Rock Creek Pack Station
Rock Creek Pack Station
4.6
About
Tour company offering horseback riding and High Sierra trips over the entire region (both guided and non-guided).
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
85 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
5
Julie C
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Rock Creek Pack station. I took my family including 6 year old son and 72 year old mother in law for the parent and child trip. The whole experience was flawless - from checking in and being served French toast while our gear was loaded to checking out with cold lemonade. Tristan and Tyler were not only super helpful and knowledgeable but also just really cool to talk with and hear their stories and experiences. Tristan grated my son like a little cowboy prince! KK made the most amazing meals and even my kiddo loved her breakfast burrito - which says a lot as he’s so picky. Wes helped my mother in law walk on the trail when she was in pain riding and couldn’t have been kinder about it. The ride in and out to the camp location was beautiful in itself and the day ride to another lake was even more amazing. We all had no experience on a horse. The crew and horses are so experienced and made it all less scary and intimidating. My son (and me) are already wondering when we can go again. Thank you Rock Creek Pack Station!
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Great Outdoors
Redlands, CA5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Tristan and Katie did a great job of leading this two-hour ride in the Rock Creek area. Tristan introduced herself on our arrival and then matched everyone in our group of 4 with horses or mules that matched up with our riding abilities. The animals were clean, groomed, and seemed to be taken care of by the station. Three in my group elected to wear helmets, and the helmets were clean and in good shape. The saddles were all in good shape too.
The two-hour ride was very scenic and was along a nice trail that crossed in and out of shade. I was happy that the dust was minimal. The trail crossed Rock Creek twice, and though about 3-feet deep, the stock crossed without issues having likely crossed that creek many times already this summer.
The last 1/8th mile up the trail to the picture spot and turn around was rocky and steep, but the stock handled it well. At that point, I was happy to be on a mule that seemed sure footed. The picture point is beautiful and Tristan got a nice group shot of us looking towards the John Muir Wilderness.
The ride back was a reversal of the way we came, and was beautiful going that way too.
Overall, this was a nice ride and makes me want to go back and hire this outfitter for a trip to a backcountry drop camp for a week.
All the wranglers at the station were friendly and helpful and were great with the kids. We were treated like valuable customers the entire time and not just like "some tourists". Thanks to all the wranglers for making this a great day.
The two-hour ride was very scenic and was along a nice trail that crossed in and out of shade. I was happy that the dust was minimal. The trail crossed Rock Creek twice, and though about 3-feet deep, the stock crossed without issues having likely crossed that creek many times already this summer.
The last 1/8th mile up the trail to the picture spot and turn around was rocky and steep, but the stock handled it well. At that point, I was happy to be on a mule that seemed sure footed. The picture point is beautiful and Tristan got a nice group shot of us looking towards the John Muir Wilderness.
The ride back was a reversal of the way we came, and was beautiful going that way too.
Overall, this was a nice ride and makes me want to go back and hire this outfitter for a trip to a backcountry drop camp for a week.
All the wranglers at the station were friendly and helpful and were great with the kids. We were treated like valuable customers the entire time and not just like "some tourists". Thanks to all the wranglers for making this a great day.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa P
6 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Wow!
Want a great adventure, if you love horses and the outdoors. I highly recommend you do one of the horse drives. They do a great job of matching you with a horse that complements your riding style and personality. I was fortunate to be able to ride different horses- at my request to be in the front, middle and back of the herd to experience all the different tasks and herd dynamics in all three positions- thank you Mark! At first, I wasn’t sure what I had got myself and friend into on the first evenings after Craig’s welcome speech… but soon felt right at home with the excellent wrangler staff and horse that was provided.
The days are long, but the beautiful changing scenery and the thought of a great meal and some days a hot shower after the ride are great incentives to look forward to at the end of the day. You also get a great feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie moving the herd that make the long riding days worth it. It is also a great conference builder riding at different paces and though different environments- open desert, mountain trails, roads, switch back trails.
Thank you, Rock Creek for providing such at great unique adventure and thank you for all the hard work that goes into making this experience a once in a lifetime trip.
Would I do it again? YES, YES, YES!
Lisa
Want a great adventure, if you love horses and the outdoors. I highly recommend you do one of the horse drives. They do a great job of matching you with a horse that complements your riding style and personality. I was fortunate to be able to ride different horses- at my request to be in the front, middle and back of the herd to experience all the different tasks and herd dynamics in all three positions- thank you Mark! At first, I wasn’t sure what I had got myself and friend into on the first evenings after Craig’s welcome speech… but soon felt right at home with the excellent wrangler staff and horse that was provided.
The days are long, but the beautiful changing scenery and the thought of a great meal and some days a hot shower after the ride are great incentives to look forward to at the end of the day. You also get a great feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie moving the herd that make the long riding days worth it. It is also a great conference builder riding at different paces and though different environments- open desert, mountain trails, roads, switch back trails.
Thank you, Rock Creek for providing such at great unique adventure and thank you for all the hard work that goes into making this experience a once in a lifetime trip.
Would I do it again? YES, YES, YES!
Lisa
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thadd V
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
They will take your $2,000 and not refund a dime if there are Sierra fires that cause hazardous smoke and air quality danger on your trip.
I was to go with a group for 6 days to Cottonwood lakes. I wasn’t even going to use a horse, or even their tent, so they were just cooking for me for $2,000. Sierra fires started, and air quality in Cottonwood became poor. I have asthma, and could not risk going. I gave them weeks of notice. They kept every dime of my money, and almost zero costs related to me. In fact, the Sequoia National Forest was closed due to fire while they were in it!
Craig at Rock Creek said that if his Wraglers were willing to go it was ok to go. So he’ll hold your health judgement to the standard of what some random young wrangler will do for himself, ridiculous.
I even offered to split the money and settle for a 50% refund. They refunded nothing, zero. $2,000 for nothing. Don’t give them your money if there is any risk of fire (or other health risk) at all.
I was to go with a group for 6 days to Cottonwood lakes. I wasn’t even going to use a horse, or even their tent, so they were just cooking for me for $2,000. Sierra fires started, and air quality in Cottonwood became poor. I have asthma, and could not risk going. I gave them weeks of notice. They kept every dime of my money, and almost zero costs related to me. In fact, the Sequoia National Forest was closed due to fire while they were in it!
Craig at Rock Creek said that if his Wraglers were willing to go it was ok to go. So he’ll hold your health judgement to the standard of what some random young wrangler will do for himself, ridiculous.
I even offered to split the money and settle for a 50% refund. They refunded nothing, zero. $2,000 for nothing. Don’t give them your money if there is any risk of fire (or other health risk) at all.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori O
Mariposa, California, Usa32 contributions
Aug 2022
This had been a traumatic summer with my dog dying, my husband having a cardiac arrest, and my home almost burning down in the Oak Fire out of Mariposa. The owners of this company gave me a credit on another trip I had booked and I went on a day horse ride. I actually rode a mule which I loved. The packer and guide-Jeremiah was from New Mexico where he had been evacuated also. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. He was so patient and kind and treated me like his own mom. I am 69 with hardly any riding experience and he made it seem easy. It wasn't. We rode up 2,000 ft elevation gain and saw some amazing scenery. The lunch provided was great. Even though I was the only one who had booked that day they took me. It meant such a lot to me. I went out of Virginia Lakes and the person who runs the place there is named Cricket. He gave me excellent advice too and was charming and kind. The whole experience was first rate. I wasn't even very sore the next day because Jeremiah gave me such good advice. Do yourself a favor and book a tour. You won't be sorry. Happy trails=and I had some.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelsnobFortMyers
Fort Myers254 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
I went on the parent and child pack ride for 2 nights, 3 days and wow, what an incredible experience. Before we started, I was a little nervous because we were all novice riders, but I immediately relaxed due to the attentiveness and reassurance of the amazing staff. The horses were well trained and matched to each rider. Three terrific leaders rode up with our group of 8- Lily, Emily, and Sara, so there was plenty of supervision and assistance, if needed. They explained the basics of riding patiently and gave us good pointers. The setting of our camp out in the High Sierras was breathtaking. Lily, Emily, Emma, and Mark stayed with us at camp. They were all accommodating and made our experience great. Emily was particularly attentive to my young children, which made the trip so much more relaxing for us parents. My children were invited on a hike, to feed and water the horses, and to play camp games. The food was great and Covid measures were taken, such as masks and gloves and distancing as much as possible. Don’t forget to pack warm clothing, sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm.
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura R
Cluj-Napoca, Romania61 contributions
Jul 2020
2 couples left Rock Creek with Abby and Kyle in charge of us and our 3 mules. Over Mono Pass and into John Muir Wilderness, they dropped us and our gear at Mud Lake for 5 days. We hiked, fished, relaxed, no phones or news...awesome week. Hunter and Matt came to pick us up on day 6, repacked all our gear and we headed out, back to Rock Creek. Mono Pass is incredible but this trip is not for the feint of heart. Lotsof granite steps and rocky terrain. Our mounts did great, I was on Jug, the mule, and Ned, the horse. Both were sure footed and responsive. I highly recommend this trip but it is 4-5 hours in the saddle which is strenuous.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet G
Boulder, CO6 contributions
Aug 2020
Hiking the entire John Muir Trail has been a dream for many years, and Rock Creek's supported hike was an absolutely wonderful way to achieve our goal. Emma is a magician in the camp kitchen and provided us with superb, calorie-dense, really tasty meals. There was plenty of it too, a necessity when hiking in challenging territory for 30 days. Kyle led the pack and was superb: professional, knowledgeable and great company.
We would highly recommend Rock Creek Pack Station to lead you on this epic adventure. We couldn't have been more pleased.
We would highly recommend Rock Creek Pack Station to lead you on this epic adventure. We couldn't have been more pleased.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meagan N
San Diego, CA47 contributions
Aug 2021
Yvonne was an amazing guide. The trip in Virginia Lakes was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We took the 4-hour trip, but would probably do the full-day trip next time. Our kids (9 and 13) loved it! The horses were surefooted on rocky, steep terrain.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill Carson
2 contributions
Sep 2020
Strong well-trained happy horses, breathtaking wilderness scenery, fun excursion. Went for the 6-hour day trip with a picnic break at Dorothy Lake. Just incredible. We are experienced but novice riders and this trip forced us to step up our skills because the trails were sometimes rugged and steep going both up and down and there was a lot of high foliage to travel through. The horses are professional, healthy, and content so they were not hard to control. Our guides made sure that we had a nice time and that we were safe. We were glad that we took the trip and can't wait to get back for another.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi stew102, how did you manage to book from overseas? I am in NZ and the website says to send a cheque? have emailed them and messaged them on facebook asking if there is an alternative like paying by debit/credit card or electronic transfer, but they havent/wont respond?
Written December 2, 2017
Hi,
The pack station is not a huge operation. Craig, an older gentleman who is the owner usually answers the emails, but it’s winter in Bishop and no trips are going so give him sometime. I do highly recommend a pack trip with Rock Creek. It was amazing. I’ve done a lot of travel including beautiful NZ but being in the backcountry, backpacking without the weight on my back and some else doing the cooking, preparing excellent meals, the Best!
Written December 11, 2017
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