Explore the endless John Muir Wilderness and Yosemite National Park, which rises to almost 4,000 meters above sea level with its snow-capped mountains, gorges, alpine meadows, picturesque lakes, and impressive biodiversity of flora and fauna—an absolute natural paradise! Fir trees, pine trees, mountain streams, rocks, and mountain meadows provide a home for numerous animals, including black bears, deer, woodpeckers, owls, ground squirrels, bats, and more. At the beginning of summer, the alpine meadows are overflowing with wildflowers and herbs.

All rides are accompanied by pack horses, and you will spend the night in tents with campsites usually located near beautiful mountain lakes. Choose between 5 and 10 days. The rides start in River Springs or at Rock Creek. All rides start on the first day at around 7:30 am. and end on the last day between 4:30pm and 6 pm.

Itinerary

Different routes are offered every year
(detailed itineraries available on request)

5-day tour:

History of the Sierra (July 28–August 1, 2025)
Immerse yourself in the natural history of the Sierra Nevada. Join retired national park ranger Dr. Nancy Muleady-Mecham for a unique opportunity to learn all about these mountains and nature. Explore the night sky in the truly dark backcountry. Nancy will talk about the adaptability of birds and mammals, the geology of the Sierra, glaciation and weather, tree ring dating, mixed mountain forests, wildflowers, the ecology of fire, and indigenous peoples. You will learn how to make arrowheads and use an atlatl (an ancient spear thrower). Bring binoculars, a camera, and plenty of curiosity.

6-day tours:
Virginia Lakes Trail (August 2-7, 2025)
Experience a section of Yosemite National Park that few visitors ever see. The route follows winding trails from the idyllic Virginia Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows—great views and beautiful nature are guaranteed!

Mount Whitney (July 20-25, 2025)
You will follow an ancient Native American route through the Sierra Nevada via Mono Pass, through meadows dotted with dwarf pines and wildflowers, crossing streams and then climbing above the tree line. Dwarf pines, aspens, lupines, Indian paintbrush, white phlox, mustard and mountain mint cover the landscape on the way to the summit. It is not unusual to see marmots and coyotes. Descend at Summit Lake and continue to Pioneer Basin and Hopkins Basin. The trail leads past Trail Lake down to Gold Creek through extensive pine forests interspersed with streams. And that's just the first day of riding! The next few days are also characterized by spectacular scenery with canyons, rocks, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and many lakes. You will also climb Silver Pass and Duck Pass (both approx. 3,350 m above sea level) on horseback and ride along the famous Pacific Crest.

Triple Pass (July 20-25, 2025)
Experience the beauty of countless streams, lakes, and meadows dotted with wildflowers. The route follows part of the Pacific Crest Trail and crosses the Mono, Silver, and Duck Passes. There will be opportunities to fish for trout, which will be cooked over a campfire. Two side trips to Hopkins Lake and Grassy Lake are also planned.

7-day tours

Kern River & Golden Trout Wilderness (July 26-August 1, 2025)
Guests travel on horseback to remote and beautiful areas of the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. The waters of the Kern Plateau are home to the most colorful golden trout in the world. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued 52 golden trout on September 19, 2016, with the help of wranglers and their mules. Equally impressive are the waters of the nearby Kern River, home to the Kern River Rainbow Trout, one of California's most sought-after fish. Guests spend two full days fishing for Kern River Rainbows from a beautiful camp near the banks of this world-class fishing area.
On the way to and from the Kern River, there is the opportunity to fish Golden Trout Creek and Volcano Creek, home to the golden trout. No previous fishing experience is necessary.

Winchester Trail (July 19-25, 2025)
An exciting ride with lots of river crossings. You will pass several picturesque mountain lakes and follow the Green Lake Trail into Yosemite National Park. Continue on to Virginia Canyon and over the Cathedral Range until you reach the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which takes you over the mountains from lake to lake and also to the Toluomne waterfalls. The area is particularly rich in water with numerous streams.


Yosemite Wilderness Ride (11 days)
Yosemite National Park is located about 300 kilometers east of San Francisco. It covers an area of 3,000 square kilometers along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. In 1984, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because its impressive granite rocks, waterfalls, clear streams, groves of sequoia trees, and biodiversity are known worldwide. Every year, Yosemite National Park attracts three million visitors, most of whom only visit the central part of the park, Yosemite Valley. On these horseback tours, we take you to the unknown parts of the park, where you can still experience true wilderness!
Explore over 160 kilometers of the John Muir - Pacific Crest Trail through wildflower-covered valleys, alpine lakes, and forested campsites. Opportunities to fish for gold, rainbow, and brook trout. The wild animals, glaciers, and majestic peaks over 4,000 meters high made this John Muir's favorite backcountry - his “glimps of heaven.” We will ride over Mono Pass and join the John Muir Trail before crossing Silver Pass. Continuing on, we will pass countless lakes, bypass Mammoth Divide with wonderful views of the Cascade Valley and Fish Creek, and then descend to the foot of the Minarettes. The journey continues past Mount Ritter and Mount Banner before we climb Donohue Pass, the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While we are at our last camp at Lyell Fork, we explore the highlands of Yosemite.

Accomodation
You spend the night in a tent during the tours. There is no shower; you can refresh yourself in the river or lake.
The meals are extensive. There is a hot breakfast in the morning, sandwiches with fruit and snacks at lunchtime and meat, fish, vegetables, salads and fresh fruit in the evening.

Saddle & Tack: Western.

Experience: Advanced beginners, slow riding pace.

Horses: Especially quarters and quarter mixes

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