Rocky Mountain Family Llama Adventure
Estes Park, CO
Trip Highlights
- Waterfalls & Lakes
- Comfortable Camping
- High Country Day Hikes
- Flexibility for Families
- Bonding With Llamas
- Mountain Creeks & Rivers
Description
This llama-supported Rocky Mountain Adventure takes us to a remote lake where we have a layover day to explore the high country. Llamas and guides do the heavy lifting so that you can spend all of your energy on simply enjoying the hikes. This trip is all about forests, mountains, big views and making friends with some very personable llamas. Requiring just 3 days total, and with friendly llama companions and moderate hiking, this trip is – as the name implies – fantastic for families! Our personable, expert guides will make sure your family has the hiking experience of a lifetime with wonderful, customized meals; a flexible itinerary; and just the right amount of adventure to fit what you’re looking for!
$1990 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Primarily our hikes on this trip are on well-maintained trails with gradual inclines. The difficulty of this trip (hiking distance and elevation change) will largely depend on the group’s ability and motivation level. Ratings reflect maximum hiking distances.
Hiking Distances:
4-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1600 ft
Heights Exposure:
None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 4-6 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
We rate this Colorado llama trek a solitude 3. You can expect to have hours of solitude at a time.
This trip is only available as a private tour.
Min/Max Guests
This trip is available for private groups with 6-10 guests only because of regulations with the campsites we utilize. Groups must have at least 6 guests and no more than 10, and the trip will be open only to members of your party.
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 30 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 5.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
The day starts with a scenic drive from Estes Park to our trailhead where we will pack up and complete a llama orientation. In the first two miles we hike past Copeland Falls – a beautiful cascade along North St. Vrain Creek. Our next stop will be Calypso Cascades, which is a beautiful stretch of tumbling water in a thick lodgepole pine forest. From there we’ll hop on the Finch Lake Trail up to our to our camp of the namesake lake. We’ll unload our llama friends and settle in here for our day hike tomorrow. After a delicious meal and a Rocky Mountain sunset, we’ll call it a day in this high-country wonderland.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 7+ miles
- Elevation Gain: 1600 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
We awake in the Rocky Mountains, which more than justifies spending a full day on a good, long, stunningly beautiful hike! After a great, hot breakfast (with plenty of coffee, tea and/or hot chocoloate), we’ll leave our llama friends to rest for the day while we go explore. The first two miles up the drainage are on an established trail to Pear Lake. From there, we head off the beaten path to Hutcheson Lakes, and as far as Cony Lake if we’re feeling ambitious. All the while we’re soaking up breathtaking views of this iconic mountain basin. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and eventually return to camp tired and ready to be rewarded by a feast of a meal.
Please Note: this day is inherently flexible and there’s no pressure to hike more than the group would like. This is your trip, and we are here to make it exactly what will be best for your family or group!
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1400 feet
- Shuttle to Estes Park: 30 minutes
After a relaxing morning and a hot breakfast, we’ll load up the llamas, put on our light packs, and begin our hike back to the trailhead. We’ll hike a slightly different route back through the pines. Our arrival back at our van marks the end of the hiking trip. We’ll say goodbye to our Ccara pack llamas, maybe take a last selfie with your favorite new friend, and then take the short drive back to Estes Park where hot showers await!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
This trip is specifically designed for families and private groups, so we do not advertise set dates. We can often accommodate last minute requests, so give us a call – 800-715-HIKE (4453) or if you’d like to email us your request please click here.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Pack llamas to transport the majority of gear and food
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Estes Park, Colorado to the trailhead and back
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Waterbottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs or Mountain Hardware tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Mountain Safety Research cooking stoves
- Mountain Safety Research cookware
- Bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at the Estes Park Mountain Shop (2050 Big Thompson Ave) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins for an orientation meeting. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip to answer any questions you have, provide you with more details about your exact trip, and coordinate the rendezvous.
We recommend guests arrive in Estes Park (or another nearby location that is 7500′ or higher) 1-2 days before your trip starts. This will help you acclimatize to the higher elevation, and make for a more enjoyable experience during your tour. This is especially important if you have never been to higher altitude, or are flying in from sea level.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Estes Park, Colorado
All Rocky Mountain National Park trips begin and end from Estes Park, Colorado. Estes Park does not have an airport. The most convenient airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which is served by most major airlines and is an inexpensive airport to fly into. From DIA one can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Estes Park. It is a 1.5-hour drive from DIA to Estes Park on good roads.
Denver to Estes Park Shuttles
Estes Park Shuttle: 970-586-5151
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Weather in the Colorado Rockies
Being a high mountain environment, the Rocky Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Colorado’s high country. On trips in June, snow is a slight possibility, and the rest of the summer rain is always a possibility on your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (FAHRENHEIT)
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 71° | 48° |
| July | 79° | 55° |
| August | 78° | 53° |
| September | 69° | 45° |
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on llama treks is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your trekking guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Of course campsites vary tremendously by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your llama trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
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