Vail to Aspen Llama Trek

Featured in National Geographic Traveler

Named a National Geographic Travel Trip of a Lifetime!

A five-day llama trek that explores the wilderness surrounding two of the state’s most-loved mountain destinations. Your trekking route links three 10th Mountain Division huts and the historic Diamond J Guest Ranch  between trailheads near Vail and Aspen. By day hike with a small pack – llamas carry the rest of your personal gear and our group food. By night enjoy a relaxed camaraderie of your fellow trip participants for a meal together, a game of cribbage or a book by the fire. Experience one of Colorado’s best-kept adventure secrets, one footstep at a time.

Availability

June-September

Multi-day Trips

Huts and ranch

Difficulty

Moderate to Advanced

starting at (USD):

Fees based on number of people and number of days

  • 1 participant: $820.00/person/day
  • 2 participants: $575.00/person/ day
  • 3-4 participants: $475.00/person/day
  • 5+ participants: $395.00/person/day
  • Note: The pricing does not include hut fees. Rates vary by location and based on either per person or flat rates.  Your trip planner will discuss options.
Inquire about this trip

MULTI-DAY RESERVATION POLICY
A 50% per person deposit will confirm the spaces held for the trip. Major credit cards, ACH or checks accepted. Once confirmed, we will send you a packet with full trip information, route, gear list, and the forms that we will need completed prior to the trip departure. Your head guide will be in contact directly with you for trip planning and preparations.



Trip Itinerary

Although the trek starts south of the town of Eagle and ends in the sleepy historic mining town of Lenado, the country between is representative of the historic and geologic connections of Vail and Aspen. The nights spent in huts are warm and comfortable; the rustic nature of these mountain cabins reminds one of how simple good living can be. Of course, a night’s reprieve from the huts is appreciated by most everyone as the Guest Ranch provides comfortable accommodations, a hot shower and dinner and breakfast served by a friendly staff.

This trek begins south of the town of Eagle at Yoeman Park. The 5-day journey includes lodging at three of the Tenth Mountain Division huts and a night at classic Colorado Guest Ranch on the Frying Pan river. The route moves through a variety of terrain and ecosystems covering over 30 miles. Additional hikes from the huts can finish the day with a sunset tour.

Your guides, with the help of ‘the boys’, our Llamas, will guide you through mid-elevation terrain (8200-11300 feet) consisting of Spruce, Fir and Aspen forest, alpine meadows and mountain streams surrounded by the high peaks of the central Rockies. The route utilizes a variety trails and country roads. Some sections are Forest Service maintained trails, others are un-maintained trails and a few sections are dirt roads with minimal vehicle use. You can expect all types of trail conditions; dirt, gravel, rocks, mud, small stream crossings, high vegetation, open meadows and dense forest.

Day One:  Yoeman Park to the Estin Hut

Ascending through a mature evergreen forest the Ironedge Trail winds its way out of the East Brush Creek valley. The route is 4 miles with a 2000′ elevation gain. The Estin Hut sits “ridge-top” at 11200’ offering great views of Lime Park and the Frying Pan Valley. An additional one hour hike from the hut to Charles Peak (12000′) is possible in the late afternoon.

Day Two: Estin Hut to the Gates Hut

A 5.5 mile hike dropping 2000’ to Lime Creek Canyon leaves a 1.5 mile ascent to the Harry Gates Hut (9600’). From the Estin Hut an un-maintained trail descends through Spruce and Fir forest and open meadows, eventually into Aspen forest, returning to Lodgepole forest and the open expanses of Lime Park. An array of wildflowers is present throughout the hike.

Day Three: Gates Hut to the Guest Ranch

A 6.5 mile hike descends 1500’ to the Frying Pan Valley and the “DJ” (8200’). The route begins on the Burnt Mountain road and connects with the Spruce Creek trail dropping nearly 1000’ to the Frying Pan river. The “DJ” Guest Ranch was established in the 1920’s. The lodge and cabins combine classic old design with modern amenities. A hot shower, hot tub, family style dinner and breakfast are welcomed delights. Anyone with a fly rod may find the Frying Pan river a good option before dinner.

Day Four: Diamond J Guest Ranch to Margy’s Hut

Our biggest hiking day! 9 miles and a 3,000’ climb. Leaving the DJ Guest Ranch the route follows the Frying Pan valley for 1.5 miles before leaving the valley floor. A 3.5 mile ascent to Twin Meadows gives way to open views of Nast Mountain and our ridgeline objective. From Twin Meadows the route follows the historic Norrie/Aspen trail. Winding through evergreen forest and alpine meadows the trail steadily climbs for 1600’ to Sawmill Park and the last 1.5 miles to Margy’s Hut.

Day Five: Margy’s Hut to Lenado

The final day leaves a 6.3 mile hike descending 2560’ to the old mining town of Lenado just a ridge away from Aspen. Returning to Sawmill Park from Margy’s Hut the trail descends Spruce Creek to the confluence of Woody Creek and the final 3 miles to Lenado. With an exciting crossing of Woody Creek and Cow Parsnip “as high as a llama’s eye” the end of the almost 35 mile journey is near.

Logistics & Gear

Trip includes:
professional guides
hut and ranch fees
llamas and tack
all meals while in the backcountry
trailhead transportation with pickup in the Vail
Valley
sleeping bag with liner and pillowcase
trekking poles, leg gaiters and backpack if needed
USFS fees
pre-trip preparation

 

Per person pricing

what participants are saying

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We had the best guide for our hike with Paragon. A gentleman named Nate with tons of guiding experience took us on a beautiful driving tour followed by an amazing hike. He was very knowledgeable, flexible, and accommodating. We truly could not have asked for a better experience.

Patrick W.