Frequenly Asked Questions

Durango, Montrose, or major airports located in Albuquerque or Denver.

Most of the San Juan region is above 10,000 feet, and you will be hiking over varying terrain for long periods in changeable weather. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we strongly encourage participants to begin a conditioning regimen at least three months prior to departure. Always consult your physician before beginning a conditioning program.

Llamas are sure-footed, easily navigate rocky terrain, and are great hiking companions. You are encouraged (but not required) to lead a llama and participate in their care (brushing, saddling and loading llamas) each day of the trip. Llamas are naturally curious and often are the first to spot wildlife along the trail or anyone approaching camp. With their peaceful natures and enjoyment of new sights, they quickly become a partner in your adventure.

Llamas leave no more impact than an elk or a deer and also eat far less grass and natural grazing resources than other pack stock. One of the great benefits of hiking with a llama is that you enjoy the advantage of a pack animal without causing damage to the trail.

One difference in hiking with llamas and backpacking is the time it takes for guides to get all the animals loaded in the morning and to unload gear and care for them when arriving in camp. Another is the pace of a llama trip can be a bit slower, but it is necessary that everyone hikes with the group. You are encouraged to help with camp setup and helping with care and unsaddling of the llamas.

• Llamas will need to take breaks periodically, on average our hiking speed with llamas is around 2 mph.
• Guests are encouraged to lead a llama but not required. Please let us know if you do not wish to lead a llama and your guide will prepare accordingly.
• Llamas enjoy being spoken to in calm voices. Due to their calm nature, llamas can sometimes become uncomfortable with sudden loud noises.
• Llamas hum along the trail. They are just communicating to each other or to you. This is not a sign of discomfort.
• Llamas are social animals and don’t like to have distance between themselves and other llamas. If you are leading a llama and they get anxious, inform your guide and we can make some adjustments.
• Llamas do not like their faces, tails, or legs touched. The back of their neck is an appropriate petting area.
• A llama’s lead rope should be safely in your hand or securely fastened around a tree. Never attach a llama to your backpack, belt loop or place your rope under your shoe.
• Horses are given the right of way on the trail.

Please pack your items into a single stuff sack weighing no more than 15 pounds per person. Hold onto your rain jacket, an extra layer, water bottles, sunscreen, camera and any other items you need on the trail. These items will be carried in your daypack.

• Stuff sack for clothes approximately 12”x24”
• Sleeping bag with stuff sack
• Heavy duty garbage bags (water proofing in panniers)
• Therma-rest sleeping pad Sturdy hiking boots
• 2 short sleeve shirts
• 2 long sleeve fleece shirts 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of fleece pants Long underwear
• 3 pairs of hiking socks Underwear
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Down jacket
• Stocking/fleece hat
• Ball cap or sun hat
• Shoes for camp (light weight running shoes)
• Toiletries in small bottles in a zip lock bag
• Sun glasses/Glasses/Contact Lenses
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Sunscreen/Lip balm
• Day pack
• Water bottles or camel back
• Good rain pants and jacket
• Gloves
• Prescription medicine/Vitamins
• Bug repellent (25% DEET)
• Matches
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Money for tipping your guide. Optional but appreciated. Generally 10-20% of your trip cost.

Your trip will be led by highly trained professionals with years of wilderness and hiking experience. They are first aid certified and ready to guide you into this high mountain paradise.

Included items are tents, stoves, cookware, bowls, cups and utensils. Guides carry a water treatment resource, a first aid kit, and a GPS messaging system.

We provide a diverse menu meeting nutritional needs for sustained energy. Meals are made from staples that travel well in the backcountry and are also supplemented with snacks, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies.

It is critical that you include your dietary needs in your registration – it’s too late once you have arrived.

• All wild animals are potentially dangerous. Approaching or feeding wildlife is prohibited.
• Animal calls or other means of attracting or disturbing wildlife are prohibited.
• You must pack out ALL trash, including
  toilet paper.
• Pets are prohibited on full service trips. • Fishing requires a license

When joining a scheduled trip you will be hiking with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please carefully examine the trip description and difficulty prior to registering. This will assist you in selecting a trip that matches your ability level. Every effort is made to match the abilities of the group members. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each group member’s condition and needs. For assistance in selecting the right trip, feel free to contact us.

A $500 per person deposit is required to secure your reservation. The trip balance is then due 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment.

Redwood Llamas reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-up or for other causes. You will be informed at least 30 days prior to departure date and a full refund of the trip cost will be given, including the deposit. Redwood Llamas is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). If you cancel or leave a trip for any reason:

• 60 or more days prior to the trip start date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
• Less than 60 days prior to the trip start date, or once the trip has begun there will
  be no refund.

For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. It will protect you against financial loss in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, travel delay, emergency evacuation or other circumstances.