Pack stations are about more than horses and mules. They are part of the living history of the Eastern Sierra. They help visitors access remote wilderness areas, support long-distance hikers with resupplies, and provide opportunities for people who may not be able to carry heavy loads into the backcountry.
For many visitors, a pack trip offers something increasingly rare: a slower way to experience the mountains. No rushing. No notifications. Just granite peaks, alpine lakes, and the steady rhythm of hooves on a mountain trail.
Inyo County Pack Stations
Bishop: Bishop Creek Pack Station
Located in the heart of Bishop Creek Canyon, Bishop Creek Pack Station offers guided horseback rides, backcountry pack trips, and wilderness support into some of the Eastern Sierra’s most spectacular landscapes. Operating from South Lake, the pack station provides access to destinations including Dusy Basin, Bishop Pass, LeConte Canyon, and the John Muir Wilderness. Whether you’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip and need gear packed in, or simply want to experience the high country from the saddle, Bishop Creek Pack Station continues a long tradition of mule packing that has helped visitors explore the Sierra for generations.
Bishop: Rainbow Pack Outfitters
Operating from South Lake in Bishop Creek Canyon, Rainbow Pack Outfitters has been helping visitors explore the Sierra since 1924. Popular destinations include Dusy Basin, Bishop Pass, Chocolate Lakes, and Evolution Valley. The Allen family continues a long tradition of providing horseback rides, pack trips, and wilderness support services.
Bishop: Pine Creek Pack Station
Located at the mouth of Pine Creek Canyon, this operation provides access to some of the Eastern Sierra’s most rugged and less-traveled terrain. Granite Park, Pine Lakes, Italy Pass, and the upper reaches of the John Muir Wilderness attract experienced backpackers looking for quieter routes.
Lone Pine: Cottonwood Pack Station & Mt. Whitney Pack Trains
Located at Horseshoe Meadows above Lone Pine, Cottonwood Pack Station provides access to some of the most beautiful terrain in the southern Sierra. Cottonwood Lakes, Miter Basin, Soldier Lake, and the Pacific Crest Trail are all within reach. The station offers pack trips, drop camps, and resupply services for hikers exploring the Golden Trout and John Muir Wilderness areas.
Independence: Sequoia Kings Pack Trains
Operating from Onion Valley west of Independence, Sequoia Kings Pack Trains provides access to Kearsarge Pass, Rae Lakes, Vidette Meadow, and the spectacular backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park. Many backpackers use their services for resupplies, while others opt for fully supported trips deep into the Sierra.
Big Pine: Glacier Pack Train
Based in the Big Pine Creek drainage, Glacier Pack Train serves one of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in California. Towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and views of the Palisades make this region a favorite among photographers, anglers, and backpackers looking to access the high country.
Inyo County Pack Stations
Rock Creek Pack Station
One of the most recognizable pack stations in the Eastern Sierra, Rock Creek Pack Station has been introducing visitors to the Sierra for more than a century. Day rides, family trips, supported hikes, and multi-day wilderness adventures depart from the beautiful Rock Creek area south of Mammoth Lakes. Little Lakes Valley remains one of the most popular destinations.
Crowley Lake: McGee Creek Pack Station
McGee Creek Pack Station offers horseback rides and pack trips into the John Muir Wilderness from the scenic McGee Creek drainage. Known for family-friendly rides and access to alpine lakes, meadows, and streams, it remains a favorite option for visitors staying around Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake.
Mammoth Lakes: Reds Meadow Pack Station
Located in the iconic Reds Meadow Valley, this pack station serves the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the Minarets region. Destinations include Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Shadow Creek. The scenery here is among the most photographed in California.
Mammoth Lakes: Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit
Offering horseback rides and backcountry trips throughout the Mammoth region, Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit provides access to the lakes, meadows, and volcanic landscapes surrounding the Mammoth area. It’s a great option for visitors looking to combine a resort vacation with a backcountry adventure.
June Lake: Frontier Pack Train
Based near June Lake, Frontier Pack Train provides access to the Hoover Wilderness and some of the quieter corners of the northern Eastern Sierra. The operation is well known among anglers and photographers seeking a more remote Sierra experience.
Bridgeport: Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit
At the northern end of the Eastern Sierra, Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit serves the Hoover Wilderness, Virginia Lakes Basin, Green Creek, and the high country surrounding Bridgeport. The combination of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and expansive views makes this one of the most scenic horseback destinations in California.
Before You Go
Most pack stations operate seasonally, generally from late spring through early fall depending on snowpack and trail conditions. Reservations are often required, especially for overnight trips and popular summer weekends.
If you’ve never experienced the Sierra from horseback or muleback, a guided day ride is one of the best introductions to the Eastern Sierra and the traditions that helped shape it.
