Guided Overnight Backcountry Ride--Marble Mountains

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.

This guided trip uses the following itinerary:

Marble Mountains: Thursday, Sept. 11th through Sunday, Sept. 14th

Gillian Larson Wilderness Horsemanship proudly operates under a permit issued by Klamath NF.

Location: This trip takes place in the rugged Marble Mountains Wilderness of northern California, just south of the Oregon border

Trailhead: We will meet at Lovers Camp Trailhead equestrian camp about 40 miles outside of Yreka, California. The trailhead features 4 very large pipe corrals capable of housing multiple horses; we can further divide them into smaller enclosures with portable panels or electric fencing to create individual spaces, as needed. There is parking for trucks/trailers, water for the horses (non-potable, so bring drinking water or plan to treat before using), and a pit toilet as well as several campsites. This location will be used as a base camp before and after the overnight trail ride.

(click here for a map to Lovers Camp TH)

Itinerary: Participants gather with Gillian and an assistant on Thursday afternoon (by 3:00pm) to prepare for the trip. There will be an information session to review equipment and supplies for each rider, as well as to ensure that everyone has the correct navigation route available and is briefed on emergency procedures; the group will go over the planned operations for the upcoming weekend and pack saddlebags in preparation for departure. We will share an evening meal and spend the night at the trailhead.

On Friday morning, everyone will tack up and load stock, then ride out of the trailhead on the way to Big Elk Lake. This day has the longest ride (11 miles) with about 3500’ of elevation gain in total, as we climb to some beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, passing several lakes and traversing a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. When we reach our trail camp at Big Elk Lake, we will construct appropriate stock containment with support and guidance from Gillian as needed, then set up tents and spend the evening together chatting over our dinners before retiring for a night of dark skies with the sounds of nature around us.

Saturday will feature a day ride to a nearby lake, where the stock can graze as we enjoy our lunch (and maybe a chance to swim!).

On Sunday, we will break camp and load our horses/mules for the return trip to the trailhead, this time on a slightly shorter route (9 miles), which is mainly on a descent and again includes a portion of the PCT. Upon returning, we will once again have the opportunity to share a meal and spend the night at the trailhead camp, although those who wish to begin their drive home can elect to do so. Everyone else will plan to depart on Monday morning.

Travel: The road to the trailhead is paved the entire distance, although the last portion (8 miles on FS43N45) is single-lane with occasional turnouts, so be cautious while driving. For those who are arriving from too far away to make the trip in a single day, Gillian can help with suggestions about where to stay along your route. The nearest town is Fort Jones (24 miles) or the larger Yreka (about 40 miles); there will be no cell service at some point after passing Fort Jones, although if you have already inputted the route on GPS you will continue to get directions.

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 Fort Jones, Workshops in Fort Jones.