The Best
Hiking Companions By Deborah Stone
Among those I have taken to lunch over the years, I can now add a llama to my list. My dining companion, K-2, was one of six llamas who accompanied our small group on a day trek with Wild Earth Llama Adventures in northern New Mexico. A handsome blonde and statuesque creature with plenty of personality, K-2 was ever-alert and curious as we hiked the trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With his leather padded, two-toed feet and natural agility, he walked with a self-possessed air, navigating the terrain without faltering. “Llamas are the perfect low-impact, high altitude pack animal,” explains Stuart Wilde, owner of Wild Earth Llama Adventures. “They are surefooted because they have the perfect ‘mountain moccasins’ and they have little impact on fragile wilderness trails. They exemplify the ‘leave no trace’ ethic we practice and teach out here.”
Wilde, who started leading wilderness trips in this area over 20 years ago, notes that llamas make great hiking companions, adding, “The word ‘llama’ in Spanish is pronounced ‘yama’ and means ‘silent brother.’ Who else would carry your stuff for miles without saying a word?” He explains that llamas are intelligent and gentle creatures and, like many humans, they are equally excited about being in the mountains. Wilde currently has nearly 40 llamas at his ranch that he has rescued from unwanted, neglected and often abandoned situations. His aim is not to breed or sell the llamas, but simply to provide them with a good home where they can live out the rest of their lives. Lunch was in a meadow on the bank of Columbine Creek, where we tethered the llamas so they could munch to their hearts’ content on the nearby greenery. Meanwhile, we watched in amazement as Wilde unloaded a foldout table, seats, coolers and an assortment of supplies from the packs on the llamas. He then assembled a tasty lunch we heartily devoured. Afterwards, we headed back down the trail, with K-2 and I assuming the lead. It quickly became obvious my hiking pal was eager to get home. He inched increasingly closer to me and soon I could smell his alfalfa-scented breath on my neck. As I picked up my pace to get a bit more distance between us, he followed suit. We made quite an amusing spectacle until Wilde stepped in and facilitated a llama swap. My new companion, Rio, proved to be less interested in reaching the trailhead and more motivated to eat whatever and whenever he could along the way. Wilde has taken thousands of people from around the world on llama treks. Many come for a day hike the first time and then return for a multi-day experience the following year. He adds, “My hope is that leading unique and memorable wilderness experiences will help foster a greater sense of stewardship and promote conservation of our public wild lands.”
Wild Earth Llama Adventures offers single-day escapes and multi-day wilderness adventures in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge near Taos and Santa Fe, NM. Small group and custom-designed private tours are available. For more information, visit llamaadventures.com or call 800.758.5262.