Guided Overnight Backcountry Ride--Bridger Teton Wilderness

Have you been looking for a way to go from dreaming about overnight camping rides with your horse to actually doing it? This is your opportunity to take that next step with the support of an experienced coach at your side, helping you translate what you know in theory to something you can do with confidence.

Drawing on a decade of solo long-distance trail rides, Gillian Larson is now offering guided overnight outings for you and your equine partner, so you can practice all the necessary skills for a safe and enjoyable back country camping trip. Whether you plan to use a single riding horse to carry you and your gear, or if you want to have a pack animal as well, these sessions are designed to ensure that you have the equipment, knowledge, and abilities to make your goal a reality.

To promote a focus on individual support and learning, each trip will have no more than four riders, with the potential to accommodate two pack animals per group. Each trip requires the following:

➢ Before joining a session, all riders must have attended either an in-person equestrian camping workshop or completed the online course, so that they have the necessary background knowledge. Contact the organizer if you have questions regarding this requirement.

*** online course enrollment here

*** in-person workshop info here

➢ Riders demonstrate their commitment to executing back country trips by using their own riding/pack animals and equipment for the outing.

➢ Prior to the trip, riders will receive a preparatory check list to follow; they are expected to complete “homework” consisting of 1) acquiring and knowing how to use their gear; 2) practicing suitable stock containment methods; and 3) familiarizing their riding/pack animals with saddlebags and/or packsaddle equipment.

➢ Participants will engage in three individual video chat sessions with the guide before the trip, to assess their progress and preparation.

There are two separate guided trips available, following the same itinerary:

Guided Trip #1: Thursday, Aug. 7th through Sunday, Aug. 10th

Guided Trip #2: Thursday, Aug. 14th through Sunday, Aug. 17th

Reservations for Aug. 14th-17th are available through this page. For Aug. 7th-10th, please use the following link:

Guided Trip #1

Gillian Larson Wilderness Horsemanship proudly operates under a permit issued by Bridger-Teton NF.

Location: This trip takes place along the Green River in the spectacular Wind River range of Wyoming

Trailhead: We will meet at the Green River Lakes Trailhead about 50 miles outside of Pinedale, Wyoming. The trailhead features 2 sets of 4 log rail corrals. There is a water trough and additional potable water at another faucet nearby, as well as ample parking for trucks/trailers and available pit toilets. We will make this the base camp for our trip before and after the overnight ride.

(click here for a map: Green River Lakes TH)

Itinerary: The trip begins with participants arriving at the trailhead on Thursday afternoon (by 3:00 pm) with their horses for an equipment review, discussion of safety protocols, and preparation for the next day’s ride; Gillian will ensure that each individual has navigation for the route and will assist in packing saddlebags as needed. We will share an evening meal and then stay at the trailhead campground before heading out the next day.

On Friday morning the group will depart the trailhead and ride approximately 12 miles southbound along the Continental Divide Trail to the proposed campsite at Three Forks, crossing a couple of wooden bridges and following the shoreline of the Green River Lakes and then the gorgeous jade-colored water of the river itself. Upon arriving at the campsite, we will secure the stock using appropriate containment (highline, electric fence, or picket line; possible hobbles for grazing) and set up the camp with the Gillian’s support, in order to camp for the next two nights on the verge of a lush meadow. We will gather in the evening to swap tales as we eat dinner before retiring to our tents amid the sound of running water.

On Saturday we’ll pack a lunch and head out for a day ride, gradually climbing about 2500 ft. out of the river valley to an alpine lake, enjoying dramatic vistas along the way.

On Sunday the group will pack up the camp and ride back to the Green River Lakes trailhead along the same route, with the option to share another meal and stay overnight before departing Monday morning.

Travel: Getting to the trailhead can be a challenge with a horse trailer, so give yourself sufficient time to arrive. You will take the 352 north a few miles to the west of Pinedale until you transition to the 650 (Green River Lakes Road); at this point the road turns to dirt, and although it is wide and not at steep or twisty, it can be rough, so you’ll want to take it slow. It usually requires about two hours to cover those last 30 miles (no cell service from here). But it's very scenic, as it follows the river. It’s highly recommended that you stay nearby the night before, and there are fairgrounds in both Pinedale (50 miles) and Jackson (about 100 miles away) that are very convenient. Gillian will be happy to explain the various options and also suggest other places to overnight if you are travelling from out of state.

RATES & PAYMENT

Guided Backcountry Equestrian Camping Trip: $2000 total

This is a 3-day, 2-night outing on a backcountry trail to put into practice the skills and information acquired through taking an equestrian camping workshop/online course. Participants gather at the trailhead on Thursday afternoon for equipment and skills review, a discussion of safety protocols, a preview of the ride route, and packing preparation before enjoying an evening cookout together. On Friday, we pack up our horses and ride out through beautiful wilderness to the trail campsite, where we’ll camp for 2 nights under the stars after setting up stock containment, tents, etc. Saturday features a day ride to a lake for lunch. On Sunday we break camp and return to the trailhead for another cookout.

Included in the trip cost are all route planning, permits, and reservations; three preparatory video chat meetings before departure to review gear and supply requirements and necessary skills for safe participation; gear and skills lists; individual and group coaching and assistance throughout the weekend session; trailhead meals on Thursday and Sunday evening.

Not included are transportation to and from the trailhead for you and your equine partner(s); any personal, camping, or horse-related equipment or food necessary for participation in the session other than the arranged meals; any other non-specified items.

[Please Note: Previous completion of an in-person back country equestrian camping workshop or online course is required for participation in a guided camping trip (concurrent enrollment online okay). For more information about upcoming workshops or to register for the online course, please use the links below or send an email to Z2NsYXJzb245MSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t.]

*** in-person workshop info

*** online course enrollment

Reservation Hold: $25 (partial deposit payment)

Use this Eventbrite site to secure your reservation pending verification of required preparation; fully refundable before additional deposit payment (minus any Eventbrite service fees).

Deposit: $475 (additional deposit payment)

After verification is complete, you will receive a separate invoice for the remainder of the deposit ($500 total including earlier reservation hold). This deposit is non-refundable unless another participant becomes available. After the deposit is paid you will schedule your first preparatory video conference.

Balance: $1500

The remaining $1500 is due 90 days before the trip beginning date. Refunds (minus the deposit) are available up to 60 days before the trip starts, or the full amount can be applied to a future trip.

(If a trip is canceled by the organizer for any reason, a full refund or rebooking will be offered.)

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Cora, Workshops in Cora.