A pack trip is when stock animals are used to transport people and their personal gear into or out of the wilderness. This includes typical outfitted trips where guests, guides, and camp equipment all travel together. A dunnage trip is a stock-only trip used strictly to move supplies, equipment, or gear. No guests are transported. These trips are often used to set up camps ahead of time or to haul gear out after a trip is complete.

Spot Trip: we pack your gear in and leave you to enjoy your trip. You’ll haul your own gear back out. Dunnage Trip we pack your gear in and then return at the end to haul it all back out.

Yes. You can hire a riding mule and packer to take you up or down the trail. Our mules are sure-footed and used to carrying people.

Roughly 125 lbs.

The best way to pack for a pack trip is to separate gear into individual items instead of loading everything into large packs. All gear is loaded into canvas panniers, which means space is limited. Even lightweight but bulky items can quickly fill a bag and reduce how much we can carry overall.

Soft, flexible items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are easiest to pack because they can be shaped to fit the bags. Larger or rigid items such as ice chests, camp stoves, oversized duffel bags, or bear boxes can still be packed on mules, but they take up more space and reduce packing flexibility. When that happens, additional mules may be required to carry the same amount of gear.

Overnight trips in the wilderness or National Forest always require a permit. We handle the permits for our guests. Because we operate under a trail quota and maintain a tally for the number of stock traveling on each route, it’s best for us to secure the permit when you’re packing in with us.

Summer is busy, especially July–September. Book your trip in February or March, for your best chance for mules and packers available.

Absolutely. Kids above the age of X can ride with a packer, and families often book spot or dunnage trips so everyone can enjoy the backcountry without hauling heavy packs.

We offer guided fly-fishing trips with pack support. Your guide will take you to some of the best alpine lakes and streams in the Sierra.

No problem. Our packers are pros at pairing you with the right animal and making sure you’re comfortable in the saddle.