Hikers everywhere are rediscovering the natural mountaineering ability of this South American member of the camel family.   Llamas have been bred for centuries in the rugged Andes Mountains where they negotiate the most challenging terrain with remarkable surefootedness, carrying loads up to 100 lbs.

Llamas come in all sizes and colors.  The average llama weighs between 300 - 400 pounds.   They are browsers and do well in the backcountry on available forage and llama treats.

Imagine the pleasure of leading a trained llama up a trail with YOUR pack on his back !!    Strong and gentle, quiet and agile, llamas are the perfect trail companion with no more impact on the ecology than a deer.  They can be easily led by those with no previous experience handling pack stock, and even by children. 

     Wayfaring Traveler Llama Ranch (WTR) is proud to have the ONLY llamas in the state of Wyoming that hold the Pack Llama Trail Association's (PLTA) highest award as "Master Packer".   Zasu Wayfarer, our master stud, PPLP Radar, Bola De Neava, Groucho Wayfarer, and Harpo Wayfarer are llamas of distinction.   But we can't leave out our Esparado who was rated as "Advanced Packer" only due to his young age.   Each time, at his 4 trials, he was handled by a complete stranger to llamas.   He just does whatever is asked.   
     Each year the ranch seeks to qualify two llamas that exhibit the "Master Packer" qualities.    BJ & Mike travel thousands of miles each year just to demonstrate their llama menageries abilities.   Mike is a PLTA Course Certifier and has experience in what to look for in a good packing llama and the tempest they must go through to qualify.

Day Hikes with Llamas on Table Mtn. 

If you wish to take a hike to the top of Table Mtn and see the scope of the Big Horn Basin WTR will furnish a llama and lunch for 2 for $45.  Guided trips to fill you in on local lore, wildlife, plants, and geology will have an additional cost of $25/hr extra.

WTR Rents Llamas 

For those who are experienced backpackers and wish not to carry their load, and want assistance other than horses, WTR  will rent llamas with packs.  The cost will be:
                      $45/day/llama for up to 4 days
                                $40/day/llama for 5-8 days
                                           $35/day/llama for 9+ days.
A minimum of two (2) llamas is required as llamas are social, herd orientated animals who prefer the company of other llamas.   Included are their saddles, packs, brushes, scales, llama 1st Aid mat'ls,  and treats.   

A one time, full day of instruction is required by WTR before your trip ( $45 ).  WTR will transport your pack llamas to and from the trailhead for a base charge of $25 + $.60/mile round trip.   Or, WTR has Stock Inserts to rent out for full size pickups for $35.   WTR llamas are also trained to ride in full size vans or mini vans.

Guided Llama Treks   

WTR offers 3-day, FULL SERVICE TRIPS to Sheep/Tatman Mtn., unique for it's proposed status as a wilderness and wild horse range, Or, Paint Rock Canyon of the Big Horn Mountains for a fishing experience.   These trips include use of llamas, full time guide and complete meals.   (Equipment rental is available for an additional fee)       

     This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on the first and second day, dinner is not included the third day. Menus will be geared for vegetarians. 
Fees shown are per person.  WY Sales Tax (5%) , Federal Users Fee (3%) , and (4%) use of Credit Card Fee will be added to the fees shown.
     *This rate includes 30 lbs of personal gear carried on the llama.   Additional weight will be charged by the pound at the standard rate of $1.75 per pound per day of travel.  Please note: ...your baggage will be weighed before we leave as weights must be balanced on a llama's back.   Items in these bags will generally be unavailable during the hiking portions of the trek, so you must carry a day pack with those items you will need on the trail (I.e. camera, film, wind breaker, rain gear, water bottle, snacks, etc.).

     Wayfaring Traveler Ranch reserves the right to expel any participant who, in the judgment of the WTR staff member, is exhibiting dangerous or inappropriate behavior, ignoring or defying safety rules, or is in any way causing danger or discomfort to other participants, WTR staff, or him/herself.   Payment will be forfeited under these circumstances.

NOTE:    A 50% deposit is required to book llamas or a trip.   The deposit is non-refundable within 30 days of the scheduled time.    Cancellations or changes to your reservations prior to 30 days of the scheduled arrival will result in a refund less a processing fee ($100.00).   A Llama Lease Agreement is required for those leasing llamas and equipment.   The balance is due before you start on your llama trek.   If Wayfaring Traveler Ranch is forced to cancel a trip, all money received will be refundable.
Risk Liability Waiver
While enjoying our facilities, BLM lands, or Forest Service lands, there are inherent risks and hazards - handling llamas, encountering unpredictable animals, fishing in remote areas, hiking, cycling, and life on a ranch in general, all pose the potential for an accident. For this reason, we require that you visit at your own risk, and sign a liability release.

     WTR recommends the layering approach to outdoor clothing.   Layering will keep you warmer and lets you adjust for the changes in weather conditions.   Cotton is NOT a good item to be wearing in the backcountry.    Wool/Silk or synthetic types are the better technologies for comfort in these conditions.

     You should be in good physical condition.   Trails in the mountains are at higher elevations than most people are use to (4,000 - 11,000 ft.).   Although the Llamas carry the majority of weight you will be carrying a day pack and travel 5 - 9 miles per day.    Physical conditioning is essential if you are to enjoy your trip.  Remember that better physical condition at the start of your trek will mean less effort expended and less tiredness during the hikes as well as lessening the possibly of sore muscles and injuries.
     WTR also recommends you arrive in the area a day or two prior to the trekking to acclimate your self to the altitude.
     For those that utilize the Full Service Trip plan of WTR, please realize that we have an itinerary that requires the trek to be at a certain point at a give time, all participants must rise to the situation.   Once camp is established, you will be able to hike in the local area if you have the requisite skills.
    In the event of an accident or illness on the trek, your WTR staff member will provide first aid to the limits of his/her training and experience and will arrange for evacuation if needed.   Any costs of the evacuation or medical treatment beyond the first aid are the responsibility of the injured or ill person.   Any costs incurred in locating a lost participant are also the responsibility of the participant.   Obtaining the appropriate medical and evacuation insurance is advised.

     If you are FISHING in Wyoming you MUST possess the appropriate licensure.   Our website has the links for the forms and the local retailers as you head to the trailhead.

     Do not bring Firearms or sound equipment on the trek.   Smoking is not allowed for your health and that of the environment.     

     When you embark on your hike/trek, you will be cautioned about possible risks and hazards you might encounter.   You will also sign a waiver required by the insurance stating that you are aware of the existence of risks and hazards inherent to wilderness trekking.   All activities involving llamas and other animals have inherent risks for participants.

     Wayfaring Traveler Ranch is an equal opportunity recreation provider.   No persons willing and able to participate in a llama day hike or trek will be discriminated against because age, sex, religion, race or national origin.

Clothing

___Lightweight long underwear
___Extra socks (Wool with polypro type liners)
___Hiking boots and/or shoes
___Hiking shorts
___Light weight shirts (long sleeves are good for those pesky mosquitoes)
___Pants
___Sweater (pile jacket or equivalent)
___Rainwear
___Hat/gloves (Stocking hats are great for sleeping and cold weather.  One quick way of getting your feet warm is by putting that hat on your head.   The head and neck areas are the body's heat regulators)       
___Gaiters are helpful in keeping out foreign materials from your shoes and socks.

Camping/Miscellaneous  Equipment

___Lightweight sleeping bag
___Personal hygiene items.  (When in the backcountry one should be using Bio-degradable products so as not to contaminate the environment)
___Hand Towel
___Camera & Film
___Pocket flashlight
___Sunscreen & Lip balm  (Suggest you have products that contain materials to block the sun's UV - A & B spectrum  and at a SPF strength to help you)
___Sunglasses   (Look for those that block out the sun's UV- A & B rays)
___Bug repellent
___Day pack with water container(s)
___Fishing Gear (If you are going to land that WHOPPER)  DON'T forget the WY LICENSE.
___Lightweight tent equipped with a rain-fly.