High Sierra on Horseback 2024
Workshop Information Packet
Contents:
I. General Information
II. FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
III. Daily Itinerary
General Information
Welcome!
Thanks again and congratulations on joining the 2024 High Sierra on Horseback photography workshop! This packet contains important information to help you prepare for our mountain adventure. Please take some time to carefully review it.
Workshop Overview
Workshop Dates:
Session 1: July 30 – Aug 3, 2024
Session 2: Aug 5 – 9, 2024
The workshop begins promptly at 7am on Day 1 of the session you signed up for and runs through ~3:30pm on Day 5. Please arrive on time! – we have a very busy morning and if you miss the required safety briefings, you may not be allowed to proceed with the remainder of the trip. Breakfast will be served at the pack station.
The trip starts and ends Rock Creek Pack Station (RCPS), which is located at 9001 Rock Creek Rd, about 9 miles off Hwy 395 between the towns of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. Here is a Google Maps link to RCPS.
You should bring your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal items and photo gear. RCPS will provide tent lodging, meals, and riding/pack stock.
Buren “Burnie” Foster will be your trip leader and photography instructor, but this trip is officially operated by RCPS under their permits from the US Forest Service.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Riding helmets – horses are tall and Sierra granite is extremely hard. RCPS provides protective helmets to wear while riding. There is an opt-out option, but this is highly discouraged regardless of prior riding experience or ability.
Altitude – the elevation at our base camp in Pioneer Basin is at 10,360 ft and we will briefly travel as high as 12,000 ft when we cross Mono Pass on our rides in to and out of the backcountry. At these elevations, it is common to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, usually more uncomfortable than dangerous and decreasing with time as your body adjusts to the thinner air. But in rare cases, altitude sickness can be a very serious and even life-threatening condition. Acclimating by spending (at least) the night before at altitude is the best way to minimize the risks (note Mammoth Lakes is at 8,000 ft vs Bishop’s 4,100 ft elevation so is a better choice for this purpose).
If you have a history of altitude sickness or other medical conditions which may be exacerbated at altitude, consult your health care provider to determine if this trip is a good choice for you.
Drinking Water – be advised we use untreated water from nearby streams and lakes for drinking and cooking. If you are not comfortable with this, please bring your own filter.
Wilderness Experience – understand that we will have zero cell phone reception for the entire trip and help may not be immediately available in the event of an emergency. We carry text-based satellite communications devices, but not Sat phones.
The above are just several considerations that we wish to highlight. It is not meant to be a complete list of all risks associated with this trip.
WEATHER & COMFORT
Weather - the average daytime temps are in the 60’s with typical overnight lows in the 40’s. But these are the mountains which means anything is possible – we’ve seen hale/snow on more than one occasion and thunderstorms (usually brief) are common. Be prepared. Here is a link to the most accurate weather forecast available for the area – check it just before your trip starts to get a rough idea of what you can expect weather-wise.
Sleeping Bag – a cold bag makes for miserable nights. A 30-degree rating by a reputable brand (North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes, REI, etc) is the bare minimum in my opinion. If you tend to get cold easily, opt for a 20-degree rating or better.
A Little Cushion? –Unless you ride regularly, you’ll likely feel some discomfort after time in the saddle. That’s normal and usually doesn’t last very long. Still, nobody likes to experience any more pain than is necessary. Here are some suggestions to minimize derrière discomfort:
Bike shorts or other padded clothing under your pants
Ibuprofen or your preferred pain reliever before the ride
Saddle pads – something you would have to purchase. Sorry, I don’t have any recommendations on brands or models.
FAQ’s - What to Pack, How to Pack , Where to Stay, etc
All these questions and more are answered in the attached FAQ’s. A few things I would like to highlight:
Packing List – I strongly recommend making and using a written packing list. Here is a link to a generic photo trip packing list I made for myself. Feel free to download & modify to your needs.
Weight Limit – RCPS is serious about the 35lb weight limit (see FAQ’s for details). Your bags will be weighed. If you are over, you will be charged at a minimum or may be asked to leave items behind. Note: the RCPS documentation states a 30lb maximum for pack trips. However, our group is allowed an extra 5lbs.
Day 1 Morning – things can be a bit hectic at the pack station on departure morning, so please arrive fully packed and ready to unload your gear/luggage.
Items that will go with you on your horse should be packed separately (water bottle, raingear, sunglasses, hat, bandanna/buff, lip balm, sunscreen, phone and/or point & shoot camera).
Your raingear will be tied to the back of your saddle. You will be provided with a saddle horn bag for your other items and sack lunch (provided).
Proceed past the stop sign in the RCPS driveway to the loading dock. Unload your photo gear and luggage on to the dock but keep the items going on your horse with you.
Please clear the loading area ASAP and park your vehicle in the lot and go to the picnic tables under the awning where breakfast will be served.
A Word About Gratuities - Like many service businesses, employees of horse outfitters rely on gratuities for a substantial portion of their total income. I think you will find the RCPS wranglers, cooks, and guides to be outstanding at what they do. If you feel you received good service, a token of your appreciation would be greatly appreciated. People always ask me for guidance on amounts and I always feel uncomfortable answering – what I can say is that the typical range I see is anywhere between $100 and $150 total for the crew. You can give your tip to the cook at the end of the trip and it will be divided among the crew or you can hand out gratuities individually. Please bring cash, there are no ATMs out there.
If I’ve missed anything or you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone, text or email. Thanks again, we look forward to seeing you in July.
Ken Lee
949-282-9660
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: How much riding experience do I need?
A: Prior horseback riding experience is helpful but not required. However, this is no "Sunday trail ride at the county fair". Be advised:
Riding horses/mules and wilderness travel are inherently risky activities that include the possibility of serious injury or even death. By registering for this trip, you explicitly accept and assume all such risks.
We move at walking pace, but the mountain trails we travel on can be rocky, dusty, steep and less than perfectly maintained in places. Even very experienced riders are typically amazed by the terrain our animals routinely cover.
We are traveling in the wilderness where there may be no cell phone reception and medical assistance may not be immediately available.
Those with an extreme fear of heights probably should not join this trip.
We spend a fair amount of time in the saddle. The rides on Days 1 & 5 last approximately 6 hours (including lunch and breaks). There will also be shorter day rides from our base camp to explore the surrounding territory.
Having said all that, we have had many novice riders complete this trip with nothing worse than stiff legs or a sore bum. The horses are gentle and surefooted and the RCPS crew are experts at matching your mount to your riding abilities. Helmets will be provided to all participants for your protection.
If you any questions about whether this trip is right for you, please contact us to discuss your concerns.
Q: What should I pack?
A: See the next question for photo gear recommendations. For everything else, check out Rock Creek's detailed Packing List and Important Information for pack trips. Below are a few additions & clarifications to the RCPS list:
Pint water bottle – anything up to a standard 1-liter Nalgene bottle is fine.
Coffee Mug – doesn’t have to all plastic, an insulated travel mug is ideal.
Raingear – truly waterproof (not water resistant) tops AND bottoms are ESSENTIAL
Body wipes – like baby wipes but bigger. You will thank me
Mosquito head net – optional
Power bank – to recharge your phone
Q: What photo gear should I bring?
A: A digital SLR or mirrorless body with 2 or 3 lenses and a lightweight but sturdy tripod should be the core of your photo equipment kit. As far as focal lengths, 24mm or wider on the wide end and 100–200mm on the long side will serve you well. A mid-range zoom is also especially handy. All of the focal lengths mentioned are “35mm equivalent”. If you are unfamiliar with this term, try googling it or contact us. Other things to consider are a polarizing filter, graduated and solid neutral density filter(s), macro lens or extension tubes and a remote release/timer can be helpful but are not absolutely necessary. Don’t feel like you need everything mentioned here…gear is great but learning to See is better! Limitations actually help you be more creative and having too much gear can often be a hindrance. Finally, don’t forget extra memory cards, batteries, your tripod plate and a lens cloth/brush.
Also, definitely bring your smartphone - it’s a great tool for developing your Photographer’s Eye and we will be using it extensively.
Q: How should I pack?
A: A medium duffel bag (e.g. large gym bag) or stuff sack(s) are ideal for your clothing & personal items. Sleeping bags & pads should be in their own bags. A compact camera bag or backpack (no giant photo backpacks!) for your camera and lenses will complete your kit.
Q: How much stuff can I bring?
A: There is a strictly enforced 35 lb weight limit per person. This includes all of your photo gear, luggage, sleeping bag & pad. Items that will be on your person during the rides (raingear, water bottle, etc.) are not part of your weight budget. Note: The RCPS website says that the luggage weight limit for pack trips is 30lbs but our group is allowed an extra 5 lbs.
Q: What kind of photo opportunities can I expect?
A: World class alpine landscapes are definitely the star of the show in this part of the John Muir Wilderness. Watching Sierra granite reflected in the still waters of an alpine lake magically transform from grey to orange and crimson at sunset or sunrise is a sublime experience. But mountain landscapes are just one of many subjects that may attract your attention. Other types of photography that you can explore here include: Wildflowers/Macro – we'll encounter a variety of mountain wildflowers, especially near water and in shaded areas. Typical species include Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Shooting Stars & Leopard Lilies. Night Photography – Milky Way, Star Trails and Moonscapes are all possibilities for those that are willing to sacrifice some shut eye. Ken will cover the basics of night photography in one of our group sessions. Don’t forget your tripod! Black & White – Contrast is one of the keys for great black and whites so when the sun gets too high and harsh for good color images, it's often perfect for black and whites. This is Ansel Adams country after all so why not give it a try? Equine & Cowboys/Cowgirls– our horses and the wranglers who take care of them make great subjects for western/mountain 'lifestyle' photos and you can't beat the backgrounds.
Wildlife – critters tend to be very shy, especially around groups as large as ours. We may get lucky, but this is not a wildlife photo trip.
Q: Will I be able to charge batteries?
A: Yes, we will have a power station (i.e. giant power bank) to charge batteries, but the 'juice' supply is limited and once gone, it's gone. Bring (at least) several extra fully charged batteries. Don't forget your battery charger & cables!
Q: Can I take photos while riding?
A: No, for safety reasons, we cannot allow large cameras (i.e. any interchangeable lens camera), backpacks or anything with a neck strap to be on your body while riding. If you want to take a quick snapshot with your phone or small point & shoot during a ride, wait until we are stopped. Both hands should be on your reins at all times while we are moving.
Q: Can I bring my own camping gear?
A: Some people prefer to bring their own tent, which is fine. If you choose to bring your tent, it will not be counted against your weight allowance.
Q: What is the bathroom situation like?
A: Picture a pop-up port-a-potty with a wooden toilet inside.
Q: What will the weather be like? What kind of clothing is appropriate?
A: Average daytime temps are usually in the 60’s with typical overnight lows in the 40’s but it will feel a lot hotter in the sun and much colder when standing around doing night photography. Also, these are the mountains, anything is possible – we’ve seen hale/snow on more than one occasion and thunderstorms (usually brief) are not uncommon. Be prepared. Here is a link to the most accurate weather forecast available for the area but all mountain forecasts should be taken with a large grain of salt.
I always dress myself mentally in layers when packing for a mountain trip. Next to your skin should be your base layer (long underwear), then maybe a t shirt or long sleeve shirt and pants. Good mid layers include wool sweaters, thin down jackets/vest or a fleece/soft shell jacket. For your outer layer, a waterproof jacket & pants are a must! It can be quite chilly at night and early mornings so if you get cold easily, you may want to add an extra layer. Don’t forget accessories like sunglasses, hat/beanie and gloves. A bathing suit is also recommended for those who want to freshen up in a stream or lake. That’s the basic kit as far as clothing.
Q: Will we be in one place or move around?
A: We will have one base camp in Pioneer Basin for this trip but we will ride out from there on horseback most days to explore and photograph the surrounding area.
Q: How many people will be on this trip?
A: The maximum number of guests we can bring on this trip is 11.
Q: Which airport should I fly into? A: The closest airport is Mammoth-Yosemite (MMH), a small regional facility. The next closest airport of decent size is Reno, NV (RNO) which is about 3.5hrs from Bishop. If you are flying in, you will need to rent a car or arrange other transportation to get to the pack station.
Q: Where do I leave my car?
A: You can leave your car in the pack station parking lot for the duration of the trip. Don't leave ANY food inside to tempt the local bears!
Q: Where should I stay before/after the trip?
A: Tom’s Place is a historic B &B just down the road from the pack station but it lacks amenities like air conditioning and wifi. There are also many motels/hotels to choose from in the towns of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes as well as many US Forest Service and private campgrounds in the area.
Q: Where is Rock Creek Pack Station?
A: RCPS is located on Rock Creek Rd off of Hwy 395 between the towns of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. If you are familiar with the area, this is the Tom’s Place exit. A map and more detailed directions are available here
Q: Will there be any cell phone reception during the trip?
A: No. None. Zero.
Q: How bad are the bugs?
A: Depending on the year, the mosquitos can range from just annoying to vicious, especially near the water and around sunrise and sunset. In addition to bug spray, you may want to bring a head net. We've also found Thermacell devices to be pretty effective
Q: Can we fish?
A: Yes, the lakes in our area are filled with hungry trout, mostly pan-sized. However, a CA fishing license must be purchased in advance. Licenses are not available at the pack station or in the wilderness.
Q: Is there much hiking required?
A: We have one planned hike on Day 2. We move slowly with lots of breaks, but it will feel a lot longer than the actual 3.5 miles (500 ft elevation gain) because of the altitude. There is a 2nd optional hike to one of the upper lakes for sunrise on Day 3 – only about .5 miles but steep.
Q: Is there a maximum allowable weight for participants?
A: Yes, for the safety and welfare of the riding stock, participants must weigh no more than 240 lbs. Some exceptions may be possible based on the availability of specific animals. Please contact us before signing up if your weight exceeds 240 lbs.
Daily Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary is our general plan but is subject to change without notice due to weather, logistical considerations or other reasons.
Day 1 - Our mountain adventure begins bright and early with a 7:00 am breakfast at Rock Creek Pack Station . Please be prompt because we have a big day ahead of us. After breakfast we’ll get a lesson on the basics of horsemanship and safety while the wranglers load the pack horses and mules with our gear, food and supplies for the trip. Then we’ll meet our mounts. You will be riding the same animal for the entire trip so it's a good idea to make friends. The RCPS crew will help us into our saddles and make sure everything is properly adjusted. Once everyone is comfortable, we’ll head out for the scenic but long ride to Pioneer Basin. The views get more stunning the deeper we ride into the mountains. Upon arrival at our camp, our crew will unload our gear and help everyone set up their tents. You have the rest of the afternoon to recover and relax. Just before dinner, we will have an introductory session where Ken will cover our schedule for the rest of trip and answer any questions. There will still be plenty of light after our first mountain meal so we’ll have our first shooting session and a tour of the area after dinner.
Days 2, 3, & 4 - The schedule for the next 3 days is similar, but each day offers unique photo opportunities. We begin each day with a sunrise shooting session at one of several nearby lakes. You can practically fall out of your tent and be lakeside, but for those who are willing to get up a little earlier and work a little harder, the views at the ‘upper lakes’ are simply stunning. It’s a short, steep hike to get there but definitely worth the effort. Breakfast follows our morning shoot and then we have a little free time to relax and prepare for the day until the wranglers arrive with our horses. Each day we'll ride to a different location which could be an alpine lake, waterfall or rushing creek with wildflowers. Lunch is in the field. We return to camp in the afternoon and give everyone some free time to relax or go off shooting in the area until dinner. After dinner, we’ll have a sunset photo session followed by the opportunity to do some night photography.
Throughout the trip, Ken will also conduct group sessions in camp on specific topics such as exposure, composition, macro/flower photography, night photography, using filters and ways to sharpen your creative vision. But most our time in the field is for photography and one-on-one coaching.
Note: this schedule has the potential to be exhausting if you try to do everything. While I strive to provide as many opportunities for learning and practice as possible, it’s not expected that you participate in every one. Enjoy and pace yourself or you'll need a vacation to recover from your vacation ;-)!
Day 5 - After an optional sunrise shoot and breakfast, we’ll break camp and saddle and pack the horses and mules. We’ll get on the trail as early as possible in order to arrive back at the pack station by around 3:30 pm, but the trip isn’t over yet. Some of the most spectacular scenery are the views on the way out. We won’t have a lot of time for photo breaks, but the breathtaking views are solace for the soul. Enjoy the moment. Our time together ends upon arrival back at Rock Creek Pack Station.