Kings Canyon National Park in eastern California is filled with abundant scenery and many trails. For some, the best way to see the sights is by horseback. The park has two main locations for horseback riding, and several companies offer single and multi-day trips from late spring until fall.
Plan Ahead
Before beginning your horseback riding adventure in Kings Canyon, make some plans. Decide how long to spend in the park and how much of that time will be on horseback. Although many trails are accessible by horseback, they are only in two sections of the park, according to the National Park Service--parts of Sequoia National Forest and Sierra National Forest. Horseback riding is available from late spring until fall, but it is always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the company you plan to book with is still doing trips.
Short Trips
If you have only a day to spend in the park and want to do a shorter horseback ride, book a trip starting at Grant's Grove Stables (reservations recommended), located in Grant's Grove. A one-to-two-hour trip encompass various parts of the park. On your ride you will see the General Grant tree, a 3,000-year-old sequoia; North Grove, a peaceful loop along old logging tracks; and Lion Meadow or Dead Giant Meadow.
You can also begin a short ride at the Cedar Grove Pack Station. One-day rides include the Kings Canyon River, but the you can also begin multi-day trips from this location. Reservations are not necessary for day trips.
The Horse Corral Pack Station, which is east of the Big Meadow campground in Sequoia National Forest, is also a good location to begin horseback trips. You can take rides of various lengths, beginning at one hour long.
Long Trips
For those looking for a longer trip, many of the companies listed above also offer pack trips. You must plan ahead for these types of trips to make sure there is room for you in the group and to ensure you have all the supplies you need.
Starting at the Cedar Grove Pack Station, you can travel to various locations throughout the park, including Monarch Divide and the Rae Lakes Loop.
The Horse Corral Pack Station offers pack trips as well as spot trip packing service, which allows adventurers to get deep into the backcountry with the help of a horse carrying their gear.
The Rock Creek Pack Station, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, also offers pack trips in Kings Canyon National Park. It offers trips to various destinations throughout the park depending on the season and the riders' preferences.
Tips
Weather and conditions change frequently in wilderness areas, so make sure you are properly prepared for your trip, even if you are planning on a short ride. Wear layers of clothing and carry plenty of water and snacks. Contact the company you plan to ride with and ask what you should bring. Find out what their policy is regarding weather and cancellations. According to the Horse Corral Pack Station, in late summer fires in the area can fill the forests with smoke, which is unhealthy for you and the horses, so a shorter ride might be recommended.
For More Information
The National Park Service is the best source of information for most national park trips. Check out its website before you leave and build time into your trip for stopping at any information sites at the entrance to the park. The rangers there can provide you with up-to-date information, maps and other helpful brochures. They also have information on individual companies offering rides.
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