Horse Riding and Camping

There is a long tradition of horses and mules helping visitors reach the high country.

Trail Courtesy:

Hikers should move off to the downhill side of the trail when encountering stock.
A little conversation while you pass each other may reduce the chances of horses or stock being spooked.
Look ahead for a good place to move aside when you are being overtaken.
Hikers should accept directions from riders to help their stock safely pass. Riders should allow hikers time to find good footing and a safe place to stand before passing.

For information about modern stock packing ethics, and the history of packing in the Sierra Nevada, view this video.

Horseback Riding

There are 13 pack stations within the Inyo National Forest that offer horseback riding and resupply services for through hikers! Please check with the pack station while planning your trip to see what service they are currently offering.

Bishop Creek Pack Station
Cottonwood Pack Station
Frontier Pack Train (June Lake area)
Glacier Pack Train (Big Pine Lakes area)
Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit
Convict Lake Resort (day rides only)
McGee Creek Pack Station
Mt. Whitney Pack Trains
Pine Creek Pack Station
Rainbow Pack Outfitters (South Lake area and beyond)
Reds Meadow Pack Station
Rock Creek Pack Station
Sequoia Kings Pack Trains (Onion Valley)

Pack outfits operate under special use permit and are monitored to ensure these outfits are held to a high standard of environmental protection and customer service. Outfitters are required to hold insurance and possess various certifications in their fields of expertise. Help protect forest resources and curb illegal outfitting and guiding by making sure the service you hire holds a current permit to provide services on Inyo National Forest.