Our mission is to share the majestic beauty of this national treasure through our pack station which offers a full spectrum of experiences: “spot drop off” to “full service” packages that include a completely stocked packer and livestock for riding. MPS offers a unique opportunity to discover the grandeur of the historic National Forest and the National Park. There are miles of wilderness, extensive mountain meadows, deep granite-walled gorges, and pristine rivers that are only found in the Minarets of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

The Minarets, a series of jagged mountain peaks also known as the Ritter Range, contain a number of streams and lakes, which form the headwaters of the North and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River. The Pacific Crest and John Muir trails both go through this wonderful wilderness. Lush meadows and deep snow packs have for generations made the Ansel Adams Wilderness important to local and state economies. The crystal clear headwaters of the San Joaquin River flow out of this wilderness as it irrigates the fertile pastures, fields, and orchards of the San Joaquin Valley below, eventually becoming the waters of the California Delta flowing into San Francisco Bay.

The Ansel Adams Wilderness was protected by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Originally called the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness was renamed to honor Ansel Adams in 1984. It spreads over 230,258 acres, ranging in altitude from about 7,000 feet to 14,000 feet. Yosemite National Park lies to the north and northwest; the John Muir Wilderness lies to the south.

We hope you will join us for your trip to explore and experience the panoramic views and breathtaking beauty of our wild wilderness.

Minarets Pack Station Operates Under Permit on the USFS and NPS Permits.