Spruce Ridge Llamas Adventure Treks
4141 CR 210 Salida, CO 81201
1-888-MTN-TREK (686-8735)
E-Mail Us
| How to Prepare and What You Need to Know and Bring | |
1. Weather. Chances are that your llama trek will have sunny, warm days (60s, low 70s) and clear cold nights (30s and 40s or colder). However, a sudden thunderstorm can drop temperatures 40 degrees in minutes. Snow is possible any time of the year in the mountains. Mountain fog can turn a warm sunny day into a cold, numbing experience. Our recommended clothing list takes inclement weather into consideration.
2. Physical Condition. Because we take just you and your guests, we can tailor the trek to your physical needs. However, an easy trek at sea level can be moderately difficult to difficult in the mountains. All of our treks will begin at 8,500 feet or higher. Some treks will take you above 12,000 feet. We strongly recommend that you schedule your llama trek at the end of your Colorado vacation or in the middle so you will have time to acclimate to our altitude. 3. Trek Conditioning. About four weeks prior to your llama adventure, begin walking everyday at least 1-2 miles. Walk up and down (especially down) stairs and/or hills. Swimming is also good to get you in shape but should be done in addition to walking. Aerobic pre-conditioning for lungs and leg muscles is a must. The better shape you’re in the more you’ll enjoy your Colorado Llama Adventure!
5. Rain Gear. Rain in the mountains is accompanied by wind. You must have waterproof rain pants and a hooded waterproof rain jacket. Beware of rain gear labeled weather or rain resistant or weatherproof. Unless it specifically says “waterproof” it isn’t, regardless of what a salesman tells you. A rain poncho just doesn’t cut it. Wind will blow the rain in and under; you will be very miserable and you could get hypothermia. If you don’t have gore tex or the equivalent you can go to Walmart, Kmart or Target and pick up an inexpensive PVC waterproof rain parka and pants in “sporting goods.” 6. Medications. Don’t forget medications you normally take at home. Hospitals and doctors will be unavailable once we’re on the trail. Please, for your own safety, tell us in advance of any health condition and/or medication you take. 7. Cell Phones. Phones usually don’t work at all in the mountains, so you’ll have to leave your work at home and just enjoy your llama vacation! 8. Clothing. The best approach is layering versus one heavy item e.g., jacket. Layering will allow you to adjust to constant changes in mountain temperatures. Clothing made from synthetic materials including fleece, polypropylene, acrylic, etc. are lightweight and quick drying. Do not bring 100% cotton or wool pants as they are heavy and cold when wet and extremely slow drying. You must limit your personal gear to 15 pounds or less per person. To ensure that your gear stays dry please put it in a lawn and leaf plastic bag, or use a waterproof stuff sack and zip-lock bags. Bring along an extra plastic bag for dirty clothes. If possible, bring along either unscented or lightly scented items, e.g., insect repellent, deoderant, so as not to attract bears. Several outdoor companies provide quality clothing. They include Cabelas (cabelas.com); Campmor (campmor.com); REI (rei.com); Sierra Trading Post (sierratradingpost.com); and Eastern Mountain Sports (ems.com). 9. What Spruce Ridge Llamas Provides. We provide guides, quality tents, sleeping bags, self inflating sleeping pads, camp chairs, water filters, food and cooking equipment, first aid kit. For all of our 3 day/2 night treks you'll receive your own Aquamira Water Filter Bottle for you to keep. With it you can take water from any river, lake or stream and instantly drink safe and clean water. You may bring your own snacks if you'd like.
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