Sierra National Forest

Best known for the giant sequoias (redwood trees) of the Nelder and McKinley groves and the High Sierra, Minarets, and John Muir wilderness areas, the Sierra National Forest lies on the western slope of the beautiful Sierra Nevada range for which it was named. Read More »

Sierra National Forest Highlights

The Clover Meadow area of Sierra National Forest is the perfect place to horse around. Minarets Pack Station offers a variety of horseback trips into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, from two-hour fishing rides to week-long backcountry adventures. If you are traveling with your own horse, equestrian camping is available at Bowler Campground off Beasore Road.
Near Edison Lake, Mono Hot Springs Resort has a public pasture across from its campground off Kaiser Pass Road. Horses may stay in the pasture up to 14 days while their owners pitch a tent in the campground or rent a cabin at the resort. Several trailheads along Kaiser Pass access the John Muir Wilderness. If you didn't bring your own trusty steed, you can rent one at D & F Pack Station or High Sierra Pack Station.
At Dinkey Creek, Clyde Pack Outfitters offers a variety of rides from a couple of hours to multiple days, following trails into the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness. The trails above Courtright and Wishon reservoirs lead to some of the least-visited areas of the central Sierra. This is a great place to get away from the summer backpacking crowds.
If you are more interested in day rides than long backcountry trips, D & F Pack Station has locations at both Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake. Rides are available lasting from one hour to all day. Campers traveling with their own horses can find suitable accommodations at Badger Flat Campground, five miles east of Huntington Lake.

By Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown