Outdoor Adventures: Llama Trekking

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Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, which means it is time to brush the dust off the hiking boots and start thinking about sleeping under the stars. If you’re thinking about planning a summertime backcountry trip but are looking for a unique experience this time around, I’ve got a great suggestion for you: llama trekking. Yep, you heard it right. Just you, some cheeky pack animals and miles of open trail.

Washington is home to a couple of llama trek companies, Deli Llama Wilderness Adventures and Pasayten Llama Packing, both of which take their clients out on guided tours of the North Cascades with the help of their shaggy companions.

Llamas are different than other pack animals, such as horses or mules, in that they have specially padded feet instead of cloven hooves. Similar to dog paws, these feet are much lower impact on the environment. Originally from the high country of South America, these quirky Andean animals are bred to bear lots of weight as they tiptoe over steep grades. Setting out on a llama trek, you’ll have the opportunity to offload all of your gear onto the llamas and enjoy the scenery unencumbered.

Several years ago I had the chance to go out on a llama trek with Deli Llama for a story I wrote for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. It was quite an experience and a heck of a lot of fun putting in so many miles on the trail without having to worry about a bulky backpack. I’d highly recommend Bob and Mariann Shapiro’s services to outdoors enthusiasts of all stripes, especially those who might have family members otherwise disinclined to go backpacking. Let the llamas take your load and enjoy the trail side by side with Grandma and Junior.

The Shapiros provide all of the camping equipment and food that you’ll need, making this a fantastic opportunity for out-of-state travelers to see the wilderness without worrying about gear. All you have to bring is some personal effects and a sense of adventure!