FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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Why
do you use llamas for packing into the mountains?
Llamas are intelligent, sure-footed animals with a calm and friendly disposition, making them easy to lead. Llamas are
easy on the environment too. Their
two-toed foot and leathery bottom pad result in very minimal environmental impact,
similar to that of deer.
Do
you ride the llamas?
No.
For thousands of years llamas have been used as pack animals.
Our llamas carry all your personal stuff and all the equipment
necessary for a safe, enjoyable llama trek.
Usually everyone leads one of our gentle, woolly buddies. Most
children really enjoy having their own llama to lead and frequently forget
about “how much farther is it?”
How
old do you have to be to go on a llama trek?
We’ve had children as young as 5 who love animals and like to walk to couples in their early 80s happily and successfully complete our day treks. However children 6-7 and older tend to do better.
Do
we each get to lead a llama?
Yes, Although some may be hesistant to lead a llama, our llamas are easily led and sure-footed.
Do
you have scheduled dates?
Yes. Your safety and health are of utmost importance to us so we always have 2 guides for day hikes. With the changing work ethic in our nation we struggle finding qualified and personable guides so we can only offer llama hikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We strongly recommend
that you try and fit us in during the middle or end of your Colorado
vacation. This allows you to
acclimate better to the high altitude.
Please remember that we take only you and your guest(s), with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4. We don’t mix you with others that you don’t know. This allows us to travel at your pace and schedule.
How far
do you go on a day trek?
The day hikes we offer are between 3 to 7 miles long. We usually have some flexibility if we need to shorten the day hike. Most of our treks are suitable for anyone in good health and reasonable physical condition. Pre-conditioning such as walking and swimming will help you better enjoy your trek.
What kind
of food do you serve?
Our food is like what you serve at home; however, no hot dogs, PBJ sandwiches or freeze dried food. We provide wholesome lunches to satisfy mountain appetites and we request your input on what kinds of foods you like and dislike. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate special diets, or vegan. You are welcome to bring your own food and we'll put it in our coolers that we carry. Your
prices seem to be less than most other guides and outfitters. Why?
We’re a family owned business and understand how
expensive vacations can be. That’s
why we offer a discount for children under 12.
We also like to cater to couples and families.
When you do a llama day trek with us, you‘ll
eat tasty lunches and be treated to a scenic and truly
memorable Colorado llama day trek.
I’ve
heard llamas spit?
Yes, llamas spit when they are abused
just like dogs bite or cats scratch.
Llamas also spit to establish their pecking order among other
llamas or when they get too close to another llama.
Nevertheless, llamas are very sociable animals and perform best
when there are other llamas around.
Since we began Spruce Ridge Llamas in 1993 we've never had a llama spit on a guest.
Can
I bring my dog on your llama treks?
We’re
sorry but we cannot allow dogs.
The Forest Service requires dogs to be on a leash at all times.
Llamas, as well as wildlife that inhabit our forests, do not get along
with dogs.
Are
there other activities in your area suitable for our vacation?
Lots!
Our county has several tag lines: "Colorado's Headwaters of
Adventure", "Now This is Colorado",
"Heart of the Rockies", and "The Fourteener's Region"
because we have 15 peaks above 14,000 feet, more than any place else in
the United States. Downtown
Salida is the State’s largest historical district; and we have the
State’s largest indoor hot springs pool.
The
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a 148 mile long river park
encompassing the Arkansas River. The
Arkansas is also the most popular whitewater boating river in the United
States with Class I – VI water. Other
recreation options include mountain biking, fishing, rockhounding,
kayaking, golf, off-road vehicles use, ghost towns, hiking, dude ranches
and a full slate of calendar of events to take in. Many art galleries are located in historic downtown Salida.
The
Aspen Music Festival and Salida Concerts have for many years brought the best of classical and jazz music on weekends during
July and early August.
For a complete online guide to the Salida area, including lodging, visit our county’s website at nowthisiscolorado.com.
What
about tipping?
Tipping is always appreciated.
If
you have other questions, please email
or call us.
Spruce Ridge Llamas Adventure Day Hikes4141 County Road 210, Salida, CO 81201
Phone 719-539-4182; email, spruceridgellamas@hotmail.com
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