The community
We work with Pack Stations throughout the Eastern Sierra, and support outdoor organizations focused on conservation, accessibility, and trail maintenance, and the Native people whose land we occupy.
Rock Creek Pack Station
Since 1947, Rock Creek Pack Station has been offering wilderness and outdoor vacations in the Eastern Sierra, under the ownership of the London family. Herb London was active in the operation of the pack station until his death in 2011. His son, Craig, has spent every summer since his birth in 1954 at the pack station.
Many of the pack stations that once operated in the Eastern Sierra have closed over the years. Craig acquired Mt. Whitney Pack Trains in 1971, Cottonwood Pack Station in 2014, and Virginia Lakes Pack Station in 2017, and and has continued to provide access to Wilderness areas historically served by these outfits.
Craig and his wife Carmen live in Bishop year round. Craig received a B.S. in Animal Physiology from UC Davis in 1976 and graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Carmen taught fifth grade at Pine Street School in Bishop. During off-season months, Craig manages the winter office, takes care of the livestock, builds community through the Bishop Elk’s Lodge, and is a veterinarian.
The London family is dedicated to serving the public, taking care of the land, making sure the horses and mules of the operation have happy and meaningful lives, and that the crew has a good time and is fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.”
You can find the Rock Creek website with a list of trips and services here.
The Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps
The Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps is a leadership development organization dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive outdoor community.
Through their immersive wilderness programs, they equip emerging leaders in conservation with the tools and support needed to advance in their field while actively dismantling cycles of social injustice rooted in systemic oppression.
Their focus is on empowering individuals from historically marginalized communities, fostering an environment of belonging and inclusion in all their programs. They intentionally recruit participants and staff from priority populations, including Black, Indigenous, AAPI, People of the Global Majority, Women, Women of Color, and LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals.
All of us depend on trail workers for access to the wilderness.
Rainbow Pack Outfitters
Rainbow Pack Outfitters is a working family business and has been in operation since 1924. The Allen Family is proud to carry on the Rainbow tradition of providing excellent service into the Eastern Sierra backcountry. We invite you to explore our home site and want you to feel free to call or E-mail us with any questions you may have. We are always open to new trip ideas and encourage you to "create your own trip". We aim to please every type of wilderness traveler!
When planning a vacation of horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing or just plain relaxing, let Rainbow Pack Outfitters help! As recreation partners with the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service, their goal is to help folks to enjoy the Eastern Sierra as much as they do! They invite you to visit their historic pack station and to meet some of their friendly horse and mule friends. Free tours of our facility are given daily, during the months of July-September.
You can find the Rainbow website with a list of trips and services here.
Red’s Meadow Pack Station
The Tanner family has operated the historic Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station near Mammoth Lakes since 1960. They transformed the area into a premier Eastern Sierra packing and tourism hub, providing lodging, meals, and guided mule trips, with a legacy continued by the family following Bob's passing in 2015.
Since the completion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 1993, Red’s Meadow has become a well-known resting spot for hikers tackling the 2,650-mile trail. Red’s Meadow rests at the 900-mile mark on the trail, offering a hot meal, hot showers, ice cream, and beer to those passing through.
The Tanner family realizes that their guests have made the place what it is today – as a family they continue to put an emphasis on dedication to customer service and quality products. A second and third generation of the family, and a dedicated staff, continue to blend old-fashioned service and experience with the latest technology and equipment. They welcome all.
