Rock Creek Pack Station
Just four hours north of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and an easy three hours south of Reno, Nevada, is Bishop California. Tucked away in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains is the home base for one of the area’s premier wilderness adventures, Rock Creek Pack Station. Rock Creek Pack Station is a family friendly operation that guides camping trips through the Sierra Nevada Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. This is just the place to take this year’s summer vacation to a whole new level. With multiple riding and hiking trail options they are sure to have a trip to fit most any need. The pack station’s working season is from June until September, with a few off-season rides available. They kick off the season with a horse drive, rounding up the horses and mules from winter pastures in the Owens Valley. Rock Creek Pack Station offers morning or all-day rides to Hilton Lakes, Dorothy Lake and Little Lakes Valley. For the hikers or riders with four or more days to spend in the wilderness, the Summit Mt. Whitney trips offer stunning views while climbing up the west side of Mt. Whitney. The three-day parent-child horseback camping trip has quickly become one of the pack station’s most scheduled adventures. This option can allow families to bond through wilderness; learning about native wildlife, horses, fishing and camping. These trail rides can last many days, but there is no need to worry about anything other than personal requirements. Rock Creek Pack Station provides the horses, mules, tack, grub, kitchen set up and tents! The riders can have 30 pounds of dunnage, or personal items, packed for the trip and hauled by a mule. The backbone of Rock Creek Pack Station is the 130 head of horses and mules that make the packing trips possible. The station offers a wide variety of riding horses to fit each rider’s needs. While the mules are used for packing and will carry the provisions for the campers. Whether an avid horseman or a beginner rider Rock Creek Pack Station’s packing trips will have the right mount for each individual. Find out more about Rock Creek Pack Station or book a vacation at RockCreekPackStation.com
Point Reyes Country Inn & Stables
Just an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Point Reyes Country Inn & Stables can be your headquarters for days of relaxation, outdoor activities & fine dining. Nestled between the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and Tomales Bay State Park, the Country Inn is surrounded by beauty and natural wonders. You can hike or ride your horse to the beach along the Earthquake Trail, hike across the Inverness Ridge, or visit the famous oyster farms on Tomales Bay. The Grooms Quarters over the stables consist of two studios, each with queen bed and kitchen, with an additional room with four sleeping spaces. Total accommodation is eight, and this is especially suited for groups. The adjacent Country Inn is a five-bedroom home, all with private baths. There is one king or queen bed per room, and two rooms can made up with twin beds. Downstairs, an inviting living room with a large fireplace warms guests on blustery days. For a completely different experience, you might consider the two cottages on Tomales Bay. Located 7 miles from the Inn & stables in the village of Inverness, both cottages are romantic, private and have the best views of the bay in the area. Accommodations for your equine companions are equally comfortable. There is a stable with 12 x 12 stalls including five stalls with 12 x 24 runs attached, six outdoor pipe corrals, and three large paddocks that can accommodate up to four compatible horses. One can trailer a short distance to the Point Reyes National Seashore. With over 100 miles of wooded trails & long sandy beaches to explore, you can ride for days without retracing your steps. Point Reyes Station, Calif. (415) 663-9696 PtReyesCountryInn.com or email innkeeper@ptreyescountryinn.com