Day Hikes - “Take a Llama to Lunch!”™
Join Wild Earth Llama Adventures for a special day of hiking and exploring in New Mexico’s pristine wilderness areas, near Taos and Santa Fe. Our signature day hike offers a taste of the wilderness for those who would like to spend the day hiking with llamas in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
On the trail, our gentle, sure-footed llamas carry the gear, while experienced naturalist guides share their knowledge of local ecology and geology; native flora and fauna; edible and medicinal plants; wilderness skills; and New Mexico history and folklore.
After an inspiring hike at a relaxed pace, your guide will prepare a sumptuous feast for you in a scenic wilderness location. Our llamas pack in all the fresh ingredients to make a magnificent gourmet lunch; complete with garden salads and vegetable spreads, hearty sandwiches on fresh baked breads, natural sodas, delicious desserts to tempt your sweet tooth, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest.
(All ages and fitness levels accommodated / Private trips available)
Mountains or Desert?
Northern New Mexico is where the High Desert meets the Southern Rocky Mountains. One of the amazing things about the Taos and Santa Fe area is the ability to hike and explore totally different wilderness environments, depending on the time of year. This unique blend of mountain and desert ecologies allow us to offer our llama trekking day hikes almost year round!
Day Hikes in the Rio Grande Gorge
(Spring and Fall)
Join us as we explore the iconic and otherworldly desert landscapes of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and the Rio Grande Gorge.
Often called the “Grand Canyon of New Mexico”, the Rio Grande Gorge is an 800’ deep volcanic rift in the middle of the high desert plateau, with the Rio Grande running wild and untamed at the bottom of the canyon. Depending on the group, there are options to hike along the rim, or for the more adventurous, a descent into the Rio Grande Gorge.
Highlights of our Rio Grande del Norte Day Hikes include 360º panoramic views, lunch along the Rio Grande, freshwater springs, bighorn sheep sightings, and visits to ancient petroglyph sites.
Day Hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
(Spring, Summer, Fall)
Once the winter snows begin to melt and the temps are on the rise, we get out of the heat, and hike and explore the cool and forested environments of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
If you thought New Mexico was just a desert, you are in for a pleasant surprise and a real treat. The southernmost chain of the Rockies, the Sangre de Cristos tower above the desert valley below. There are several pristine and seldom visited wilderness areas in the Taos and Santa Fe area, with a variety of trail options, from mild to wild.
Highlights of our Sangre de Cristo Mountain Day Hikes include hiking along crystal clear mountain streams, through lush forests of spruce, fir and aspen; lunch in serene meadows scattered with summer wildflowers; visits to high alpine lakes; wildlife encounters; and a tour of an 1800’s era gold mine.
Day Hike FAQ
-
Meeting time for our Day Hikes is 10:30 am.
-
We are usually back to the trailhead and vehicles by about 3:30 pm.
-
On a typical day, we hike about 4-5 miles (round trip). For groups with special needs or families with small children, we adjust the trip length as needed, to ensure a fun experience for all.
-
Our day hikes are custom designed to meet the needs and fitness level of the group. We utilize a number of trails throughout the area, with different difficulty levels. Once you make reservations, we’ll select a trail that is appropriate for your group.
-
Absolutely! We custom design our day hikes (distance and trip length) to meet the needs of families with children. Our general rule is that children need to either make the hike themselves, be carried in some type of child carrier/kid pack (we have one if you need), or a combination of both.
-
Llamas are strictly pack animals. Nobody rides the llamas. Not even small kids. On our day hikes, children are empowered to hike, and get to lead their own llama on the trail (with an adult on hand). Llamas give kids super secret hiking powers. You’ll be surprised at what good little hikers you have!
-
Based on the needs of the group or local weather conditions, we may make the trip shorter, as needed. If you would like a custom trip with a specific start and/or end time, you can book a Private Trip for your group.
-
We operate out of different Trailhead locations throughout the area. Once you make reservations, we will send you a Confirmation Email with Specific Trip Information, Directions to the Trailhead, and a Google Maps Link.
-
Once you make reservations, we’ll send you a Confirmation Email, with a list of what to wear and bring.
-
Because we are hiking at elevations above 7,000’, weather can be serious and unpredictable, any time of year. Be prepared to experience several seasons in a day!
-
Yes, we are more than happy to accommodate any food allergies and/or dietary restrictions.
What is Llama Trekking?
Llama trekking is hiking and camping in the New Mexico wilderness, with a wooly hiking companion. With their soft leather padded feet, llamas are the perfect low impact pack animal, leaving less of a footprint in fragile wilderness environments. Hike with a llama, and you’ll see why these majestic animals have found a new home in the Southern Rocky Mountains and High Desert of New Mexico.
Wild Earth Llama Adventures Featured On:
Llama Trekking in New Mexico
On the trail, our team of gentle and sure-footed llamas carry the gear, leaving your body, mind, and spirit unburdened to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Northern New Mexico's pristine and unspoiled wilderness landscapes. Our staff of experienced naturalist guides enrich your llama trekking wilderness adventure with an extensive knowledge of local ecology, geology, wilderness skills, and New Mexico history and folklore.
Our team of rescued llamas comes from unwanted and abandoned situations, from all over the Southwest. One of the special things about our llama trekking adventures is the unique opportunity to hike with one of our rescued and rehabilitated llamas, hear their stories, and fall in love with their curious and amusing personalities.
Gourmet meals are served on all of our wilderness trips. Our llamas pack in a full backcountry kitchen; including plenty of fresh ingredients to prepare healthy and delicious meals in a scenic wilderness environment. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Where We Trek
Learn more about the areas we explore
From Wheeler Peak to the Rio Grande Gorge, we explore New Mexico’s breathtaking mountain and desert wilderness landscapes together.
How We Help
Llama Rescue in New Mexico
We currently provide homes and care for nearly 30 rescued llamas at our llama rescue ranch in northern New Mexico. Many of these animals have come from abandoned and neglected situations.
How We Give Back
Protecting Our Public Lands
Wild Earth Llama Adventures is committed to protecting the special places we explore. We are part of a diverse conservation coalition that has helped to protect nearly a million acres of public wild lands in New Mexico.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Ranked in the Top 10% of Activities Worldwide
New Mexico Public Lands Partners:
Wild Earth Llama Adventures operates in a unique partnership with the USFS, BLM, and regional wilderness advocacy groups to promote conservation and stewardship of our public wild lands.
New Mexico Travel and Tourism Partners:
