The popularity and minimal impact of Llamas as pack animals in Backcountry and Wilderness areas is something that Paragon Guides has known for many years. Our US Forest Service Permit now allows us to share the benefits and companionship of these efficient packers with backpackers and those people interested in exploring the outdoors, whether camping or using the 10th Mountain Huts.

Our commitment to exposing people to the outdoors through our “fully guided” trips now has options, allowing individuals or groups to create their own adventure.

We feel that the benefits of our Llamas and Paragon’s years of experience and knowledge could enhance your next trip into the Colorado Backcountry.

••Paragon Guides recommends that all interested parties have some experience and a basic knowledge of backpacking. Our Llama Lease program is not a guided trip. We can assist you with area information but cannot be held accountable for lack of knowledge or decision-making. The Llamas offer much smaller backpacks for everyone, even a few camp luxuries, but do not make up for personal knowledge or camping experience. Even as seasoned “Llama Wranglers” our guides know that the Llamas will add another dimension to the adventure.

Mandatory Training Session
First time Llama handlers are required to attend a 4 hour training to familiarize themselves with the skills needed to safely and effectively move through the backcountry with Llamas.

We recommend that at least two members of the group attend the training. We also recommend scheduling the session at least two days prior to your trip. This gives you ample time to organize and sort out all of the gear that will be carried by the Llamas. The trainingwill cover saddling, loading and balancing panniers, knots, picketing, area impact, feed and browsing, and navigating obstacles. Cost for the training session is $100.00. For return clients and those people with Llama experience we highly recommend a shorter “brush-up” course for $50.00.

How many Llamas do I need?
We have found through much personal experience that many people think that using Llamas allows for a completely different approach to backpacking and very often too much food and gear is taken. We recommend that many of the basic backpacking concepts still be followed. It becomes far too easy to find yourself only dealing with gear and Llamas if too much “stuff” is taken. For most trips we require a minimum of 2 Llamas. Each Llama can carry 60-80 pounds (including top load articles) depending on the type of load, trail difficulty (steep, rocky, streams) and distances traveled. Most everyone in the group should be expected to carry a small to medium pack. A general “rule of thumb” is one Llama for two people. If a hut is being used it is most likely that fewer Llamas would be required because a full kitchen is available at the hut

Cost includes

• Llamas (typically two minimum) $55.00 per llama, per day
• Tack (saddles, panniers and rain covers, lead ropes, pickets, grain)
• Trailhead transportation of the Llamas - our fee for transportation is based on miles traveled to and from the trailhead (usually two round trips). ($2.00 per mile for paved road, $3.00-$5.00 per mile for gravel and unimproved road)
• USFS fees / Company insurance / staff wages / administration cost
• Trailhead assistance with packing panniers and loading Llamas

Rate Summary
Because of differences in trailhead distances and number of Llamas leased our costs will vary slightly and per person costs can vary greatly depending on group size

• Llama Lease Costs: 3 day lease / 2 Llamas: approximately $500.00 per day 3 day lease / 3 llamas: approximately $610.00 per day
• Deposit: 50% booking fee Non-refundable cancellation fee within 48 hours

** We recommend checking with your Homeowners Insurance representative for a “rider” toinsure the replacement cost for an injured, lost or dead Llama. The market value for a Llama ranges from $1500-$3000. Although these types of incidents are rare we must all be prepared to deal with the unfortunate possibility. All of us at Paragon Guides understand the concerns that any of us would have in a situation involving the injury, loss or death of a Llama. We will do all we can to minimize your concern and financial obligations, however,certain additional costs may be incurred.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
”Pre-Trip” Orientation: One of our Head Guides will spend time with you discussing Trip Design, reviewing gear (stove operation, tent set-up, etc), discuss routes, possible campsites, available activities (day hikes, ridge or peak climbs, fishing, etc.).

Gear Rental – see our Outfitting Equipment Rental
Menu Planning – see our Menu Options

For some people our Drop Camp program may be a good option. We can deliver your gear to a pre-determined campsite or hut. We can also come back and pack your gear out. Typically one guide will travel into your site and leave after making sure that your gear is secure or you have arrived. In some instances a second staff person may be required to assist the guide if distances or trail conditions require that two people be present.

How many Llamas do I need?
Most Drop Camps will require a minimum of two Llamas. Each Llama can carry 60-80 pounds including top load articles.

Cost includes

• Llamas (typically two minimum) $55.00 per llama, per day
  
  
• Trailhead transportation of Llamas - our fee for transportation is based on miles traveled to and from the trailhead (usually two round trips). ($2.00 per mile for paved road, $3.00-$5.00 per mile for gravel and unimproved road
  
  
• Paragon Guides staff for trailhead assistance with packing gear and leading Llamas to your campsite •USFS fees / Company insurance / administration costs

Rate Summary
Because of differences in trailhead distances and number of Llamas used our costs will vary slightly and per person costs can vary greatly depending on group size

Llama Drop Camp Costs:

• 2 Llamas: approximately $750 per drop-off or pick-up
• 3 llamas: approximately $915.00 per drop-off or pick-up
• Deposit: 50% booking fee Non-refundable cancellation fee within 48 hours

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
"Pre-Trip" Orientation : One of our Head Guides will spend time with you discussing Trip Design, reviewing gear (stove operation, tent set-up, etc), discuss routes, possible campsites, available activities (day hikes, ridge or peak climbs, fishing, etc.).

Gear Rental – see our Outfitting Equipment Rental
Menu Planning – see our Menu Options

Paragon Guides provides a variety of services beyond our “fully-guided” trips. Perhaps we can assist you and your family or group by sharing our knowledge and our infrastructure to help make your outdoor adventure as successful as possible. Contact us if we can help in any of the following ways:

Trip Design – we can provide information on routes, campsites, USFS rules and regulations. Leave No Trace ethics and a variety of backcountry knowledge.

Trailhead Shuttles – drop-offs and pick-ups are available. This service is especially helpful for those looking to do a "point to point" hike. Trailheads within the Holy Cross Wilderness, Eagle’s Nest Wilderness and the Tenth Mountain hut system are accessible.

Porters – this is a simple way to get some of your gear brought into camp. Our guides will carry up to 50 lbs of your gear to the campsite and back out if that is needed. Costs for these services will vary depending on trailhead location and campsite location. For more information call 877.926.5299

Gear Rental – see our Outfitting Equipment Rental
Menu Planning – see our Menu Options

DON’T HAVE THE GEAR FOR CAMPING? HAVE THE GEAR AT HOME BUT DON’T WANT TO TRANSPORT IT TO THE VAIL AREA? NEED HELP WITH MENU PLANNING AND FOOD BUYING AND PREPARATION?

Our Outfitting Service can supply you with the essentials needed for Llama Trekking or Backpacking. Quality gear is available on a per day / per item cost Check our Equipment Rental page for all camping gear. Our Menu Planner offers healthy and nutritious camp food organized and prepared by us.

Conditions and Terms:

• Credit card required for damage deposit
• All gear will be inspected after use, any damage or replacement costs will be assessed at that time.

Gear Rental – see our Outfitting Equipment Rental
Menu Planning – see our Menu Options

CALL US OR EMAIL. WE ARE HAPPY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS!

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