Andean animals are great for backcountry adventures

By Olivia Foster

Llama trips have exploded in popularity across the Colorado wilderness. Llamas allow hikers to journey into the wilderness with their gear securely strapped to the pack animal.

Many backcountry hikes are available and there are options to accommodate varying needs, such as ability and trip lengths. The adventure could involve a shorter half-day trek or a multi-day trip deep into the Rockies. Some outfitters offer options to lease a llama for a personalized hike without a guide.

The fluffy animals have mellow personalities. They bond easily with people and are quick learners when being used as pack animals. Depending on the breed, each llama can carry 60-80 pounds of gear. “Llamas are a mix of dependable and adorable,” said Brianna Evert, owner of Lookin’ Up Outfitters. “It’s good to see people bond with the llamas during hikes.”

While the gentle creatures, which are native to North America, might be tempting to ride, they do not take well to passengers. Llamas prefer to carry gear while walking alongside or behind their guide person.

We’ve compiled a list of companies that offer packing adventures with the animals.

San Juan Mountains Llama Treks, Cortez

There are a variety of hikes offered with San Juan Mountains Llama Treks, ranging from drop camp, where a llama and wrangler carry your gear into a base camp and pick you up again later, to overnight trips where the llamas travel with you the entire time. One of the trips includes a three-day, two-night adventure to the fully furnished High Camp Hut in the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains. This trip is the ideal mountain getaway for a full weekend of fun.

Lookin’ Up Outfitters, Westcliffe

Owner and Founder Brianna Evert created this small business in 2019 after realizing that she could make a profit from her love of llamas. One of the things that make Lookin’ Up Outfitters stand out is that each hike is with just people you know, which allows for smaller and more personalized hikes. Evert said guests are more comfortable with people they know and it’s enjoyable for her as well. “I really like to get to know the people I’m hiking with,” she said. “It creates a more personal and unique experience.” Evert’s 11-year-old daughter enjoys llamas as much as Evert does and knows a lot about the animals, so she often comes along on hikes.

Spruce Ridge Llamas, Salida

Each llama hike at Spruce Ridge Llamas is a customized hike with groups of four to six people. Hikes are in the form of day trips, with three to five hours of light to moderate trekking in the wilderness surrounding Salida. One of the most popular hikes that Spruce Ridge Llamas offers is the September Fall Foliage Day Trek, which is an incredible way to enjoy the changing colors of fall with llama companions.

Paragon Guides, Vail

Since 1978, Paragon Guides has been leading a variety of guided outdoor experiences. At Paragon Guides, guests can take llamas on multi-day guided trips, lease a llama after taking a training session, or take an animal to lunch. Taking a llama to lunch is a half-day guided trip that is perfect for families with young children or those who prefer a short hike. Rachel Solomon, one of the guides, explains what makes llama hikes remarkable. “Llamas are gentle on the ecosystem because they have padded feet instead of hooves,” said Solomon. “Not only are they gentle to nature, but they are also gentle with people.”

Photo courtesy of Redwood Llamas by Mark Lance

Redwood Llamas, Silverton

Llamas are the center of attention at Redwood Llamas. Great care is put into breeding, training, and caring for the llamas to ensure the highest possible quality. Bill Redwood founded the business in 1985 with hopes to share his passion for the mountains. “Llamas are like a walking backpack, so they make it easy to appreciate the solitude and wilderness,” Redwood said. The services offered at Redwood Llamas include guided trips, leasing llamas for a trip, and the option to buy a llama. Trips cover four wilderness areas with permits that are unique to Redwood Llamas, so this llama hiking experience is sure to be one-of-a-kind.

Wildland Trekking, Rocky Mountain National Park

Wildland Trekking boasts treks across the U.S., with some of their most notable hikes taking place in the Rocky Mountains. They offer five llama hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, each with different views and difficulty levels. One of the most extraordinary trips that is offered is the Women’s Mummy Mountain Llama Trek, which is a woman-only trip with views of alpine lakes, creeks and mountain peaks. Other services that Wildland Trekking offers include snowshoeing, skiing tours and backpacking trips.

Olivia Foster hails from St. Paul, Minnesota, and is currently studying journalism and communication at Wartburg College in Iowa. After graduation, she hopes to find a job that combines her passions for graphic design and storytelling.

This article is in the May-June issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.