To some folks - getting away from it all means loading up their trusty stock and heading deep into the heart of the High Sierra. Traveling with a favorite horse and/or mule can be a pleasurable experience and in a way, revives in us an historic link with the past. Whether for an hour, a day, a week, or a month, that experience can be a great source of enjoyment, many lasting memories and friendships.
Wilderness travel was once unrestricted with few regulations. But with the increased use and popularity of the Sequoia, not only by stock users but other recreationists as well, problems arose. These problems are directly associated with the resources. Each group of backcountry users, whether riders or hikers, needs to be responsible for their actions. "MINIMUM IMPACT" is the current term that relates backcountry use to resource protection. By taking care to protect the basic resources and abide by local rules and regulations, stock users can help to insure the continued use of their horses and mules in Sierra-Nevada wildernesses.
The Forest Service, USDA, has the twofold problem of protecting the natural environment while providing recreation opportunities in the same area. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for minimizing the impact.
This [page] does not cover all situations but is a refresher for people
experienced with stock and as a guide for newcomers.
GETTIN' IT TOGETHER
Before you hitch up the trailer, pack up your gear, and hightail it out of town for your favorite trailhead, take a few days to plan things out. If you do, chances are, your trip will run smoother once you hit the trail.
The first item, if you're going into a wilderness, is a Visitor's Permit. No areas in the Sequoia are now on a quota system but advance planning is a must if you want to assure your entry to most Forests on your preferred date. Contact the local Ranger Station as early as possible about how they issue their permits. Also, check on any special regulations in effect. Visitor Permits are always required.
When planning a trip with stock, it's especially important to know the trails maintained for horses and mules, and those for hiking only. You can avoid undue stress and strain, lost time, and frustration by knowing ahead of time routes not to take.
Several wildernesses in the Sierra Nevada now have their own topographical maps. Since most of the USGS topographic maps are old, they may no longer have current road and trail information. New maps are a great aid in trip planning!
A phone call ahead of time to the local Ranger Station will help in selecting your route.
Unconditioned stock can create undue stress and strain. Saddle and cinch sores, stone bruises, fatigue, and dehydration can easily spoil your trip. To avoid problems, condition your stock before heading out.
Train the stock with different methods of restraint (e.g. hobbles, hitch lines, bells, etc.). Be sure also to plan on packing feed. Early grazing can cause serious damage to meadow grasses. As the summer progresses, and the ground is more firm, you can turn stock out for several hours each day. However, to avoid over grazing, pack in supplemental feed. By mid-September the nutritional value of meadow grasses is quite low. Hay pellets, cubes, and/or grain are best for pack stock in the backcountry. These feeds supply the necessary bulk and nutrients. Accustom your stock with these before leaving home, they will eat heartily and fare better! Again, check with the Ranger Station beforehand for general grazing conditions.
ON THE TRAIL
Consideration of the resources takes everyone's effort. When someone cuts across a switchback, it begins a path for soil erosion and may encourage others to follow. Repairing switchbacks is costly and very time consuming. Please keep your stock on the trails.
Selecting a good wilderness horse camp takes a certain knack. Locate your campsite 100 feet or more from lakes, streams, and trails whenever possible. Poor judgment in the past caused deep depressions by stock tied to and pawing at the base of individual trees and exposing roots. To avoid this, select a site where a hitch line, i.e. lash or halter rope tied between two trees, will be on firm, dry ground. This preferred method of overnight control avoids problems of soil disturbance and root damage. A sturdy set of hobbles is also useful. Horses soon learn to move quite freely, so a close watch may be necessary!
The High Sierra has numerous meadows suitable for grazing. Take care to avoid overuse, excessive trampling, and polluting of lakes and streams. As mentioned before, supplemental feeds packed in will reduce impact on these sensitive areas.
Evening campfires are an important enjoyment of any wilderness experience. Unfortunately, firewood is scarce in some areas. To minimize your impact, keep fires small, and use existing fire rings that are at least 100 feet from lakes and streams. Several fire rings in a small area detract from the feeling of solitude. For cooking purposes carry a portable stove. Many small, light-weight types are available at reasonable cost. Be sure to check on any campfire restrictions.
PACKIN' UP AND HEADIN' HOME
Once you and your stock are ready to "move out", take a few minutes
to naturalize your camp. Scatter manure, refill holes dug by stock,
and remove any trace left by others (rails, wire, rope, or deer racks).
REMEMBER! PACK OUT EVERYTHING YOU PACK IN. This includes all
cans, bottles, aluminum foil and other trash you can't burn. The
old tradition of burying garbage NO LONGER APPLIES. PACK IT OUT!
Take pride in how well you eliminate any visible trace of your camp.
YOUR BUSINESS
Take time to make Fire Prevention your business, too. IT PAYS. Help Smokey by:
Have a good trip, travel safely!
THANK YOU FOR CAMPING WITHOUT LEAVING A TRACE!