D & F Pack Station

Everyone was super friendly and great with my kids who were riding for the first time. We had a great time on the 1 hour ride and will definitely be back next time we are camping!

BEST HORSE RIDE EVER! Was staying on vacation in ranchoria and discovered that there’s was horse back riding only 5 minutes from our camp sight. Me and my family went on the one hour tour and it was the best experience, we had Jeff and Marcus as our guides who were awesome! The horses were extremely well behaved as well. Oh and met the owners husband who was a really sweet guy who made us all feel welcomed :) best part of our vacation I highly recommend it, even for kids.

I was staying in Shaver Lake for business and wanted to do something fun with my girlfriend before heading home. She suggested horseback riding. I saw several fliers for the Shaver stables, but the reviews i saw and horses riding by while I was hanging out at the lake just looked boring. So after a little research, I found the pack station.
I first visited their website to read up on the tours they offer. They have a 20 min, 1 & 2 hour, half day and full day.
The half day sounded awesome! But this was a Saturday and I wanted to book for the next day, so I wasn’t sure if they would be available. Called and asked and was told sorry, it’s too late to book a half day but we can do a 2 hour. So I booked that.
Next day we show up. The station has a big sign along Huntington road telling you where to go. Started going up the road and it’s sort of a small half dirt road leading past lots of houses. Eventually we got to a spot that said parking, though we couldn’t fully see the stable yet. We parked and walked up a little ways and were greeted right away.
My girlfriend asked if we could do a half day trip again figuring no harm in asking! Thankfully, one of the guides said sure! It was $ 100 each (plus tip! I gave $ 40 for 2 of us at the end). Waited about 15 min for the horses to rest from their last trip, and we were on our way.
We were told the ride would last about 4 hours, maybe longer. We would go up to Potters Pass, give the horses a break, then head back. Going up took about two hours. The horses were well behaved and our guide was awesome! Always checking in to see how we were doing, and joking with us the whole way. It was just the three of us, so that was great. We aren’t complete novice riders, but also not very experienced. We weren’t nose-​to-​tail the whole way. We definitely had some control of the horses and I was able to trot quite a bit. Made the ride much more fun! Once we got to the pass, we got off and walked around for about 30 min and took some pics. Our guide brought his lunch along — we wish we would’ve too! Good idea to bring some water in a camelback. The pass is breathtaking.
After the rest, we hopped back on and headed back. The horses moved faster going home. They were hungry and wanted to be done. At this point, our butts and knees were feelin the pain! But so worth it. I wish I could remember our guides name. I’d request him again, and I WILL be back to try the other half day trip they offer.
Be prepared, the half day tour will make you VERY sore. It’s not for everyone. But this is the place you want to go horseback riding! It’s beautiful! And the owners and guides are great. Horses are also gorgeous and behaved. Go!

I was camping at Huntington Lake and the Ranger Station recommended going for a horseback ride during my stay. They gave me the contact information for D & F Pack Station.
I spoke with Daniel and he gave me all the information for the 20 minute, 1 hour & 2 hour horseback rides. I returned two days later and went on my awesome horseback riding adventure.
–The 20 minute ride goes into the forest and returns back to the stables ($ 20).
–The 2 hour ride goes down to the lakeshore of Huntington Lake and goes through forest and along the lake ($ 60).
–The 1 hour ride is a shorted version of the 2 hour ride.
D & F Pack Station also does pack rides into the forest for any length of time. They pack your gear onto donkeys, you hop on a horse and off you go. Definitely a service that appealed to my adventurous side. Those trips are priced by the amount of gear you bring and how long you want to camp.
If you’re comfortable on a horse, I’d say go for the 2 hour ride (ages 6+, helmets provided but not required). The 20 minute rides can accommodate children under 6yrs old and helmets are provided.
The employees were very friendly and helpful. Bring a little extra cash to properly tip your guide. I rode «Willie» and he was very well behaved. Wear proper shoes, not flip flops. My shoe choice saved my foot when Willie moved unexpectedly after being bitten by another horse and inadvertently stepped on my foot.
D & F Pack Station is a great recreational choice to see Huntington Lake and the surrounding forest. I would highly recommend giving them a try, if you are in the area. I will be giving them my business again.