Llama Trekking

Hike with the companionship of a llama willing to share the burden of your gear. Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them an ideal addition for your backcountry adventure. Camps are situated in secluded alpine settings or at high 10th Mountain Huts surrounded by alpine lakes and peak summits. There is always time for fishing, hiking, rock climbing and exploring the surrounding mountains.

"Our guides were great. They tremendously enhanced the wilderness experience. Both had a good sense of what would maximize the enjoyment of each member of the group"
—John of Charleston, WV

"Please visit the pictures of our recent Llama trip. We happily recommend Paragon Guides wonderful services"
—Dag of Lake City, MN

Why Llamas?
For centuries, llamas have been used as high country pack animals. Their natural curiosity and intelligence will fascinate you along with their gentle, easy going character which makes them highly compatible with children. They will act as your backcountry 'sherpas' carrying the food, tentage and most community gear. With a gentle nature and agile abilities the llama leaves little trace that he has passed through on a trail. Their natural inquisitiveness and relentless curiosity displayed in their ears, eyes and 'hum' may show you wildlife that you might have otherwise missed. Please note that our llamas are exclusively trained as pack animals and are not ridden on trips.

Llama Day Trips - located on our Summer Day Trips Page

All trip costs include a "Pre-trip" Orientation Meeting with your Head Guide the day prior to trip departure Be sure to include this two hour meeting in your itinerary.

3-Day Custom Day Rocky Mountain Explorer - Custom Trips can be designed for Huts or Camping. Various huts or camping trips are available to meet the dates, needs and interests of families, groups and individuals.

• 10th Mountain Division Huts
• Camping (varied sites)

Discover Colorado in the comfort of a backcountry hut. Large handcrafted log huts provide an excellent location to stage additional activities such as fly fishing, rock climbing, peak ascents and natural history hikes. These trips are great for families, individuals and groups who wish to experience the backcountry utilizing the comforts of a high mountain cabin.

3-Day Piney River Llama Camping Trip

Located north of the Vail Valley, the Piney River winds and cascades its way for nearly 25 miles from the interior of the Gore Range Mountains to its confluence with the Colorado River.

The"Lower Piney" leaves the "high alpine" of the Gore Range, its trailhead starting at 9400 feet. When the high mountains are still covered in snow, the "Lower Piney" offers summer hiking and camping in June. The later summer months will see the river slow down as the Spring "run-off" subsides. The diverse eco-system is home to an assortment of wildlife. Fly-Fishing all summer long is some of the best in the Vail area.

The "Upper Piney" provides access into one of the more remote areas of the Gore Range. Un-improved sections of trail typically stop our Llamas from reaching the interior, leaving backpacking and day hikes as the option. It's "high lake" is seldom visited. A route is available that leads back to the Vail Valley offering one of the more remote trails in the area. The "Upper Piney" provides access to Mt Powell (13,448 feet), the highest peak in the Gore Range, and Peak "C", it's counterpart. These are Class 4-5 routes only for the hardy and experienced hikers and climbers. For the less hardy or the fisherman, a favorite campsite of ours is located less than two hours from the trailhead. providing easy access to day hikes and small stream fly fishing.

3 Day Camping Trips into the Holy Cross and Eagle's Nest Wilderness Areas. These trips typically spend two nights at one campsite. From your "Base Camp" the possibilities are open for hiking, climbing, fishing, exploring or just relaxing in camp. Ask about: Missouri Lakes/Fancy Lake/Hunky Dory Lake/Cross Creek Trail/Bighorn Creek Trail and others.

Family rates available
Custom Dates are available throughout the Summer and Fall.

3-Day Mount of the Holy Cross Ascents
The Mount of the Holy Cross (14,005') has become one of the most popular 14'ers in Colorado. With it's mysterious "Cross of Snow" and the Bowl of Tears Lake, experienced hikers can enjoy the beauty and serenity of a special place, from our Base Camp at 11,000'. We will climb the North Ridge route (difficult class 2, off-trail hiking).

Additional routes are available for the more adventurous and experienced climbers. We recommend 3 days to maximize our chances of reaching the summit and to spend some extra time in a spectacular mountain setting. 2-Day and 1-Day climbs are available.

Family rates available
Custom Dates available throughout the climbing season.

4 Day Colorado Trail Llama Trek on the Continental Divide
Hike along a section of the famous Colorado Trail as it traverses beneath the Continental Divide. Discover Colorado in the comfort of a backcountry hut. Large handcrafted log huts provide an excellent location to stage additional activities such as fly fishing, rock climbing, peak ascents and natural history hikes. This route is highlighted by alpine lakes and lies in the shadow of the highest peaks in the state.

4-Day Camping Trips in the Holy Cross and Eagle's Nest Wilderness Areas. These trips typically allow for moving further into the "High Country" using multiple camps. There is a special feeling when breaking camp and setting off for a new destination. Ask about: Upper Headwaters of Cross Creek/Fall Creek Trail/Piney River Trail/Gore Creek Trail/Grouse Creek Trail and others.

Two nights at 10th Mtn Hut - one night at Uncle Bud's Hut

* 3 Day Option listed below

Family rates available
Custom Dates are available throughout the Summer and Fall.

5 day Vail to Aspen Llama Trek
This longer trek follows the original 10th Mountain Hut Route from Vail to Aspen. The trip begins just west of Vail and ends in the old mining town of Lenado just a ridge away from Aspen. You will be hiking hut to hut (one night spent at a Guest Ranch) while experiencing some of Colorado's most dramatic mountain scenery. These trekking expeditions are for those who wish a more extended backcountry experience using the comfort of huts.

Contact Paragon Guides today to join us on a backcountry adventure!
970.926.5299 or Toll-Free: 877.926.5299
info@paragonguides.com • contact form