Tag Archives: California

Active Outdoors California

Experience California, Outside

Above Convict Lake, CA
Above Convict Lake, CA

Go west young man. The left coast, the best coast. California is the state of vacation paradise. Zillions relocate to the golden state to experience the wonderful weather and more life out doors. It is one of the top US destinations in terms of number of people visiting.

Beautiful, fantastic and scenic; there is something for everyone, unique coastline, wild terrain, mountains, deserts. Camp for free, or find a luxury RV resort. We have accommodations listed for every type of traveler.

camping

Leisure

skies

Small towns, big cities, freeways, farms, and lots of mountains. Weather is always the biggest draw, attracting millions to the sunshine on the West Coast. Another major factor in the population is diversity. Come for college and never want to leave. Near perfect weather, locally grown food, great wine, alpine lakes, freeways and earthquakes too.

Whether you are out for a week long road trip, living on the road full time or just planning a one day escape from the city, you are bound to find it here in California.

emptycampsite
Sly Creek Reservoir Campground

Drastic desert landscapes, extreme mountain peaks, granite rock walls, raging rivers, volcanic landscapes, and plenty of adventures. Follow the images above and below to discover new spots & explore hidden secrets. We have thousands of pages just on California.

snowy bridges
Big California Winters?

snow

sledding

snowmo

truckcamper

Sierra Nevada Lakes
Mojave Desert
Anza Borrego
Boulder Gardens
Wildflowers
Sequoia Groves
Camping Redwoods
Shasta Cascades
Mill Creek California
Free Campgrounds Sierra

hiker

big sur jade cove
Big Sur Coast @ Jade Cove
kernrivertube
Kern River @ Fairview
Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Northeast California
Northeast California is Cattle Country

Soak in a primitive hot springs near Mammoth Mountain, snow ski the slopes @ Lake Tahoe or maybe antique shop in Virginia City, NV

US Hwy 395 runs up the eastern side of California, with the highest Sierra peaks towering on the west side of Owens valley. Fossil Falls, Mount Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley NP, all easily accessible. This main artery, a north-south route from LA to Reno, offers some of the best sightseeing and outdoor recreation in the whole state.

Wheeling

 

PCT Highlights

Pacific Crest Hiking Trail

trailtoPCT
Bucks Lake Wilderness – Silver Lake to Gold Lake ridge line hiking trail.

pct

 

Highlights of the PCT route:

(from south to north)

hiker

elevation: high altitude

PCT maps: topographic

trailheadcamp

burney falls

Countryside Camping California

destination: outdoors

wine country, gold country, river canyons, oak hills, reservoir lakes, hot springs, wildflowers, covered wooden bridges, suspension bridges, mountain foothills, railroads, ranchlands, historical parks, museums, tribal reservations

tehachapi pass
Tehachapi Mountains, Southern Sierra

California Country Terrain
Baja California
Southern California
High Desert California
Coastal Foothills
Central Valley:
San Joaquin & Sacramento Valley
Central Coast Inland
Central Sierra
Eastern Sierra
Southern Sierra
Western Sierra
Cascade Mountain Range
NorCal: North State California

camping

Amador City Campgrounds
Angels Camp, Gold Country
Auburn Camping, American River

Baja California Mexico
Benton Hot Springs
Bridgeport, E SierraTwin Lakes
Bridgeport South Yuba River, Gold Country

Caswell Memorial SP, Stockton
Cerro Noroeste Road, Kern
Cleveland NF, San Diego Mountains
Clear Lake Fishing Camps
Col. Allensworth SHP
Coloma, River Camping
Columbia, Gold Country Camp
Crowley Lake Camping
Cuyamaca Rancho SP, E San Diego

Figueroa Lupine
Peppermint Lupine of Figueroa Mtn.

Davy Brown Campground, Central Coast
Eastern Sierra Camping
El Dorado Camping, West Sierra

Figueroa Campground, Central Coast
Folsom Lake SRA, Sacramento
Fort Churhill Camping, Nevada
Frazier Park Camping, N Los Angeles
Fremont Peak SP, South Bay SF

Farms of Arroyo Grande
Farms of Arroyo Grande, CA

Garcia Wilderness, Central Coast
Gaviota Hot Springs
Gold Country California
Green Creek Road, Eastern Sierra

Henry W. Coe State Park, East Bay SF
Inyo Forest Roads, Eastern Sierra
Idyllwild Camping, SoCal

Jackson Campgrounds
Jamestown Camping, Gold Country
Keough Hot Springs
Kern River Camping
Kings River Camping

Lake Cachuma Camping
Lake Cuyamaca, San Diego Mts
Lake Isabella, Southern Sierra
Lake Hemet, SoCal Mountains
Lake Henshaw Cabins
Lake Kaweah Camping
Lake Oroville Camping
Lake Perris SRA Campground, SoCal
Lake Piru Camping, N Los Angeles
Lake Success, Tule Campground
Lake Sutherland
Los Olivos Wine Country
Los Padres National Forest

Mammoth Hot Springs
Marin Camping Point Reyes
Mason Valley Truck Trail, Anza
Matilija Wilderness, Ojai

McCain Valley BLM, E San Diego
McConnell SRA, Merced River
Mendocino National Forest
Millerton Lake SRA Camping
Miracle Hot Springs, Kern
Mono Lake California
Mount Diablo State Park, E Bay
Murphys Camping Gold Country

US395

cabinicon

National Forest Cabin Rentals
Fire Lookout Towers

Nettle Springs Campground, Los Padres NF
New Melones Lake Camping
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, N Gold Co
Northern California Mountains
Northern Sierra Nevada

Oak Bottom Campground
Oakhurst Campgrounds
Ojai Camping, N Los Angeles
Orange County RV Parks
Ozena Campground, Los Padres NF

Pinnacles NP, Central Calif
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River
Pine Creek Wilderness, E San Diego

Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, San Diego Mts
Redinger Lake, Western Sierra
Rock Front Ranch, 4×4 Camping

tent camping

Sacramento River Camping
San Diego Mountains
San Jacinto Camping
San Jacinto Wilderness, SoCal
San Luis Reservoir SRA, Central Calif

Santa Barbara Camping
Santa Lucia Camping
Santa Lucia Wilderness, Central Coast

Sequoia National Forest, Kern River
Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres NF
Sierra Canyon Wildflowers
Sierra NF – Road #9

Sierra City, North Yuba River
Sierraville, North Sierra Valley
Silverwood Lake SRA, Los Angeles
Small Campgrounds on Creek
Snow Mountain Wilderness

Springville, Giant Sequoia
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Susanville Camping Lake
Sutter Creek Camping

Tent Cabins in California

Trimmer Campground, Pine Flat Lake
Turlock Lake Camping, La Grange
Tuttle Creek Campground, Eastern Sierra
Tuttletown Recreation Area, Gold Co

Valle Vista Campground, Los Padres NF
Wine Country RV Parks
Ventucopa, California
Woodson Bridge SRA, Sacr. River, Chico
Woodward Reservoir Regional Park

Quatal Canyon
Camping Chumash Wilderness, Quatal Canyon

Llama Pack Trips

Llama Packing Trips

Pack Animals for backcountry trips are not limited to only horses. Goats, mules, donkeys and llamas are also used for wilderness trekking and backcountry trips. Llama outfits can offer overnight lodging, as well as meals, on their beautiful, rural properties.

Llama Pack Camping California

Pack llamas for rent. At one time there were dozens of California llama outfitters, now-a-days there are only a few of these types of businesses left, as we display in the list below.

Fort Bragg, CA

Lodging and Llamas
18301 Old Coast Hwy
707-964-7191
2 fully furnished cottages,
hot tubs, fireplace, pet friendly

Julian, CA

Wikiup Bed & Breakfast Inn
1645 Whispering Pines Dr.
800-694-5487
Llama Petting Hours: 9am – 5pm daily

Grass Valley, CA

Highland Llama Trekkers
14223 Highland Dr.
530-273-8105
Llama sales & Pack trips

driftwood

skies

Many people confused llamas with alpacas, but they are indeed two different animals. Llamas are larger, growing to twice the size of alpacas and llamas belong to the camel family. Alpacas are very much herd animals, while llamas are more independent minded. Alpacas also tend to be a bit more skittish than llamas. Differences Between Llamas and Alpacas

As the number of pack animal outfitters within California have decreased, over the past 2 decades – alpaca farms have instead tripled.

alpaca farm tour

Alpacas farms may offer visitor tours, boarding and sales, breeding, but no wilderness treks; Sometimes they sell alpaca fiber (otherwise known as yarn), and they may have alpaca gifts and handmade items for sale.

Rayo LlamaTreck

Alpaca Farms in California

(visits by appointment only, call first to confirm)

Alba Alpacas
80 Feghali Rd.
Ramona, CA 92065
858-337-4656

A & M Ranch
Madera Ranchos
RV Camp sites
Madera, CA

Alpacas of El Dorado
4535 Boo Bear Lane
Somerset, CA 95684
530-642-8082

Alpacas of Somerset Farm
8226 Stoney Creek Rd
Somerset, CA 95684
530-620-6033
530-744-7474

Arapaho Rose Alpacas
10702 Arapaho Dr.
Redding, CA 96003
530-223-3364

Loomis Alpacas
3600 Holly Hill Lane
Loomis, CA 95650
916-768-0735

RockStar Alpacas
16440 Bonney Road
Royal Oaks, CA 95076
831-212-3695

Sierra Rose Alpacas
15895 Greenhorn Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-272-1218

The Alpaca ​Hacienda
31755 Rancho Vista Road
Temecula, CA
951-440-9021
Tours, boarding & Sales only

 


Mountain Camping California

destination: outdoors

real pine forests, cedar, fir, spruce, & hardwood; higher elevation, sierra nevada, north state, streams, river & lakes, campgrounds, RV camps, tent camping, backpacking trailheads, mountain biking areas,  wilderness camps, hot springs

Hiking California
Vogelsang Pass, Yosemite Backcountry

camping

Agua Tibia Wilderness
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine
Algoma Campground @ McCloud
Almanor Lake
Almanor Resorts
American River California
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Angeles Campgrounds
Angeles National Forest
Angeles Oaks, SoCal
Angels Camp, Gold Rush Country
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Aspendell, Bishop Creek
Armstrong State Park, NorCal
Arnold, CA, Sierra Nevada
Lake Arrowhead Camping
Aspendell, Lakes & Bishop Creek
Atwell Mill Campground, Mineral King
Auburn Camping, American River
Austin Creek SRA, Bullfrog Pond Campground

Balch Park, Sequoia Mountain Home SF
Bass Lake Camping
Bear Campground,  Angeles NF #7N23
Bear Meadow, Sequoia NF #23S64
Bear River, California
Belden Town, North Fork Feather River

Big Basin State Park, Santa Cruz Redwoods
Big Bear Lake, So Cal
Big Meadow Road #14S11, Sequoia
Blackrock Reservoir, Kings River

Blue Lakes Camping
Bucks Lake Campgrounds
Bucks Lake Wilderness
Burney Falls State Park Camping

California Fire Lookouts
NFS Cabins Rentals

Calaveras Big Trees, Gold Country
Camp Nelson, Giant Sequoia
Canyon Creek Campground, Sierra Nevada
Carson River, California
Lake Castaic Camping L.A.
Castle Crag State Park, W of Shasta
Cave Campground, Hat Creek
Cleveland NF, Laguna Mtn, San Diego
Convict Lake, Eastern Sierra
Courtright Reservoir, W Sierra
Coyote Lake, 4×4 Camp, W Sierra
Lake Crowley, Eastern Sierra
Crocker Campground, Lake Davis
Lake Cuyamaca Camping, E San Diego
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, San Diego

Dardanelle, Sonora Pass
Lake Davis Loop, Plumas NF #24N10
Deanes Valley Campground, Plumas NF
Desolation Wilderness, Tahoe
Dick Smith Wilderness, Los Padres NF

Dinkey Creek Camping, Sierra NF
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness

Dolomite Campground, Vegas
Dome Land Wilderness, Sequoia NF
Dome Springs Campground, Los Padres
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee

Douglas City Campground, Trinity River

Eastern Sierra Camping

El Dorado Campgrounds, Gold Country
El Dorado Camping
El Dorado National Forest

Faucherie Lake, Donner Pass
Feather River, North Sierra
Forks of the Kern, Sequoia NF #22S82

South Yuba Campground BLM
South Yuba Campground BLM

Gold Lake California
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon NP
Green Creek Road, Eastern Sierra
Green Valley Lake, Big Bear

Grover Hot Springs State Park, S Tahoe
Gurnsey Campground, Lassen NF

Happy Camp, Klamath River
Hat Creek Campground NFS, Lassen Fishing
Huntington Lake, Sierra Nevada
Hoover Wilderness, Eastern Sierra
Hope Valley Camping, Tahoe
Horse Meadow Campground, Eastern Sierra
Hume Lake Camping, Sequoia
Huntington Lake, W Sierra

Inyo Back Roads Camping
Inyo National Forest, Eastern Sierra
Isabella Lake Camp, Kern River

Jackson, Gold Country Foothills
Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Sequoia
John Muir Wilderness
Julian, San Diego Mountains
June Lake Loop Campgrounds
Juniper Lake, Lassen NP
Lake Kaweah, South Sequoia NP

Kaiser Wilderness, W Sierra
Kennedy Meadows, Kern

Kern Flats Free Camping
Kern River California
Kern River, Southern Sierra
Kern River Campgrounds
Kern River Camping
Kern River Hot Springs
Kernville, California – Southern Sierra
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings River Camping
Kirch Flat Campground, Kings
Lower Kings River Road #12S01

Kirkwood Lake, Carson Pass
Klamath National Forest
Klamath Lakes, California

Klamath River, Northern Cal

Water

Laguna Hanson, Baja California
Sierra Juarez Mountains

Lake Hemet, Idyllwild
Lake Oroville SRA
Lake Tahoe Campgrounds
Lake Tahoe Towns

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Lassen Forest Roads

Lassen Lakes, Fishing Camping
Lassen National Forest
Lassen Volcanic NP

Lily Pad Campground, Wishon
Little Grass Valley Reservoir
Long Valley Campground, Kern

Los Padres Camping
Los Padres Group Campgrounds
Los Padres National Forest

Lundy Lake, Eastern Sierra

Mahogany Flat Campground, DVNP
Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra
Mammoth Pool Reservoir, W Sierra
Marble Mountain Wilderness
Markleeville, Sierra Nevada
McArthur-Burney Falls Campground
McCloud Camping, Shasta NF
McCloud River & Falls
McGee Creek Campground, Eastern Sierra
McKinley Sequoia Grove, Western Sierra

Meadow Valley, Plumas NF
Mendocino National Forest
Merced River California
Mineral King Canyon, Sequoia NP
Mill Creek California
Modoc National Forest
Mono Hot Springs, Sierra NF
Mono Lake California
Mt Abel, Camp-O-Alto @ Cerro Noroeste
Mount Charleston, Vegas
Mount Laguna, E San Diego

Mount Pinos Campgrounds
Mountain Home State Forest, Sequoias

cabinicon

National Forest Cabins
Nettle Springs Campground, Los Padres
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, Gold Country
New Melones Reservoir, Gold Country Foothills
North Bloomfield,  Gold Country
North San Juan, Gold Country

Ojai Camping, Los Padres NF
Onion Valley Campground, Eastern Sierra
Oroville Camping, Feather Rivers Recreation

PCT – Backpacking the High Sierra
Pacific Crest Trail Maps & Guide Books
PCT Highlights in California

Palomar Mountain, N San Diego
Palomar Mountain State Park

Pine Creek Wilderness, E San Diego
Pinecrest Lake Camping
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River
Pine Mountain, Mount Pinos

Plumas Campgrounds
Plumas Fishing Camping
Plumas National Forest
Pyramid Lake, N Los Angeles
Ponderosa, Giant Sequoia

Primitive Camping California

Quatal Canyon, Los Padres Rd #9N09
Quincy Camping, Plumas NF

Red Lake, 4×4 Camp, W Sierra
Redinger Lake, Western Sierra
Remington Hot Springs, Kern
Reyes Peak, N Ojai, Los Padres NF

Rock Creek, California
Rock Creek Campgrounds
Rock Front Ranch, 4×4 Camping
Ross Camp, Jamison Creek

rentalswithtrails

Saddlebag Lake Campground, Tioga
Salmon River, NorCal
San Bernardino NF, Big Bear

Sand Pond, Lakes Basin
San Diego Mountains
San Diego Group Camping

Salmon River, Northern Cal
Samuel P Taylor Campground, Redwoods SF

San Gorgonio Wilderness, Big Bear
San Joaquin River, Sierra Nevada
Mount San Jacinto Camping
San Jacinto Wilderness, Idyllwild

San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
San Rafael Wilderness, Los Padres NF

Santa Lucia Camping, Central Coast
Santa Lucia Wilderness

Sardine Lake, Lakes Basin
Sawmill Lake, Sierra Nevada
Scott River, California

Sequoia Lakes
Sequoia National Forest Camping
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia OHV Camping

Sespe Hot Springs
Sespe Wilderness
Shasta-Trinity Forest, NorCal
Lake Shasta Campgrounds

Shaver Lake Camping
Sierra Buttes, Lakes Basin
San Madre Ridge, Los Padres NF
Sierra National Forest
Sierra NF Rd #9, Big Creek


Sierra Nevada Lakes
Sierra RV Parks

Silver Lake California (more than one)
Silver Peak Wilderness, Big Sur
Silverwood Lake SRA, Los Angeles
Silver City, Mineral King, Sequoia NP
Sinkyone Wilderness, Lost Coast
Siskiyou Wilderness, Klamath

Six Rivers National Forest

Smith Lake, Lakes Basin
Smith River NRA

Snag Lake Campground, Lakes Basin
Snake Lake Campground, Quincy
Snow Mountain Wilderness, Mendo NF

Snow Towns in California

South Warner Wilderness, Modoc
South Yuba River Camping
Stanislaus & Sonora Pass, Sierra Nevada
Stanislaus River California 
Stanislaus Sonora Camping

Sugarloaf Ridge, Sequoia NF 23N16
Susan River, California mtnbikeforest

Tahoe Camping
Tahoe Lake Campgrounds
Tahoe National Forest

Tent Cabins in California

Thorndike Campground, DVNP

Three Rivers, Sequoia NP
Toiyabe National Forest
Topaz Lake, Eastern Sierra
Trinity Lake Campgrounds
Trinity Alps Wilderness, NorCal
Trinity River, Northern Cal

Truckee River California
Tule River California 
Tuttle Creek Campground, Eastern Sierra
Twin Lakes, Eastern Sierra

Valle Vista Campground, Los Padres
Ventana Wilderness, Big Sur
Virginia Lakes Camping

Walker Lake, Inyo Rd #1S23
Weaverville Camping, Trinity River
Weed, California, Mount Shasta
Whiskeytown Reservoir, W Redding
Wishon Lake, Western Sierra

Wrightwood, Angeles Crest

Yolla Bolly Wilderness
Yosemite Lakes
Yosemite National Park
Yuba River California

horsepacks

Animals

see also –

All Lake Campgrounds in California
Autumn Colors Camping in California
Bear in California
Free Campgrounds in Sierra
Free RV Camping

Horse Pack Camping Trips
Primitive Camping California 

RV Parks Northern California
RV Park Klamath River
Sierra Lakes California
Sunrise at Camp
Tent Cabins in California
Walk-In Camp Sites
Yellow Post Campsites
4×4 Camping California 

 

Desert Camping California

destination: outdoors

high desert mountains, mining camps, ghost towns, 4×4 trails, low elevations, hot springs & desert resorts

Free Camping US 95

camping

Afton Canyon Campground BLM, Mojave
Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra

Angeles National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pines
Anza Borrego State Park

Baja California, Mexico
Barker Ranch, Panamint & DVNP
Benton Hot Springs
Bodie Ghost Town State Park
Borrego Springs California
Box Canyon BLM, Mecca

Calico Ghost Town, Mojave
California Poppy Reserve, Antelope Valley
Canon Sin Nombre Slot Canyons, Anza
Carrizo Gorge Goat Trestle, Anza
Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, Inyo Mts
Chimney Creek Campground
Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway
Chumash Wilderness, Los Padres NF
Colorado River RV Camps

Death Valley Charcoal Kilns
Death Valley California
Death Valley National Park
Dove Springs OHV Camping

Goler Wash, DVNP
Great Overland Stagecoach Route of 1849
Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs, Baja

Horse Canyon, N Mojave

Inyo Forest Roads, Eastern Sierra
Inyo National Forest

Jawbone Canyon, N Mojave
Johnson Valley BLM, Mojave
Joshua Tree Campgrounds
Joshua Tree National Park

Kelbaker Road, Mojave NP
Kelso Dunes, Mojave NP
Kelso Valley, Kern County

Desert Lake County Park
Lake Cahuilla Park, La Quinta
Lake Havasu
Lake Mohave Camping Fishing

Mahogany Flat Campground, DVNP
Mojave Desert Camping
Mojave National Preserve
Mojave Road Map
Mojave RV Campgrounds

Mono Lake, California
Montgomery Ghost Town
Mortero Wash, Anza Borrego

Newberry Springs, Mojave
Nipton, California

Panamint Springs, California
Panamint City Ghost Town
Panamint Springs Resort & RV Camp
Panamint Valley Camping
Pichacho Peak SRA
Pioneertown, Yucca Valley
Providence Mountains SRA, Mojave
Quatal Canyon, Los Padres Rd #9N09
Randsburg Ghost Town
Red Rock Canyon SP, N Mojave

boys at alabama hills

Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills @ Lone Pine, CA

Saddleback Butte State Park, L.A.
Saline Valley Hot Springs, DVNP
Salton Sea Camping
San Bernardino Forest (eastside)
Sequoia National Forest (eastside)
Silverwood Lake SRA
Split Mountain Anza Borrego

Thorndike Campground, DVNP
Topaz Lake, Eastern Sierra
Trona Road
Turtle Mountain Road, Needles
Tuttle Creek Campground BLM, Lone Pine

Wildrose Campground, DVNP

Yucca Valley, California

desert escapes

DESERT CAMPING – AZ, NV, UTAH

Arches National Park, Utah
Bryce National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Capital Reef National Park, Utah
Cedar Breaks National Park, Utah
Dolomite Campground, Vegas
Grand Canyon National Park
Lake Mead NRA, Vegas
Moab, Utah
Mount Charleston, Vegas
Red Rock Canyon, Vegas
Vegas Camping, Nevada
Yuma AZ Camping
Zion National Park, Utah

Smith River Camping California

Panther Flat

Forests & Parks near
Smith River California

Del Norte Redwoodspinetree
Florence Keller Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP
Siskiyou Wilderness
Six Rivers National Forest
Smith River NRA

camp

Campgrounds along the Smith River

listed from north to south

Patrick Creek Campground (open May – Sept)

Grassy Flat Campground (open May – Sept)

Panther Flat Campground (open all year)
coin operated showers; walk to town, Gasquet, CA

North Fork Campground (open all year)

Jedediah Smith Redwoods
State Park Campground
(open all year)

Big Flat Campground (open May – Oct)
remote location, off County Road 405

Florence Keller Park
County Park & Campground
@ US Hwy 101

Panther Flat CG

camptruck

Dispersed Camping on River

Water

NFS Cabin Rentals

bycounty

PDF Smith River Map & Guide
6.5  MB download
20 page river guide w/ trailheads mileage and information, navigable runs detailed, campgrounds, picnic sites, fire lookout tower, plus cabin rentals

USDA Smith River page

Smith River NRA Visitor Center
10600 Highway 199
Gasquet, CA 95543
707-457-3131

Epipactis gigantea-1-lg

towns near the Smith River:

Horse Pack Outfitters California

Horse Packers &
Horse Pack Stations in California

tiredhorses
Kearsarge Pass, John Muir Wilderness @ Onion Valley

pack horses
horseback camping
horse pack trips
pack trains

high sierra packs

& wild horses in California

horseback

Overnight Guided Horse Trips into the backcountry wilderness

The most scenic spots in the California high country can only be accessed by foot. If your physical body is not up for carrying all the gear (weight) on your back (backpacking) and hiking (trekking) on foot, uphill for (many) miles, then an overnight horse camping trip (horse packing) may be an option to consider.

Get way out there – with guided professionals. Camp the real back country wilderness. No campground crowds, no RVs humming, no easy access! These experienced stock animals are well trained, familiar & dependable on the trails. Specific interests tours and custom destinations can make it worth your wild. Fishing alpine lakes, hot springs, wildflowers, high country camping (in style). Guides usually provide the camping tents, food and meal prep.

yosemite HSC packer
Yosemite High Sierra pack team delivers food & essentials to remote camps, the hard way.

Central Coast Mountains

Johnson Horse Camp
2112 Perkins Rd
New Cuyama, CA 93254
805-680-2817

Los Padres Outfitters
Santa Barbara Mountains
P.O. Box 748
Carpinteria, CA 93104
805-755-8687

mountains

Southern Sierra Nevada

Balch Park Pack Station
PO Box 852
Springville, CA 93265
559-539-2227 summer
559-539-3908 winter

Golden Trout Pack Station
Kern River Canyon
Quaking Aspen Pack Station
PO Box 756
Springville, CA 93265
559-542-2816 summer
559-539-2744

Kern River Fly Fishing
Kernville, CA
866-FISH-876

Eastern Sierra Nevada

Bishop Pack Outfitters
247 Cataract RdBishop Pass
Aspendell, CA 93514
760-873-4785

Cottonwood Pack Station
Lone Pine, CA
559-478-2258
Horseshoe Meadows, Mt Whitney, John Muir Trail

Frontier Pack Station
PO Box 656
June Lake, CA 93529
760-648-7701 summer
760-872-4038 winter

Glacier Pack Train
5 County Rd
Big Pine, CA 93513
760-938-2538
Big Pine Lake, Palisade Glacier

JC High Country
Little Antelope Pack Station
Mill Canyon Rd
PO Box 179
Coleville, CA 96107
775-315-6222
backcountry fishing & hunting trips
Antelope Valley Pack Station

Wolf Creek Pack Station

Leavitt Meadows Pack
Hwy 108, Sonora Pass
Bridgeport, CA
775-450-0014

Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit
PO Box 61
Mammoth Lakes CA 93546mammoth map
888-475-8747
760-934-2434
800-495-2569 winter

McGee Creek Pack Station
2990 McGee Creek Road
Crowley Lake, CA 93546
800-854-7407
760-935-4324 summer
760-878-2207 winter

Reds Meadow Pack Station
Agnew Meadow
PO Box 395, Mammoth, CA 93546
760-934-2345

Rainbow Pack Station
PO Box 1791
Bishop, CA 93514
760-873-8877

Rock Creek Pack Station
Mt. Whitney Pack Trains

PO Box 248
Bishop, CA 93515
760-872-8331 winter
760-935-4493 summer

Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit
US Highway 395
Bridgeport CA 93517
760-937-0326 summer
702-872-8331 winter

pinetree

mkhorses
Mineral King Valley, South Sequoia National Park

West Central Sierra & Yosemite

Aspen Meadow Pack Station
Dodge Ridge
Pinecrest Lake, CA
209-965-3402

Cedar Grove Pack Station
Kings Canyon National ParkSequoia Kings Canyon Map
559-565-3464 summer
559-337-2413 winter

Clyde Pack Outfitters
Dinkey Creek, Wishon, CA
559-865-2006

D & F Pack Station
Huntington Lake
PO Box 156
Lakeshore, CA 93634
800-434-RIDE
559-893-3220

Horse Corral Packers
Sequoia National Park
PO Box 546
Woodlake, CA 93286
559-565-3404 summer
559-564-6429 winter
Mineral King Valley, Giant Sequoia National Monument

High Sierra Pack Station
Mono Hot Springs, CA 93642
559-285-7225 summer
559-299-8297 winter

Lost Valley Pack Station
Florence Lake
Lakeshore, CA 93634
559-855-3960

Mather Pack Station
North Yosemite
35250 “A” Mather Road
Groveland, CA 95321
209-379-2334
209-847-5753

Minarets Pack Station
PO Box 1461
North Fork, CA 93643
559-841-2170

Muir Trail Ranch
Blayney Meadow
PO Box 269,
Ahwahnee, CA 93601
559-966-3195

Yosemite Trails Pack
7910 Jackson Road
Fish Camp, CA 93623
559-683-7611

Water

Lake Tahoe & Northern Sierra

Alpine Meadows Stables
Tahoe City
355 Alpine Meadows RdTahoe Maps
Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
916-583-3905

Camp Richardson Corral
Emerald Bay
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
877-541-3113
530-541-3113

Reid Horse
Gold Lake Pack Station

7000 Gold Lake Hwy
Graeagle, CA 96103
530-283-1147
530-836-0940 (Gold Lk)
530-836-0430 (Graeagle)
Bucks Lakes Wilderness, Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Northern California

Coffee Creek Ranch
14310 Coffee Creek Rd
Trinity Alps Wilderness
Coffee Creek, CA 96091
800-624-4480
530-266-3343

horseback

see also – Llama Pack Trips

driftwood

Wild Horses in California

horse

Wild Horse Sanctuary
5796 Wilson Hill Road
Shingletown, CA 96088
530-474-5770
(overnight treks on horseback to view wild horses)

Wild Horses in Northern California near Lassen Peak, North Sierra Nevada mountains. The mission of the Wild Horse Sanctuary is to protect and preserve America’s wild horses as a living national treasure by providing range sanctuary in an ecologically balanced environment open to the public.

BLM

BLM Wild Horses & Burros
Bureau of Land Management
California Herd Management Areas

BLM California manages 21 wild horse and burro herd management areas on approximately 2.5 million acres. Adoption and sales.

onion valley horse
High elevation, Eastern Sierra @ Onion Valley Corrals
horse and baby
Baby Sierra sees a horse for the first time. Photo copyright (2005) Morgan & Lisa
horsemeadowsign
Horse Meadow Campground near Big Meadow, Kern Plateau

 

Off Road Camper List

4x4 Camping

The Basics

clothing, first aid kit, maps
sweater/fleece, light jacket, heavy jacket
coveralls, boots, shoes
hats, gloves, socks

Food , Ice Chest, Chair, Sleeping Bag, Tent, Tarps, Tools

The large list below might seem absurd for a typical camping trip, but if you are planning a full week of tent campin’ w/ 4 wheelin’ in the high country, then many items may come in handy. Gear-heads will appreciate the fun times and the break downs. Remember, repairs are just part of the adventure!

4x4 Camping

Items specific to off-road travel –

air pressure gauge
allen wrenches
crescent wrench
electrical tape
crimp connectors
grease
pliers
set of open end wrenches/combo wrenches
pocket/utility knife
socket set
screw driver set
pry bar
bailing wire and wire cutters
tie-rod puller/Pitman arm puller
dental pick
telescopic magnet
small lengths of angle iron
tubing/flare wrenches
snap ring pliers
BFH
vise grips
impact driver
JB weld/solder seal
left handed drill & tap/easy out
socket adapter, extension
Locktite
chisel & punch
fresh duct tape
flare tool
bolt cutters
metal shears
disposable gloves
handcleaner
WD40 lubricant
propane canisters & torch
silicone seal / gasket material
brake cleaner
starter fluid
rags
lug wrench
tire plugs
welding sticks
welding goggles

Camp Light

headlamp
spot light
work light
flashlights
batteries
propane lantern
generator
battery pack

Camp Fires in California

Camp Fire

campfire permit
firewood
matches & lighter
newspaper
kindling
shovel
hand saw / chain saw
water
bucket
fire extinguisher

Camp Real California

see also –

4×4 Camping in California
4×4 Clubs in California
4×4 Off-Roading
California Back Roads
Campers CheckList (coming soon)
Vehicle Inspection List (PDF download)

Winter Holiday Ideas

julianpiexmas

When it comes to the holiday season, California has epic destinations and outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the holiday lights!

Snowy winter wonderlands span the Sierra Nevada mountains; palm desert oasis can be found in Southern California, ghost towns in the deserts to remote hot springs, there is something for everyone.

National Parks to State Parks, National Forests, Historic Gold Country, Wine Country, most open year round.

snow

winter snow activities

3skiersready

EVENTS & FAIRS

Holiday Towns in California

These particular locations go ‘all out’ with holiday decor, lights, craft shows, street fairs, and maybe a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Most events are focused around the downtown areas.pinetree

descansohall

December Events, Fairs, Festivals & Parades

sailtree

NFSlogo

Cutting Christmas Trees

Yes, you can! Cut down a Christmas Tree out of the forest.  Get a tree cutting permit from your nearest National Forest ranger station.

This half-day adventure is best done with company (more people to help haul the tree). Hot cocoa in a thermos!

Buy a forest map and bring a sturdy hand saw. Be prepared to hike on hillsides and physically haul your chosen pine tree back to the rig. Make sure your vehicle can accommodate the size of your tree; a pick-up truck would be ideal.

Measure the height of the indoor space before you leave, so you know how TALL of a tree to cut. When standing in front of the tree in the forest, there is no reference point for your living room ceiling. May need to cut additional length off the bottom, when you arrive home.

bigtreeinhome

 

Leisure

New Years Eve

Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, otherwise known as the New Years Day Parade, held in Pasadena, CA – but few know that    you can view these floral floats lining up the night before.

the scent of flowers fills the air

Annually on New Years Eve, the public can stroll along tree-lined Orange Grove Blvd to watch the “finishing touches” being placed on the impressive parade floats.

Be prepared to walk miles for the FREE viewing. Many streets are blocked off (closed) for the upcoming event- so public parking can be tight.

Dress warmly and wear good walking shoes; bring a flashlight and expect chilly temps. Large lights are erected along the boulevard for this last minute finale.

treereflect