Wild Mustangs of the Adobe Valley 2027

We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:

Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.

If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.

If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:

• More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
• 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
• Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.

*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.

All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.

If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.

Travel Insurance
Highly recommended, but not required for this workshop. Policies that cover medical evacuation as well as many other things like trip delay/cancellation, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available at reasonable cost.

Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions

Notices: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, Rock Creek Pack Station and Art of Seeing, LLC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Art of Seeing, LLC is operating under permit from USDA Forest Service under Rock Creek Pack Station’s Special Use Permit on the Inyo National Forest.

If you’ve traveled with us before, thank you! You’re the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.

To express our appreciation, we’ve launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our ‘frequent flyers’ discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details

How much riding experience is required?

Prior riding experience is helpful but not required for this trip. In addition, 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.
• The horses/mules are gentle, experienced and surefooted. RCPS’ wranglers will match your mount to your riding abilities. However, horses and mules are not machines, and their behavior is not 100% predictable.
• We move at walking pace, but the mountain trails we travel on can be rocky, steep and less than perfectly maintained in places.
• We are traveling in the wilderness where there may be no cell phone reception and medical assistance may not be immediately available.

Having said all that, many novice riders have completed this trip with nothing worse than stiff legs or a sore bum. If you have any questions about whether this trip is right for you, please contact us to discuss your concerns.

Are there any weight restrictions?

Yes, for the safety and welfare of the riding stock, participants must weigh no more than 220 lbs. Some exceptions may be possible based on availability of specific animals. Please contact us before signing up if your weight exceeds 220 lbs.

There is also a 40lb weight limit for all “dunnage” (luggage, photo gear, sleeping bag/pad). This limit is not strictly enforced, but if you are struggling to meet it, you are overpacked.

How much hiking is required?

There are no planned hikes but the herd of mustangs at River Springs is constantly moving and photographing them could involve a walk of up to ~2 miles on level but uneven ground.

What will the weather be like?

Typical daytime highs range between 75-95°F, with colder mornings and evenings. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 30’s or below. These are only historical averages, however. We are in the mountains, which means weather can be wildly variable. Rain or even snow is very possible — be prepared.

What should I pack?

A detailed packing list including recommended clothing and photo equipment will be provided to registered participants.

Will we ride with camera gear? Will we be shooting from horseback?

Mostly no. Whenever we are riding, all camera bags will be aboard our pack animal(s) and will not be readily accessible. If you are an experienced rider and want to try shooting from horseback (NOT recommended for novice riders), you may bring a body and one lens with you on our rides, but the camera must be stored in a bag (tied to the saddle) when riding. For safety, camera straps are not allowed when riding. We want to emphasize that horseback is not a great platform for shooting and should only be attempted by experienced riders.

Are you sure we will see wild horses?

There are never any guarantees with nature, but we expect to see many horses on Days 1, 2 and 4. When we move up to high country on Day 3, we will be looking for smaller bands that may or may not show up.

Do we get our own tents?

Yes, you will be assigned a separate tent by default. We also have larger tents for couples/families. Please let us know when registering if you wish to share a tent with another participant.