Enjoy a peaceful horseback or mule ride along McGee Creek in California’s Eastern Sierra. Perfect for families, this scenic loop treats you to stunning mountain views and a gentle adventure in nature.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no previous riding experience needed but a reasonable level of mobility is helpful.
Wildlife
History
McGee Creek and the surrounding areas have long been used by indigenous peoples and later by settlers who valued the waterway for its resources.
Conservation
The McGee Creek area is managed with an emphasis on protecting native plants and wildlife while providing sustainable recreation experiences.
McGee Creek Pack Station
Enjoy a peaceful horseback or mule ride along McGee Creek in California’s Eastern Sierra. Perfect for families, this scenic loop treats you to stunning mountain views and a gentle adventure in nature.
McGee Creek Pack Station is a trail ride outfitter based at Crowley Lake, California, offering guided horseback and mule rides that explore McGee Canyon, Horsetail Falls, and nearby scenic areas around Mammoth Lakes. The operation provides a range of ride lengths and experiences including one-hour and two-hour loops, a four-hour half-day ride, and a full seven-hour canyon tour along the historic Baldwin mining road.\n\nRides are offered on horses and mules and are tailored to different skill levels and group types. Family-friendly options include the Beaver Meadow half-day ride, which welcomes riders aged 6 and up. The Horsetail Falls Ride is a two-hour loop to Horsetail Falls and McGee Gorge, while the McGee Creek Loop provides a gentle, panoramic route along McGee Creek and views of the White Mountains. The McGee Canyon Tour covers longer backcountry terrain with lodgepole pines and seasonal wildflowers, and guests are encouraged to bring a packed lunch for the seven-hour excursion.\n\nIn addition to natural-history rides, McGee Creek Pack Station presents a specialty Lone Pine Film Festival Horseback Tour that visits iconic Alabama Hills filming locations accompanied by Western Film Historian Douglas Grieve. All descriptions focus on factual route highlights, scenery, and ride durations to help visitors choose the right trail experience in the Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake area.
Location
Crowley Lake, CA
Near Mammoth Lakes and McGee Canyon
Ride Lengths
1–7 hours
Short loops to full-day canyon rides
Family Friendly
Ages 6+
Children welcome on half-day ride
Ride Types
Horse & mule rides
Guided loops, canyon and film tours
Reserve a Horsetail Falls, McGee Canyon, or Beaver Meadow ride today — family-friendly options and specialty film tours available.
Bring layered clothing
Weather can change quickly in the mountains; layering helps you stay comfortable.
Use sunscreen and a hat
High elevation sun exposure can be intense, so protect your skin and eyes.
Stay hydrated
Carry water for the ride to avoid dehydration, especially on warm days.
Wear closed-toe shoes
For safety while riding, footwear that fully protects your feet is recommended.
Wide-brimmed hat
Protects your face and eyes from strong mountain sun.
summer
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the ride.
Layered jacket
Useful for fluctuating temperatures and cool breezes.
spring
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Provides safety and comfort while mounting and riding.