A number of charitable organizations offer programs where you can train and compete for a cause.
Do your non-cycling friends think you’re overly ambitious (or insane) when you tell them you’re going to ride 100 miles in a day?
Each year people are
discovering different ways to get into the backcountry. For some it’s a
dog-sled ride bounding along snowy trails. For others it’s zip-line trekking
through forests zooming above crystal streams. And yet others may require a
deeper immersion into the wilderness. Intrepid travelers looking for a more
interactive experience in the mountains should consider trekking with a
llama.
Domesticated by the South
American peoples of the Andes over 6,000 years ago, the nimble-footed llama is
the perfect low-impact pack animal. Their soft-padded, two-toed feet deftly
cover ground in high altitudes leaving little or no imprint as compared to
hooved animals like the mule or horse.
The llama (pronounced “yama”) transported trade goods across the
perilous mountain terrain for thousands of years. Once a llama is seen in action climbing with the agility and
grace of a mountain goat, it becomes evident why these animals were dubbed the
“ships of the Andes.”
Mountain outfitters in the
United States have been using llamas since the 1960s. Even government departments like Fish and Game, the Forest
Service and Surveying have continually used the llama for its low maintenance
and agile climbing ability. Now in the 21st century as active travelers are
seeking to connect more with their natural environment, llama trekking is
gaining in popularity and is a great way to get into the backcountry with the
help of a four-legged wooly friend.
For over 16 years Wild
Earth Llama Adventures has been offering llama treks in northern New Mexico’s
pristine backcountry. They operate under permits issued by the Carson and Santa
Fe National Forests and the Taos and Albuquerque offices of the BLM. Says
Stuart, “The Taos area has all the beauty of the Arizona desert and the
Colorado Rockies, with none of the people. It’s getting harder and harder to
find places where you can hike and camp and feel like you are the only one
around for miles. The Taos area offers some of the least visited and most
pristine wilderness in both the desert and mountain West.”
Wild Earth’s stable of
llamas have all been rescued from difficult circumstances that would have
compromised the animal’s survival. Jokingly, Stuart refers to his stable as the
“halfway house of misfit llamas.” The 14 male llamas are all very gentle and
personally trained by Stuart.
Since llamas are much smaller than horses or mules, they’re not as
intimidating to people without large animal experience.
One of the most frequently
asked questions of most llama outfitters is: “Do llamas spit?” And Wild Earth
Llama Adventures is no exception to this rule. It’s a fair question,
considering llamas are part of the camel family. And we all know camels spit.
And yes, llamas spit too. “But
they spit at each other,” Stuart confirms. “If a person gets spat upon it is
usually because they were caught in the crossfire. Llamas know they have to be
on their best behavior with us on the trail,” he adds.
“Kids love llamas, and some llamas are so gentle that even
the smallest of children can lead them effortlessly down the trail,” says
Stuart. He also notes that “because kids can lead and bond with their own llama
on the trail, they are very focused on the experience. You’ll be amazed at what
great little hikers you have in your family.” Wild Earth offers a variety of
multi-day family wilderness adventures.
Stuart’s lifelong passion
for nature and wild places stems from his days as a teenage Scout where he was
taught the foundations for the backcountry skills he uses as a wilderness
guide. As a naturalist and field ecologist, Stuart enjoys sharing his knowledge
of local ecology, natural and culture history and wilderness skills while on
the trail. Hikers will get a chance to watch him do field demonstrations and
also participate in hands-on experiences learning about native plants, animal
tracking, geology, wild edible mushrooms, survival skills, and natural and
cultural history. “My years of experience and training as a guide enable me to provide
fun and educational, safe and comfortable wilderness adventures for all ages
and fitness levels,” says Stuart.
When asked what he hoped
people remembered from their experience, Stuart says thoughtfully, “I want
people to remember feeling at home in the wilderness, not just as an observer,
but as an integral part of a much larger community.” And with a llama carrying
your load and keeping you company, the experience is enhanced that much more.
Gigi Ragland is a freelance travel writer based in Longmont. She gets out as often as she can to hike and bike the nearby peaks and trails.
For more on Wild Earth Llama Adventures, visit www.llamaadventures.com or call 800-758-LAMA.
Other Llama Walking Tours and Treks Around the Rockies
• Antero Llamas. Rental llamas for self-guided trips in and around Salida. 719-539-6888. www.anterollamas.com
• Buckhorn Llama Company. Rentals and guided trips in Masonville, Durango and Bluff, Utah. 970-667-7411. www.llamapack.com
• Paragon Guides. Custom-designed trips around Colorado. 970-926-5299. www.paragonguides.com
• Redwood Llamas. Guided and do-it-yourself trips in the San Juan Mountains. 970-560-2926. www.redwoodllamas.com
• Timberline Llamas. Guided pack trips in Colorado and Wyoming. 970-876-5070.www.timberlinellamas.com
• Touch the Earth Llamas Outdoor Adventures. Guided walks near Colorado Springs. www.touchtheearthranch.com
• Wet Mountain Llamas. Guided hikes near Wetmore. 719-784-3220. bear@usa.net
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