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Ride or hike into Eastern Sierra backcountry without the heavy pack: Full Service Base Camps’ Cadillac Trips deliver hot meals, guided access to alpine lakes and trout streams, and easy overnight comfort near Bishop, California. Perfect for anglers, photographers, and mixed-ability groups.
Ride or hike into Eastern Sierra backcountry without the heavy pack: Full Service Base Camps’ Cadillac Trips deliver hot meals, guided access to alpine lakes and trout streams, and easy overnight comfort near Bishop, California. Perfect for anglers, photographers, and mixed-ability groups.
Book with Rainbow Pack Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rainbow Pack Outfitters · Bishop, California
Just beyond the wide floor of the Owens Valley, Full Service Base Camps brings a different kind of Sierra experience to Bishop, California. The company runs Cadillac Trips—ride-in or hike-in multi-day camps that let you push past trailheads and wake to granite peaks and high-desert skies without the logistics and heavy packs. Arrive by vehicle or on foot, drop off personal gear (30-pound allowance per guest), and let the crew set up a comfortable camp where a cook turns out hot, filling meals each day. The setup puts you close to classic Eastern Sierra features: granite ridgelines, aspen stands, alpine lakes, and trout-filled streams. Popular nearby objectives include high meadow hikes, fishing holes on creeks that feed the Owens River, and vantage points that frame the Sierras’ serrated skyline. What makes these base camps special is the blend of access and ease. Riding animals or pack transport move you deeper into backcountry zones that otherwise require long approaches, so you spend more time on trail and at water than on camp chores. The terrain here shifts rapidly from sagebrush and bitterbrush in the valley to granite slabs and glacially scoured cirques higher up; that geological contrast creates dramatic campsite settings and outstanding fishing pools. Expect clear night skies, sharp mountain light at dawn, and close views of conifers and alpine wildflowers through spring and early summer. The trip is straightforward for people who can hike moderate distances and sleep in a tent: bring a tent and sleeping bag, personal clothing, and a small daypack for excursions. Guides provide basic pack saddles when riding; special equipment requests can usually be accommodated in advance for a fee. Trip dates, itineraries, and menus are scheduled seasonally and announced by the operator. Because the program runs in a fragile alpine-desert interface, practice Leave No Trace: pack out all waste, respect streamside vegetation, and follow staff instructions on animal use zones. The operator limits gear weight per person to keep animal loads safe, so travel light and plan clothing layers carefully. For travelers based in Bishop, these camps are a high-value way to access the Eastern Sierra’s classic landscapes without months of planning. Whether you want a few days of quiet fly-fishing, summit-side views, or a relaxed multi-day walk with hot meals waiting, the Full Service Base Camps Cadillac Trip delivers the scenery, the comfort, and the route-finding know-how that make an Eastern Sierra trip feel like one complete, memorable outing. Bookings typically fit groups from solo travelers to parties of ten, and the staff can tailor daily plans for fishing, short summit attempts, or relaxed photography-focused days, making it a flexible option for mixed-ability groups seeking a managed backcountry experience and real mountain hospitality.
moderate.
2–4 days.
Able to hike moderate distances (3–8 miles per day) with a daypack; comfortable sleeping in a tent and handling uneven terrain.
Each guest is allowed up to 30 lbs. of personal gear; exceeding that will incur additional charges and excess gear is not permitted on riding animals.
Yes—an experienced camp cook prepares hearty meals for guests while staff manage camp logistics.
Special items and dietary requests can usually be accommodated with prior approval and may incur an additional fee.
Trips suit people comfortable with moderate hikes and basic campsite routines; exact daily distances depend on the chosen itinerary.
Yes—these camps put you near trout streams and alpine lakes; bring your own fishing license and tackle or confirm guide options in advance.
Trip dates, itineraries, and menus are announced seasonally by the operator; use the referral link in meta to check availability and book.
The Bishop area sits in the Owens Valley below the eastern Sierra Nevada and has long historical ties to local Paiute communities and ranching traditions.
Operators practice weight limits and staff guidance to minimize animal impact; guests should follow Leave No Trace protocols to protect fragile alpine-desert habitats.
Rainbow Pack Outfitters is a pack and trail service based in Bishop, California, offering guided horseback rides, resupply logistics, and full-service base camps for visitors to the eastern Sierra. The company operates a range of trips along the Historic Rainbow Trail and into Bishop Basin and surrounding backcountry, including scenic short rides, full-day adventures, fishing outings, and family-friendly experiences. Available experiences include the Long Lake Scenic Ride that travels past South Lake to Long Lake; the Bishop Lakes Ride through pristine lakes, streams, and meadows; the Willow Camp Ride, a gentle 30-minute route along Bishop Creek’s south fork for families and children; and the Rainbow Meadow Ride, a one-hour trail through blooming meadows and sparkling streams. Child-focused Walk'n Lead sessions let children six and under explore the yard with wranglers. For backcountry hikers and longer expeditions, Rainbow Pack Outfitters provides Resupplies that deliver food, gear, and essentials to designated drop points, and Dunnage Drops to carry heavy packs over tough trails to Bishop Pass. Spot Trips transport riders with gear moved behind, available one-way or round-trip with permit arrangements. Full Service Base Camps and the Cadillac Trip offer guided camps with an on-site cook, hiking and fishing access, and planned meals. Full Day Fishing Trip options combine guided rides and fishing in remote lakes. All offerings are launched from Bishop and focus on access to Sierra backcountry scenery. Descriptions and bookings are managed by Rainbow Pack Outfitters; prospective guests should contact the company for availability, permits, and specific logistics.
Book with Rainbow Pack Outfitters