Four days of pack-horse wilderness travel in the High Uintas, with meals, tents, and expert guides included. Small groups, single riders per horse, and remote camps make this a concentrated backcountry experience near Kamas, Utah.
Four days of pack-horse wilderness travel in the High Uintas, with meals, tents, and expert guides included. Small groups, single riders per horse, and remote camps make this a concentrated backcountry experience near Kamas, Utah.
Book with Castle Gate Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Castle Gate Outfitters · Kamas, Utah
Ride four days into the High Uintas on the 4-Day Pack Trip - Camping with horses!, a small-group, fully guided expedition that threads rivers, climbs timbered slopes, and opens into high alpine meadows above Kamas, Utah. The route follows classic Uinta country—an east–west range carved by glaciation—where metamorphic ridgelines, aspen groves, and willow-lined creeks create a wild, largely roadless world. This trip runs May through September, is limited to six riders, costs $3,000 per person, and requires participants to be at least eight years old; to book, please call or text Michelle at 714-305-1007.
What sets this pack trip apart is the combination of traditional horsemanship and careful, hands-on guiding. You ride one-on-one—no double riding—and guides lead a slow, deliberate pace that suits beginners and intermediate riders alike while keeping safety a priority. Each evening the crew breaks camp, pitches supplied tents, and prepares three meals a day, so you spend your energy in the saddle and soaking up the landscape rather than hauling gear.
Expect water crossings that punctuate the route, granite and schist outcrops that reveal the range’s geologic history, and high basins where wildflowers bloom against a backdrop of jagged skyline peaks. Wildlife is common here: elk and mule deer move through the meadows, and birdlife includes raptors that wheel over ridgelines. The trip’s intimacy—maximum six riders—means guides can tailor the pace, point out local flora like aspen and lodgepole, and position camps in sheltered meadows that are quieter than trailhead-accessible sites.
Practical details matter on multi-day trips: riders must be capable of several hours in the saddle each day, handle basic mounting and dismounting, and follow stock-handling instructions. One rider per horse policy and adult supervision for participants under 16 keep groups stable and safe. Note that pack trip bookings follow a strict policy—there are no cancellations or refunds—so plan accordingly.
For travelers based in nearby Kamas, this is the gateway to true backcountry riding; for visitors coming from farther afield, the trip provides an efficient way to access remote High Uinta country without the logistical drag of hauling stock yourself. With experienced guides, small groups, full meal service, and supplied tents, this four-day pack trip delivers a concentrated, authentic wilderness ride in one of Utah’s most distinctive mountain ranges.
Each morning starts with a hot breakfast and a quick tack check; guides teach basic stock care so riders build confidence handling horses. Expect wet boots at shallow river fords and rockier tread on some climbs, so steady seats and good boots matter. Evenings fall into big, clear starfields and low noise: shared meals, quiet storytelling, and the slow routine of packstock give the trip an old-school outfitter feel that lingers long after you return home.
moderate.
4 days.
Be prepared for multiple hours in the saddle each day and several miles of travel over uneven terrain; basic riding stamina is required.
Pack trips focus on multi-day horseback travel, camping, and wildlife viewing; single-day rides and other guided outdoor activities may also be available.
Yes. Guides are trained in horsemanship, first aid, and wilderness safety, and lead small groups to prioritize safety and a quality experience.
Bring layered clothing, sturdy boots, a rain shell, personal toiletries, any medications, and a small daypack; the outfitter supplies tents and meals.
Yes. The pace and instruction accommodate beginners through intermediate riders, though participants should be comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
Transportation varies by trip; participants should confirm logistics at booking—many trips depart from trailheads near Kamas and require independent arrival.
Pack trips follow a strict policy with no cancellations or refunds; verify dates and readiness before booking.
The Uinta Mountains are one of the few major ranges in North America that run east–west; the High Uintas Wilderness was designated in 1984.
Packstock use concentrates impact on trails and campsites; follow Leave No Trace, distribute camp locations, and minimize forage disturbance to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Castle Gate Outfitters operates out of Kamas, Utah, offering guided outdoor rides that showcase the region's mountain scenery and river valleys. The outfitter runs three core experiences: a 4 Hour Trail Ride with a scenic route, expert guides, small personalized groups and a included lunch; a 1 Hour Trail Ride designed for beginners that highlights pristine mountain and river landscapes under guided supervision; and a 30-minute Sleigh/Wagon Ride through tranquil countryside that provides a cozy, family-friendly outing. Castle Gate Outfitters uses experienced guides and maintains emphasis on safety, personalized attention, and approachable rides for riders of varied skill levels. Riders receive direction on horse handling and trail etiquette before departure, and guides tailor pace and route to group ability. Trails pass through typical Wasatch Range terrain around Kamas, allowing clear views and a connection to nature without requiring special equipment beyond warm clothing for winter sleighs. Reservations are organized to keep groups small for a more intimate experience and individualized instruction. The outfitter also provides clear scheduling and meeting information for each activity, including the 4 Hour Trail Ride's included lunch and the brief, relaxing nature of the Sleigh/Wagon Ride. Booking information and seasonal availability are provided on request, and staff confirm group details before each departure to ensure a smooth, timely, and safe experience.
Book with Castle Gate Outfitters