Yosemite Trail Rides
Since the 1850s, when the first vacationers were attracted to the legendary valley of Yosemite, horses and mules have provided a means of transportation that takes visitors to some of the most scenic vistas in the world. Today, the Yosemite Stables, operated by Delaware North at Yosemite, continues to guide visitors to these same spectacular views.
One of the largest public riding stables in the United States, the Yosemite Stables comprises three different locations – Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows – and utilizes approximately 300 head of stock.
Yosemite Valley Stable Rides
Riders visit picturesque Mirror Lake during the two-hour ride, which is perfect for beginners and offers great photographic opportunities.
The half-day ride takes riders out to the Vernal Fall Bridge and Clarks Point, where they have access to excellent views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.
Custom rides are available upon request at Yosemite Valley Stables. Guests are encouraged to call at least two weeks ahead of their planned visit.
For reservations or more information, please call the Yosemite Valley Stable at 209-372-8348.
Wawona Stable Rides
Follow in the hoof-prints of early Yosemite visitors during the two-hour Wawona ride, which traverses the historic wagon road around the Wawona meadow and golf course. This was the original route into Wawona over the Chowchilla Mountain, and it’s a flat, even ride, appropriate for all ages and riding abilities.
The half-day ride takes participants on a nice, long climb to Chilnualna Falls, a gorgeous cascading waterfall that will delight riders. Typically, this is a five-hour ride.
The full-day ride visits the impressive Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, out towards Johnson Lake. This is a challenging eight-hour ride for experienced riders in good physical condition only. For reservations or more information, call the Wawona Stable at 209-375-6502.
Tuolumne Meadows Stable Rides
The two-hour ride takes participants up a slight elevation gain to Tuolumne View on the Young Lakes Trail. Riders will enjoy excellent vistas, including views of Cathedral Range, Johnson Peak and Mammoth Peaks. The half-day ride goes to Twin Bridges on the Tuolumne River just above Tuolumne Falls. Riders will take
a short break to stretch their legs and enjoy some excellent photography opportunities.
The full-day ride traditionally goes to Water Wheel Falls. This ride covers approximately 18 miles with a 1,200-foot elevation loss and gain, so all participants should be experienced and in very good physical shape.
In addition to the established recreational stable rides, Yosemite Stables offers overnight pack trips into the Yosemite wilderness and multi-day saddle trips to the High Sierra Camps. Riders in Tuolumne Meadows also have the option of creating custom rides or pack trips. Call 209-372-8427 for reservations at the Tuolumne Meadows Stables and more information. Call the reservation office at 559-253-6555 for multiday
saddle trips to the High Sierra Camps. Reservations are recommended for the half- and full-day rides and may be arranged by calling the appropriate stable location. Helmets are mandatory for all riders and provided at no additional charge.
Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter Google + and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com #goexplore
