Horseback Pack Trip into the High Uintas: 4-Day Backcountry Camping Near Kamas, Utah

Horse · Kamas

4-Day Pack Trip - Camping with horses!

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.

View experience
Duration4 days
LocationKamas, Utah
OperatorCastle Gate Outfitters
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

4-Day Pack Trip - Camping with horses!

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.

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.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Book early and confirm dates

    Trips run May–September and are limited to six riders; call or text Michelle at 714-305-1007 to reserve your spot.

    info
  2. 02
    Bring sturdy, broken-in boots

    Trails include rocky tread and shallow river fords—boots with ankle support and a good tread will make rides more comfortable.

    essential
  3. 03
    Follow stock rules

    One rider per horse and adult supervision for under-16s preserves safety and horse welfare; heed guide instructions at all times.

    essential
  4. 04
    Travel light and weather-wise

    Pack layered clothing and a rain shell—mountain weather can change quickly and lighter loads keep horses and riders nimble.

    warning
DifficultyModerate
Duration4 days
FitnessBe prepared for multiple hours in the saddle each day and several miles of travel over uneven terrain; basic riding stamina is required.
Technical skillsBasic horseback riding, Mounting and dismounting, Stock handling fundamentals

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Riding boots

Ankle-supporting boots with a heel improve saddle fit and traction during river fords.

Essential
02

Rain shell

Light, waterproof layer protects against afternoon storms and cold nights.

Essential
03

Hydration system

An accessible water reservoir or bottles keep riders hydrated during long days on trail.

Essential
04

Headlamp with spare batteries

Hands-free light for pre-dawn starts, camp chores, and evening tent use.

Essential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Quiet high-meadow camps away from main trailheads, Small alpine tarns accessible on short side hikes from main routes

Wildlife

Local fauna

Elk, Mule deer

History

Historic heritage

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.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Packstock use concentrates impact on trails and campsites; follow Leave No Trace, distribute camp locations, and minimize forage disturbance to protect fragile alpine vegetation.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Ridgeline overlooks with valley views, River fords with reflective pools, Campsite meadow at golden hour
Subjects
Landscape panoramas, Horses and riders in motion, Close-up wildflowers and aspens
Best times
Sunrise, Late afternoon (golden hour), Dusk

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What types of outdoor activities do you offer?

Pack trips focus on multi-day horseback travel, camping, and wildlife viewing; single-day rides and other guided outdoor activities may also be available.

Are your guides certified and experienced?

Yes. Guides are trained in horsemanship, first aid, and wilderness safety, and lead small groups to prioritize safety and a quality experience.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring layered clothing, sturdy boots, a rain shell, personal toiletries, any medications, and a small daypack; the outfitter supplies tents and meals.

Are your tours suitable for beginners?

Yes. The pace and instruction accommodate beginners through intermediate riders, though participants should be comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.

Do you provide transportation to the tour location?

Transportation varies by trip; participants should confirm logistics at booking—many trips depart from trailheads near Kamas and require independent arrival.

What is your cancellation policy?

Pack trips follow a strict policy with no cancellations or refunds; verify dates and readiness before booking.

Castle Gate Outfitters

Horseback Pack Trip into the High Uintas: 4-Day Backcountry Camping Near Kamas, Utah