- PRICE:$1600 per person + 5% GST, based on a 2-person trip
- DURATION:4 Day / 3 Night
- DISTANCE:45km – 60km
- DAILY RIDE TIME:5-9 hours
DATES AVAILABLE:
July 10th / 17th / 24th / 31st,
August 7th / 14th / 21st / 28th,
September 4th / 11th / 18th / 25th
Tour overview
- An authentic 4-day horse packing experience with one of our experienced wranglers
- Maximum group size of 2 riders per trip
- Historic mountain trails for the advanced intermediate to experienced rider
- A true wilderness experience – the opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature
- 5 to 9 hour long days – with a mixture of riding and breaking to enjoy your surroundings
- Some sections of trail where you will be required to dismount and walk your horse.
For example, down mountain passes. Accordingly, please bring appropriate riding/hiking shoes. - 3 nights accommodation in our shared well equipped backcountry camps.
- A flexible trip itinerary dependent on our gear transport and camp requirements.
i.e. Could include a float plane experience from our base location to start and/or end the trip - The opportunity to join the wrangler in preparing and packing the horses in the morning, unpacking them on arrival at camps, and putting them out to pasture in the evenings.
What’s included
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
- 4 days of horseback riding with one of our experienced and friendly wranglers Depending on trip start date could include either of the following options:
- Three full days of riding (6+hours) and one half day (3 – 5 hours)
- Two full days of riding (6+ hours) and two half days (3 – 5 hours)
- 3 nights double occupancy accommodation in our backcountry camps
- A horse companion that is well travelled throughout the area
- Fresh prepared meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4.
- Bring extra trail side snacks if there is anything particular you like to carry on local rides
- Possible float plane flight experience from our base to start and / or end the trip (reflective of horse and camp supply requirements)
- Unbeatable mountain vistas and stories for a lifetime
WHAT’S INCLUDED WHEN STAYING AT OUR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPS:
· A camp host to set up and maintain camp.
· A cozy bed in a dual occupancy canvas walled tent (2 people per tent typically)
· Three meals a day when in the mountains. Includes a hot breakfast and dinner prepared by the host, and self prepared and packed lunches for on the trails. A packed lunch prepared by Tyax Adventures is also included on your first day.
· Filtered water to fill your hydration packs and bottles.
· Sleeping bags, sleeping pad/mattresses, and pillows.
· Fleece jackets to help keep you warm in the evenings.
· Crocs footwear to wear while in and around camp.
· Outdoor hot showers with soap.
· An outdoor pit toilet that is basic in nature but fully stocked
· If ordered and paid for in advance – beer, wine and/or cider
· The opportunity to dry out wet clothes and/or shoes, with a wood fired stove
Is this tour suitable for me
Is this tour suitable for me?
- Yes if you are an advanced intermediate to advanced (experienced) rider
- Yes if you have a good base fitness and can comfortably lead your horse and hike sections of trail
- Yes if you are interested in an authentic multi day backcountry horse packing experience
Horseback Riding – Ability Level
- Beginner – You have limited riding experience and perhaps have never ridden a horse before but are keen to try. A 1 or 2 hour ride is plenty long.
- Novice – Perhaps you have ridden a horse before and know that you are able to mount and dismount unassisted. You are comfortable and feel in control while your horse is walking and maybe even during short trots. You are comfortable on a horse for 3 to 4 hours.
- Intermediate – You have a firm and confident seat on your horse and feel comfortable while trotting and maybe even while cantering and galloping short distances. You are comfortable on a horse for 6 to 7 hours, but perhaps don’t ride regularly.
- Advanced – You are very comfortable on a horse at all paces, and perhaps can handle a spirited horse in open country. You are comfortable riding all day.
Recommended Packing List
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
**Please note that your luggage can weigh up to 25lbs (11kgs)**
**An appropriately sized duffel bag/small backpack works best, and extra items that are not a necessity should be left behind**
- · Light weight, packable wind proof/water proof jacket
- · Gloves, ball cap/cowboy hat and long pants for riding in
- · Rain gear (top and bottoms)
- · Sturdy, supportive footwear that can lead and hike your horse in when required. Recommend Ariat riding/hiking boots.
- · Hat/toque and long underwear if colder temperatures expected (particularly in the evening).
- · A change of riding clothes and/or clothes for in camps – includes extra socks
- · Sleeping bag liner and pillowcase (Sleeping bags, mattresses and pillows are provided)
- · Bear spray – recommend minimum of 1 between 2 people
- · Water bottle/s and/or hydration packs
- · Personal helmet if typically ride in one
- · Personal toiletries and medications – includes sunscreen and insect repellent
- · Headlamp, with extra batteries if necessary
- · Personal light weight charging device for appliances such as phones/cameras
- · Phone or camera for taking pictures
- · Packable camp/travel towel for showering in camp
- · Personal snacks you like to carry on your local rides – if room and weight permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Horseback Tours
Does Tyax Adventures offer half day or single full day horseback tours?
No sorry. Instead we offer the opportunity for you to join us on either a 5 day / 4 night, or 4 day / 3 night, authentic Chilcotin horsepacking experience.
**Extra days can be added for an additional cost**
Does Tyax Adventures have helmets for horseback riding?
We have a limited number of helmets, however we recommend that you bring your own if possible. If you would like to use one of our helmets please let us know the size in advance so that we can arrange one.
Do I have to wear a helmet while riding?
We do not require adults to wear helmets while on tour with us, but it is recommended. Children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet.
What is the maximum group size, and level of experience required?
There is a maximum of 2 riders per tour so that guests receive a unique and personal experience. The tours are suitable for advanced intermediate to experienced riders who are comfortable travelling for between 5 to 9 hours, leading their horse, hiking sections of trail, and whom have a good level of base fitness.
What should I pack and bring?
Recommended packing list (Click here)
How heavy can my personal bag be?
Your luggage can weigh up to 25lbs (11kgs). An appropriately sized duffel bag/small backpack works best
How many kilometers can I expect to ride per day?
Depending on your particular tour and the route traveled, the distance of your ride each day will vary between 10-30 km typically.
What are Tyax Adventures backcountry accommodations like?
Tyax Adventures has a total of five unique, historical and self supported backcountry camps/cabins. Please click here for an overview of them. Our camps/cabins can accommodate up to a total of 10 guests, so please be aware that there maybe other people or groups in overnight with you.
What is included when staying in our backcountry accommodations?
A list of what is included in your backcountry accomodation can be found here.
Will there be time to explore the area when not riding?
Yes, some days where we have shorter travel days or if we are staying in the same camp more than one night you will have time to explore the surrounding area. There are all sorts of daily activities to enjoy along with your trail riding; fishing, wildlife viewing, photography time, hiking, exploration and more. Ask your wrangler about activities.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes. For multi- day trips you can either pre-book your alcohol with us before arriving (you will be sent an order form to do so), or bring your own.
What if I have special diet requests?
If you have any special dietary needs, please notify Tyax Adventures when you book your trip so that we can make the necessary allowances, if possible.
Are there Bears and/or Bugs?
During most tours, we venture into remote country and even though there will be an abundance of wildlife, it can be rare to spot them. With proper precautions, it is unlikely any will bother us on our tours. Certain times of the year there are mosquitoes, black flies, horse flies and other bugs. We recommend you bring bug spray or light long sleeve shirts if you have a tendency to attract them.
Where is Tyax Adventures base location and Horse Ranch?
Set on the shores of Tyaughton Lake, Tyax Adventures base of operations (float plane dock etc.) is located approximately five hours by car north of Vancouver and 1.5 hours west of Lillooet.
If you are instructed to meet your wrangler at Tyax Adventures Pearson Ranch, the address is 555 Gun Creek Road, Gold Bridge, BC.
More details about our location, and driving directions can be seen here.
Are you associated with Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing?
Tyax Adventures is a separate company from Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing, located adjacent to our base location on the shores of Tyaughton Lake. At Tyax Adventures we have been in operation for 30 years as an Air Charter Service and Guided Tour Company offering multiday backcountry adventures in the South Chilcotin Mountains.
What accommodation options are there prior / post tour with Tyax Adventures?
In the Bridge River Valley there are some excellent accommodation options for pre / post backcountry adventure. Or if you prefer to stay in the valley close to Tyaughton Lake and take daily activities there are many options too. You can find more information on our local recommendations by clicking here.
What if I have additional questions?
Please visit www.tyaxadventures.com, by email at fun@tyaxadventures.com or call us at 1-888-892-9288 and we would be happy to answer your questions.
