoe Meadow to Onion Valley
Complete the John Muir Trail from Horseshoe Meadow (near Lone Pine) to Onion Valley. Layover days allow time to rest and explore the remote jewels of the Sierra Nevada.
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Look here for trip details..
The detailed description is particularly helpful for hikers, but will give you valuable information as a rider, too. On Day 7, you will exit to Onion Valley, while the rest of the travellers lay over at Charlotte Lake.


ONION VALLEY TO BISHOP PASS
The John Muir Trail
9 days
August 21-29, 2023
$3375
Onion Valley to Bishop Pass
Complete the John Muir Trail from to Onion Valley to Bishop Pass. Layover days allow time to rest and explore the remote jewels of the Sierra Nevada.
This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. Whitney Pack Trains.
Look here for trip details..
The detailed description is particularly helpful for hikers, but will give you valuable information as a rider, too.
On Day 7 of that itinerary, you will travel from Onion Valley to Charlotte Lake to join up with the other travellers.


LAKE OF THE LONE INDIAN TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
8 Days
August 20-27, 2023
$2900
Rock Creek to Mammoth
This seven-day trail ride goes through the most remote areas of Fish Creek and Mono Creek backcountry. Trip itinerary includes Mono Pass, Silver Pass and Jackson Meadow. Several layover days allow riders to further explore the surrounding lakes and meadows — Peter Pande, Wilbur May, Grassy, and Olive lakes.

(Take a look at Greg Conte's photography for some great shots of the Silver Pass area.)
For a more detailed description of the Lake of the Lone Indian Trail Ride click here.


EVOLUTION VALLEY TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
10 Days
Sept 1-10, 2023
$3900
Ride the John Muir-PCT on this ten-day loop going south to King's Canyon National Park, over Mono Pass, Selden Pass, Evolution Valley, Muir Pass to LeConte Canyon and out via Bishop Pass. Many feel this is the most complete representation of all zones of the High Sierra. This trip is designed for those who enjoy a lot of riding. Layover days at Bear Creek, Evolution Valley and LeConte Canyon provide acess to some of the finest Golden Trout fishing in the High Sierra.


LABOR DAY TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
3 days
September 2-4, 2023
$675
Start and End at Rock Creek
A leisurely trail ride to the lakes and streams of the East Fork of Rock Creek. Our camp at Dorothy Lake provides easy access to Catherine, Buck, Francis, Deer and Dam lakes. The Tamarack Basin provides alternating forest, meadows and streams - ideal for those seeking wilderness seculsion without a long ride to camp.


HOOVER LAKES LABOR DAY SPECIAL
John Muir Wilderness
4 days
September 2-5, 2023
$1150
Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit
Riders will depart from scenic Green Creek, and return there. Ride to East Lake. Enjoy great fishing and the secluded wilderness. The Hoover Lakes Basin is known for its beautiful lakes and unique Eastern Sierra landscape.

FISH CREEK TRAIL RIDE
John Muir Wilderness
6 days
September 3-8, 2023
$2100
Rock Creek to Mammoth
The fantastic fishing and beauty of Indian Summer make this time a favorite for the oldtimers. This trail ride goes through the most remote areas of Fish Creek and Mono Creek backcountry. Trip itinerary includes Mono Pass, Silver Pass and Jackson Meadow. Layover days allow riders to further explore the surrounding lakes and meadows — Peter Pande, Wilbur May, Grassy, and Olive lakes.

PROFESSIONAL PACKING SCHOOL
John Muir Wilderness
6 days
September 9-14, 2023
$1750
Start and End at Rock Creek
Master packing and outfitting skills in this September course on a six-day pack trip into Mono Creek. Emphasis on wrangling and moving camp daily to improve packing skills. This fall session will be an ideal course for those who have completed UC packing courses, Backcountry Horseman seminars and introductory packing clinics.
For a more detailed description of our Professional Packing School courses click here.

FALL HORSE DRIVE Inyo National Forest/LADWP Land
4 days
September 16-19, 2023
$1750
Rock Creek to Independence
Space is LIMITED to 25 guests
Join us in herding the horses and mules to winter pasture in the Owens Valley. You do not have to be an expert rider but should have some time in the saddle. Beautiful time of year to ride.
For a more detailed description of the Spring and Fall Horse Drives click here

FALL COLOR TRAIL RIDE, Rock Creek
Start and End at Rock Creek
3 days
September 22-24, 2023
$990
A leisurely trail ride to the lakes and streams of the East Fork of Rock Creek. Our camp provides easy access to Catherine, Buck, Francis, Deer and Dam lakes. The Tamarack Basin provides alternating forest, meadows and streams - ideal for those seeking wilderness seculsion without a long ride to camp.

FALL COLORS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AND PACK TRIP
Start and End at Rock Creek, Lower Corral
4 days
September 28- October 1, 2023
$2340
This is an intensive 4 day photography adventure. The John Muir Wilderness provides wonderful subject matter and conditions (Alpenglow, Golden Hour, Blue Hour?) to afford us the opportunity to produce portfolio images. Your level of photography experience is not as important as your desire to practice and grow your image making abilities.
For more information on this trip go to: Ken Lee's website.
NOTE: All signups must be made directly through Ken Lee's site at artofseeing.com.




JMT

Flowers
Mt. Whitney Trail Ride




Packing School

Packing School - Vet Ed.
Flowers




Dorothy Lake


Call us TODAY at 760-872-8331 for a quick response to your questions.
You can email us, also.


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Rock Creek Pack Station, Inc operates under permit on the Inyo National Forest.
All Trail Rides and Packing Schools are subject to an 8% regulatory reservation fee, plus 2% USFS fee.
Horse Drives are are subject to an 8% regulatory reservation fee, plus 3% USFS fee.
Mustang Trips are are subject to a 3% USFS fee.
Trips traveling in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are subject to an additional 3% park use fee.


NOTICE: “In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027 , found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provided in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (a) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (b) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (c) email:program.intake@usda.gov.”

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.”

Last Updated: January 25, 2023
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