Keeping trails open for everyone

Keeping public lands open to pack and saddle stock use.

Preserve

Protect

Maintain

About Us

A group of private and commercial packers met in 1981 to form the High Sierra Stock Users Association (HSSUA) with the purpose of representing horsemen in dealings with the administrators of public lands.

Five years later the HSSUA joined with Montana, Idaho and Washington to form an affiliation called the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA). This national organization’s task is to coordinate activities of the various state backcountry organizations. The BCHA now has organizations in 31 states.

The Backcountry Horsemen of California (BCHC) is composed of members who are passionate about keeping public lands open and accessible for ALL – which includes non-equestrians and ALL who love trails. Our organization is volunteer based and functions under the guidance of the BCHC Executive Committee and State Board of Directors.

Our Associates

Alerts

2027 Lucky Calendar Fundraiser Has Begun!

One ticket -101 chances to win! For just $25, you get a raffle ticket AND a 2027 calendar! Plus, opportunities to win continue all year long! Kick off the year with a $500 drawing, Friday, January 15, 2027. Then, drawings Mondays ($50) and Fridays ($75) for the rest of the year. The grand finale drawing is New Year’s Eve – $1,000! Each BCHC member please purchase/sell one raffle ticket/calendar.

BCHC’s northern units have been helping with fish plants for 30+ years. Watch this GREAT video!

For more than 30 years, the Backcountry Horsemen of California (BCHC), a nonprofit organization, has supported fish planting efforts in the Northern Region. BCHC coordinates volunteer riders and their horse and mule pack teams, which can reach remote waters in difficult terrain and provide a safe, reliable method of transporting fish. Click here:

Watch this video of the Casa Vieja Project in Golden Trout Wilderness

Check out Bob Olin’s (High Sierra Unit) video narrated by Jim Wilkins explaining the Friends of the Kern Plateau and its Casa Vieja Preservation Project in the Golden Trout Wilderness! Click here to watch the video:

$250 GRANTS FOR TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The ExtremeTerrain Clean Trail Grant Program provides $250 grants and support to eligible off-road clubs, outdoor organizations, and community groups for local trail maintenance and conservation projects. For more information see https://www.extremeterrain.com/clean-trail-initiative-program.html

Forest Service Reorganization Announced

BCHA Director for Public Lands & Recreation Randy Rasmussen recently announced a major reorganization of the United States Forest Service. The following changes are being made: The Forest Service will phase out the nine Regional Offices over the next year and implementation activities will take into consideration the ongoing fire season. The Forest Service will maintain a reduced state office i

Support Our Cause

Ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use in America’s backcountry through volunteerism, educational programs and working in conjunction with government agencies.

Membership

1-Year
Individual

$60

/ Year

This type is best for singles, or for persons whose family members may have other interests. 

1-Year
Family

$75

/ Year

All immediate family members are included in Family (Shared) memberships, and are eligible to participate fully in BCHC and local unit activities; only TWO adults from each Family (Shared) membership may vote during General Business meetings.

1-Year
Young Adult

$15

/ Year

This is a membership for college aged individuals, 18 to 24 years of age.

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