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Sierra Nevada Horsepacking

Northern, California

A remarkable 6-day horsepacking journey created for and led by women into the heart of Ahwahnee territory in Northern Yosemite.

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About this trip

AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE

Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Ahwahnee territory in Northern Yosemite. Ride through stunning mountain passes, lush wildflower meadows, and take a refreshing dip in a pristine alpine lake. Deepen your connection to nature and yourself through a thoughtfully woven blend of yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork incorporated throughout the journey.

 

Horseback travel offers a unique pace to attune with nature, your horse, and one another, restoring and revitalizing your nervous system while reconnecting with your purpose. Led by an incredible all-women team skilled in packing, farrier work, and cooking, this adventure breaks away from traditional gender norms, empowering participants to embrace their authentic selves.

 

Rejuvenate your senses with fresh mountain air, tranquil sounds of nature, and nights under starlit skies. Highlights include breathtaking stops at Glen Aulin, White Cascade, and Tuolumne Falls, where the beauty of Northern Yosemite inspires awe and interconnectedness. This one-of-a-kind adventure is designed to leave you feeling empowered, and deeply connected to both nature and yourself.

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Highlights

  • Travel through mountain passes, lush wildflower meadows, and along pristine alpine lakes.

  • Experience the thrill of riding breathtaking and challenging technical mountain trails.

  • Experience yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork thoughtfully woven into the journey, enhancing your connection to nature, your body, and your inner self.

  • Attune to nature, your horse, and one another at a pace that promotes deeper connection.

  • Be guided by a skilled team of women proficient in packing, farrier work, and cooking, breaking away from traditional norms.

  • Visit Glen Aulin, White Cascade, and Tuolumne Falls, showcasing Northern Yosemite's awe-inspiring beauty.

  • Rejuvenate with fresh mountain air, tranquil sounds, and nights under starlit skies.

  • Embrace a rare journey created for and led by an exclusive team of women, redefining tradition in the male-dominated world of horsepacking.

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OUR OFFERINGS

01 Mindful Riding

Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.

OUR OFFERINGS

02 Equine Guided Empowerment®

Equine Guided Empowerment® is a unique Somatic Reprogramming® practice developed by Cassandra Ogier. This practice provides an opportunity to ground and discover your true nature through the reflection of horses. Through being led by horses as an energetic guide and dropping into Somatic Reprogramming® exercises participants are invited to deepen into their empowerment and discover their inner wisdom. By doing so, the possibilities are endless in finding connection, belonging, individuation, authenticity, healing, and purpose.

OUR OFFERINGS

03 Trauma Informed Breathwork

Ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork, drawing inspiration from Taren Maroun’s teachings, integrates the science-backed benefits of breathwork with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. This practice invites profound transformation by releasing stored energy or trauma within the body, restoring emotional resilience, and opening pathways to expanded states of consciousness. Through the rhythm of intentional breathing, the body’s innate wisdom is reawakened, guiding you into deeper connection, and the emergence of your authentic self. It is within this sacred integration of body, mind, and spirit that true healing unfolds. 

OUR OFFERINGS

04 Somatic Yin Yoga

Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.

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Join us

OPEN TO ALL RIDING LEVELS

Available to strong beginner to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior horse riding experience is strongly recommended, but not required to participate.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

August 9th-14th, 2025

PRICING

$3,775

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on June 23rd. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.

  • Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. Pack & riding animals. Shared two person backcountry tent accomodation for five nights.

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel to and from Virginia Lakes Pack Station. Personal camping gear i.e., sleeping bag, pad, etc. Travel insurance & gratuities. Group size: 10 riders 

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Itinerary

Day 1

10 MILES

We’ll meet at the Virginia Lakes Pack Station in the early morning, ready to embark on our journey. The trail begins along the north side of Blue Lake and climbs steeply through open forest to Cooney Lake. Continuing past Frog Lakes, the path ascends shale slopes to a saddle providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The rocky descent leads to the Green Lake Trail junction, where we’ll climb 170 feet to Summit Lake. After entering Yosemite National Park, the trail descends through Virginia Canyon with its mix of lodgepoles, meadows, and occasional avalanche-downed trees. Our camp lies down the canyon from the Virginia Pass junction. In the evening, we’ll unwind and relax from the long days ride with somatic yin yoga and savor the serenity of the wilderness under the stars.

Day 2

9 MILES

We’ll begin with a grounding meditation before setting off on a gentle descent through Virginia Canyon to the Pacific Crest Trail junction. The trail climbs steeply up Spiller Creek, gaining 1,000 feet to a saddle. From there, the path undulates to Miller Lake, a shallow swimming lake with panoramic views across the Tuolumne River canyon to the Cathedral Range. After exploring the area and enjoying a peaceful afternoon, we’ll return to camp along the same route and be guided in a nourishing somatic yin yoga + yoga nidra session.

Itinerary

Day 3: Virginia Canyon to Happy Jack

5 MILES

The morning will start with a grounding meditation before we set out for a leisurely ride through Virginia Canyon to the beautiful meadows of Upper Cold Canyon. This shorter day allows us to take our time soaking in the lush surroundings and enjoying the tranquility of the high Sierra. We’ll set up camp near Happy Jack and and wind down with a relaxing somatic yin yoga + yoga nidra session amongst our herd of horses.

Day 4: Layover—Hike to McCabe Lakes 

LAYOVER

The McCabe Lakes are pristine alpine gems nestled within the rugged granite landscape. We’ll hike for about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lakes, leaving ample time to swim or explore the serene surroundings. The upper lake offers particularly breathtaking views and opportunities for reflection. After a relaxing morning, we’ll return to camp to enjoy a rejuvenating breathwork ceremony to release tension and ground ourselves in the natural beauty around us.

Itinerary

Day 5:

5 MILES

Starting the day with a grounding meditation, we’ll ride to Glen Aulin, a picturesque spot known for its cascading waterfalls and lush surroundings. Once we’ve set up camp we’ll hike to view the impressive Waterwheel Falls. The journey offers stunning vistas of the Sierra, making it a highlight of the trip. Camp will be set up near Glen Aulin, where we’ll practice somatic yin yoga + yoga nidra and celebrate the ending of our journey with a final evening under the stars.

Day 6:

7 MILES

On the final day, we’ll start with a grounding meditation and closing circle before riding through spectacular vistas of Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows. This last stretch offers a fitting conclusion to our journey, blending breathtaking scenery with a sense of accomplishment. We’ll arrive in Tuolumne Meadows around early afternoon, where transportation will be provided back to the trailhead, concluding our unforgettable adventure.

Please note that this represents the planned itinerary. Weather or other factors may affect the choice of campsites and daily travel. 

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Meet your guides

Aniela Gottwald, founder of Riding Wild, is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator from California, USA, with over 20 years of experience in horsemanship. Specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy, Aniela leads transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing and environmental sustainability.

Aniela Gottwald

CALIFORNIA, USA

Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.

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Taren Maroun

CALIFORNIA, USA

Taren Maroun, a seasoned practitioner in Northern California, specialized in Somatic Trauma and Attachment therapy with a relational focus. Using innovative modalities like Ceremonial Breathwork, Shadow Alchemy, and Equine Guided Somatic Reprogramming, Taren invite individuals into a journey of healing and self-discovery. She is currently in school in pursuit of a MA in Somatic Psychology and Licensure as an LMFT. Taren’s lifelong connection with horses has deeply influenced her healing journey. At 16, training her first wild mustang revealed the mirroring potential and power of horses. This realization fueled Taren’s dedication to exploring the healing potential of horses, eventually leading to the creation of a tailored equine-guided immersion program for survivors of physical and sexual assault. With extensive experience in both 1:1 and group settings, Taren cultivates transformative spaces where individuals are invited to reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their voices, and foster resilience. Through a combination of traditional therapeutic techniques and experiential approaches, often involving horses, Taren’s holistic approach supports clients in processing unresolved trauma and developing healthier relational patterns. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual healing, with collective well-being, advocating for personal sovereignty, freedom and empowerment, fostering a ripple effect of healing and authenticity. This comprehensive approach lays the foundation for sustained healing and personal growth, empowering individuals to embark on a journey towards profound transformation and empowerment.

  • HORSES

    Sierra Nevada horsepacking outfitters typically use a mix of Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Draft-crosses, and Warmbloods, chosen for their endurance, agility, and calm temperament on rugged trails. Mules, including Quarter Horse and draft mules, are essential for their strength, surefootedness, and ability to navigate steep terrain. These animals are carefully selected for their reliability in high-altitude backcountry travel.

    MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

    We ask our riders who participate in our Sierra Nevada horsepacking trip to be strong beginner-advanced riders. See our riding ability guide here. Participating in a Sierra Nevada horsepacking trip requires riders to have basic riding experience, including the ability to mount, dismount, and control a horse at a walking pace. Riders should be prepared to spend extended periods in the saddle, sometimes up to 6 hours a day, which demands physical stamina. The journey involves navigating technical mountainous trails, so riders should possess the courage to embrace the unknown and step confidently out of their comfort zones. For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.

    PACE

    All riding during our Sierra Nevada horsepacking trips is conducted at a walking pace.

    TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION

    We do ask our riders to help with grooming and tacking up their own horses. If you are a beginner we will make sure someone will help you with this task but this responsibility is an important part of the experience that supports both the team function, but also ensures you create an authentic connection with your horse. 

    TRIP CONDITIONS

    Horsepacking in northern Yosemite's Sierra Nevada offers riders a diverse range of terrains, from open meadows to challenging technical rocky paths. Trails often traverse steep sections, requiring horses to navigate natural steps and the occasional slick rock surfaces. Riders may encounter trails with drop-offs and sections that ascend and descend over mountain summits and saddles. At Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit, our horses are not only well-experienced but also possess calm temperaments, reliability, and sure-footedness, making them experts on these trails. These characteristics ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our riders. 

    EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

    - western trail riding saddles 

    - hornbags are provided

    - wearing a riding helmet is encouraged but optional. We recommend bringing one if you have it to ensure the correct fit.

  • TRANSFERS

    The closest airport to Virginia Lakes Pack Station (near Bridgeport, CA) is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), located about 40 miles (a 50-minute drive) south of the pack station.

    Other Nearby Airports:

    • Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 120 miles ( 2.5-hour drive)

    • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 230 miles ( 4.5 to 5-hour drive)

    • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 270 miles ( 5.5 to 6-hour drive)

    Since Mammoth Yosemite Airport has limited commercial flights, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is typically the best option for travelers flying from major cities. From there, you can rent a car or coordinate a ride-share for the drive to Virginia Lakes Pack Station.

    RIDE SHARE COORDINATION

    Once most guests have completed their bookings, we will create a WhatsApp group to facilitate travel coordination and ride-sharing from the airport. This will help guests connect and arrange shared transportation for a smoother and more sustainable journey. 

    CLIMATE

    In August, the northern regions of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada experience warm days and cool nights. Tuolumne Meadows (approximately 8,600 feet / 2,620 meters elevation):

    • Average High: 70°F (21°C)

    • Average Low: 37°F (3°C)

    Precipitation: August is among the driest months in Yosemite, with minimal rainfall. However, afternoon thunderstorms can occur.

    TIPS

    Tipping for horsepacking trips is entirely at each guest’s discretion but is deeply appreciated by our team of incredibly hardworking women. Our guides dedicate themselves to ensuring a safe, memorable, and seamless backcountry experience, often going above and beyond in rugged conditions. If you feel moved to show gratitude for their efforts, a tip is a meaningful way to do so.

     

    For multi-day trips, a general guideline is $50-$100 per day per guest, but any amount is appreciated. Tipping must be given in cash and will be collected in an envelope for each of your three guides at the end of your trip. Your generosity helps support our hardworking crew and is deeply valued!

  • Accommodation will be in double-shared lightweight backpacker tents, specifically chosen for their ease of transport by our mules during the expedition. Tents are provided and will be shared in groups of two. If you prefer to have your own tent, please bring a lightweight one-person tent that is suitable for backcountry conditions.

  • Our backcountry cook will be preparing warm, nutritious, and hearty meals for breakfast and dinner, ensuring you stay energized throughout the expedition. Lunches will be freshly packed each morning, consisting of a wholesome sandwich to enjoy on the trail. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available upon request—please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.

  • We have a 30 lb weight restriction per person (this includes all personal gear, sleeping bags etc). Please bring your belongings in canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper is recommended, ideal size approximately 14” x 32”. It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag inside of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.


    Sleeping bags can be in separate bags, line the inside of the duffle with a plastic bag for rain. Please try to minimize the weight of your belongings by packaging only the amount of any item you will need (like soap, lotions, and medications). Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, then into sturdy resealable plastic zip lock bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill.

  • CLOTHING

    Upper body

    - long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)

    - warm sweater (wool or fleece)

    - wool warm long underwear

    Lower body

    - comfortable jeans for riding

    - hiking pants

    - yoga pants

    - wool warm long underwear 

    Outerwear

    - waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants

    - warm down jacket

    Footwear

    - riding boots (or blundstones/hiking boots)

    - chaps (optional)

    - crocs or comfortable shoes to wear around camp

    - warm wool socks, at least a few pairs

    Headwear

    - sunhat/cowgirl (with stampede string for wind)

    - warm wool hat for cold evenings

    CAMPING ITEMS

    - sleeping bag warm enough for freezing temperatures

    - small pillow to sleep on

    - comfortable sleeping pad

    - soft duffle bag for your gear/belongings

    - headlamp

    - small and lightweight water filtration system (optional)

    - lightweight coffee mug

    OTHER ITEMS

    - gloves for riding

    - scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain

    - sunglasses with a cord​ attached so they don’t fly off when riding

    - swimsuit

    - towel 

    - toiletries

    - hand sanitizer

    - small plastic bags

    - light weight plastic pint water bottle 

    - phone and/or camera for photos

    - compact power bank for charging

    - small bag for small items when riding

    - notebook/journal

    Provided

    - tents are provided to be shared in groups of two, if you prefer to have you own tent please bring a light weight one person tent.

    - all cutlery excluding a camping mug

    - additional camp gear, toilet paper, etc.

    MEDICAL KIT

    - high uv sunscreen

    - insect repellent,  net head cover

    - any medication you regularly take

    - band aids and second skin plasters for chafing

    - antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

    - electrolytes 

    - ear plugs (for light sleepers)

    - water purifier or purification tablets (optional)

  • SIERRA NEVADA

    -The High Sierra: A Love Story - Kim Stanley Robinson  

    CLIMATE

    - All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson 

    - Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt 

    - The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
    of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas 

    - The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz 

    HORSE

    - Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov 

    - Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov 

    - Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay

    HEALING

    - Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
    - Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
    - Attuned - Thomas Hübl

    - If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
    - Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May

    - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine

    - The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle

    - Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn

    - One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
    - The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
    - Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond Stockton

    RELATIONSHIP

    - Us - Terrence Real 

    - Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood 

    - Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg 

    - The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller 

    - Eight Dates - John Gottman

    please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment

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Virginia Lakes Pack Station

We have partnered with the Virginia Lakes Pack Station, bringing you an unparalleled backcountry adventure guided by their experienced team of seasoned guides, well-trained horses, and sturdy mules. This collaboration allows us to offer an immersive and unforgettable wilderness experience, combining the rich traditions of horse packing with the transformative power of nature.

Our dedicated crew consists of three highly skilled female guides, each bringing a wealth of expertise in guiding, wrangling, backcountry cooking, packing, and farrier skills. Their deep knowledge of the land, equine care, and wilderness survival ensures not only a safe and seamless journey but also a truly enriching experience. Whether navigating rugged terrain, sharing stories around the campfire, or preparing nourishing meals under the open sky, our team is committed to creating a unique and memorable expedition that blends adventure, empowerment, and connection with the natural world.

Testimonial

This experience was priceless. It showed me that I am strong, brave, and capable- lessons that have carried over into my business, my relationships, and my personal life. It helped me reconnect with my voice. And the HORSES- what a magical experience to bond with them and feel an ancient connection to nature. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

- Alexandra James

TESTIMONIAL

"My connection with the women on this trip gave me a sisterhood I didn’t know I needed. The terrain showed me not only how tough I mentally, but how physically tough I am too. The bond and safety I felt with my horse a feeling and sense I will carry around with me for the rest of my life. He showed me how to trust again and I wish he could know the profound impact he’s had on me and my life. The spiritual, emotional, and physical connection to nature grounded me to my core. This journey was an experience I’ll always carry with me.”

- Lizzy Ellerbeck

Testimonial

"This journey opened a portal for me to re-member myself home. My wrangler self, my mustang-whisperin’ self, yogini, queer self, shamanic voyager self, WILD woman self were all beautifully expansively present. I felt I could be in such blissful harmony with my deep soul self, as well as the present-moment container I found myself in. On the other side I felt spacious expansive, powerful, free. What a gift. I am forever grateful for this adventure with spirit, with sisters, with wilderness, beauty reverence, magic. Truly the adventure of a lifetime, it surpassed my wildest dreams."

- Annie Casey

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We can't wait to meet you!

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