United States: California - Yosemite park expedition

Tag 1: Yosemite Area

ROCK CREEK / MONO CREEK (B/L/D)
This is one of the most famous and visited parks in the world, declared a National Park in 1890. It offers a breathtaking landscape of valleys, mountains, and lush meadows, and is renowned for its waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, and granite cliffs. Covering over 760,000 hectares, it stretches to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Over 3.5 million people visit it each year—most exploring only the 7 miles of Yosemite Valley.
Thanks to our horses, we’ll venture far beyond the tourist trails, deep into pristine wilderness.
Highlights include:
• Mono Pass, with stunning mountain and valley views
• Gold Creek and Mono Creek, scenic canyons
• Silver Pass
• McGee Lake
• Virginia and Purple Lakes
• Deer Creek
• Gladys Lake
• Thousand Island Lake
• Lyell Fork, a subalpine canyon

Meeting point at Rock Creek Pack Station at 7:00 a.m. (we recommend arriving the night before at Mammoth Yosemite Airport [MMH] and overnighting at Tom’s Place or Rock Creek Campground).
After meeting the horses, we depart toward Mono Pass and ascend Mount Starr at 12,000 ft. From the summit, we’ll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes. We descend via Gold Creek and Mono Creek to camp at the base of a canyon.

Tag 2: Yosemite Area

MONO CREEK / SILVER PASS (B/L/D)
We’ll ride through canyons, pine forests, and blooming meadows before turning north onto the Pacific Crest Trail, climbing toward Silver Pass. Camp will be set in a secluded clearing with spectacular views.

Tag 3: Yosemite Area

SILVER PASS / CASCADE VALLEY (B/L/D)
We continue north on the Muir Trail past Silver Pass Lake, reaching Silver Pass (3,322 m). To the south, we see the majestic Mount Seven Gables (3,985 m), towering over Bear Creek. To the northwest lie Mount Ritter, Banner Peak, and the Yosemite boundary.
We descend into Cascade Valley, passing the five lakes in the Lone Indian Basin, and follow Fish Creek to our tented camp in Horse Heaven.

Tag 4: Yosemite Area

CASCADE VALLEY (B/L/D)
A rest day to relax, fish, or explore the surrounding wilderness. Optional ride to McGee Pass for those who wish.

Tag 5: Yosemite Area

CASCADE VALLEY / IVA BELLE HOT SPRING (B/L/D)
We ride down Fish Creek and camp near the natural hot springs of Iva Belle.
Time in saddle: approx. 2.5 hours

Tag 6: Yosemite Area

IVA BELLE HOT SPRING / COLD CREEK (B/L/D)
We cross Fish Valley and the river at Island Crossing, then follow the Fish Creek trail uphill to a campsite on Cold Creek.
Distance: 13 km
Time in saddle: approx. 3.5 hours

Tag 7: Yosemite Area

COLD CREEK / JOHNSTON LAKE (B/L/D)
We ride a few miles to Red’s Meadow and ascend the John Muir Trail to Johnston Lake.
Distance: 14.5 km
Time in saddle: approx. 4.5 hours

Tag 8: Yosemite Area

JOHNSTON LAKE / THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE (B/L/D)
We ride past Rosalie, Shadow, and Garnet Lakes beneath the Minarets. This is the most scenic part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, under the peaks of Ritter, Banner, and the Minarets. Camp is set on the northwest shore of Thousand Island Lake (3,003 m).
Distance: 19 km
Time in saddle: approx. 5 hours

Tag 9: Yosemite Area

THOUSAND ISLAND / LYELL FORK CANYON (B/L/D)
We ride north past Island Pass into Rush Creek Basin, then ascend Donohue Pass (3,399 m), marking the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The descent leads to the alpine meadows of Lyell Fork Canyon, with stunning views of Mount Lyell and its glacier.
Distance: 21 km
Time in saddle: approx. 5 hours

Tag 10: Yosemite Area

LYELL FORK CANYON (B/L/D)
Optional day ride to explore the Vogelsang area of Yosemite. Riders may visit Ireland Lake, Evelyn Lake, or the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.
Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful day in the meadows before the journey back.

Tag 11:

LYELL FORK / TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (B/-/-)
Final ride through some of the most beautiful alpine meadows in the Sierra.
After the ride, transfer back to Rock Creek Pack Station, arriving between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Guaranteed shared departure:
July 26 to August 5
Additional dates available on request with a minimum of 2 participants

GROUP SIZE: Min 2 – Max 12

Note: The above itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other conditions beyond our control.

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Difficulty level: °° (Easy to Intermediate)
Accommodation: Mobile tented camps
Riding gear: Western saddle with saddlebag for picnic lunch and essentials
Horses: Quarter Horses
Pace: 4–6 hours per day, mostly at a walk due to the presence of pack animals
WHAT TO BRING: Luggage limit: 14 kg (30 lbs) per person. Excess weight may incur a fee (USD 3–10). Use a soft duffel bag, preferably with plastic bags inside for organization.Luggage must be labeled. Alcohol is allowed (in plastic bottles only).
Recommended gear: Layered clothing, including rain gear, Riding helmet, Sleeping bag and inflatable mat, Plastic camping mug, headlamp, towel,biodegradable soap, Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuit, First-aid kit and medications, Spare batteries and solar power bank, Swiss army knife

ACCOMODATION
Accommodation is in mobile camps set up each evening. Tents vary in size and type. There are no showers, but camps are located near lakes and rivers (soap use near water is prohibited).
Wash basins available on request. No toilets – a pit will be dug each evening. No electricity – lighting provided by candles and flashlights.
Meals are hearty and fresh, including hot dishes. Each morning, you’ll prepare your own packed lunch.

Night 1: Third Recess and Mono Creek Camp
Night 2: Silver Pass Meadow Camp
Nights 3 & 4: Horse Heaven Camp
Night 5: Iva Belle Hot Spring Camp
Night 6: Cold Creek Camp
Night 7: Johnston Lake Camp
Night 8: Thousand Island Lake Camp
Nights 9 & 10: Lyell Fork Canyon Camp