Explore Vail's Backcountry Alongside Llamas This Summer

Whether it's a morning activity for the family or a multi-day adventure, llamas are known as great hiking companions for all ages and abilities.

“With our expansive permitting throughout the backcountry surrounding Vail, we like to develop programs for guests who want a unique wilderness experience,” said Karen Peck, owner of Paragon Guides, the local guide service that provides the llama trekking experience. “Llamas are a fun alternative to carrying gear and their docile behavior encourages hikers to participate in handling them.”

The guides at Paragon are no strangers to working with llamas and have partnered with various lodging properties in Vail this summer to introduce llama trekking to hiking enthusiasts.

For example, Four Seasons Vail has created two custom adventures that afford summer mountain vacationers the opportunity to explore the surrounding peaks and wilderness, “Four Seasons-style.” Each backcountry experience includes transportation, a chef-prepared gourmet picnic lunch, “après adventure” drinks and appetizers in the resort’s Fireside Lounge and luxe accommodations. Guests can chose from two llama trekking programs offered in conjunction with Paragon Guides:

• Take a Llama to Lunch: Acting as the perfect hiking companion, participants will join a llama for lunch as it carries a Four Seasons chef-prepared lunch, making it easy to enjoy the views to the top. When hikers reached their destination, they can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine accompanied by a gourmet lunch and friendly llama.

• Hike a Fourteener (with a Llama): Guests are able to discover one of the region’s legendary “fourteeners” during an exclusive two-day adventure led by the local outdoor experts of Paragon Guides. Accompanied by llamas that carry the gear and food, participants will journey to 11,000 feet to set up camp and savor a gourmet meal prepared by chefs of Four Seasons Vail. After spending the night in characteristic Four Seasons comfort, embark for the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross. At 14,005 feet, the breathtaking view leave guests with a feeling of personal accomplishment and a memorable experience for any outdoor enthusiast.

Last summer Antlers at Vail staff and guests got quite a surprise when a baby moose wandered into the lobby and lay down for a little rest, making national news. The unexpected visitor sparked the idea for a wildlife-viewing package that includes a half-day llama trek and gourmet lunch in the wild. The Lunch with a Llama package offers two nights’ lodging in an Antlers one-bedroom suite and a half-day personalized llama trek to view wildlife for two with Vail’s Paragon Guides throughout the month of August 2015. A value option for families of four with two kids under 10 includes two nights in a comfy one-bedroom-plus-bunk beds suite and the half-day wildlife hike with Paragon’s kid-friendly llamas also is available. For reservations before August 1, larger groups or room upgrades, check with the Antlers at Vail for pricing, and for the more adventurous, a full-day backcountry wildlife-viewing llama trek is also available for an additional charge. For information and reservations, visit www.antlersvail.com.

Hiking enthusiasts visiting Vail this summer are able to explore on their own or use a service that offers personalized tours for individuals, couples, families and groups. Guided nature hikes and alpine walks are among favorites for beginners, while expert outings and overnight trips can be arranged with a guide for those wanted to summit larger peaks near Vail. Hiking trails in and around Vail are generally accessible as early as June and can be enjoyed through the change of seasons into late October. For additional information on hiking in Vail, please visit www.vail.com.