Llama Trekking Montana: A Most Memorable Micro-Adventure

If you want to try llama trekking, Montana is the place to do it!

My llama trekking experience was part of a press trip in conjunction with the TBEX conference.
​This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

If you're into llama trekking Montana is the place to be.

With soulful, chocolate brown eyes, silky soft hair, and a passion for food, nature, and daydreaming, Raffi sounds like the perfect man. And I can certainly attest to the fact that he is! Furthermore, legends about handsome, strong, capable Montana ranch men are indeed true... provided that you don't need all said men to actually be human. Raffi, after all, is a llama. Yes, you read that correctly. A llama! And a devilishly handsome one at that.  We spent one blissful day together, sharing our hopes and dreams as we hiked up the side of a mountain. But I know that it's only a matter of time before another girl catches his eye. After all, if you're into llama trekking, Montana is the best place to be! Find out why this is one of the most memorable micro-adventures I've undertaken.

Llama trekking isn't one of my usual travel activities...

I met Raffi, along with his friends Robusto, Sarge, and others, plus his human handlers, as part of program with Swan Mountain Outfitters. An activity provider located near Bigfork in Western Montana, Swan Mountain is one of the only outfitters specializing in the llama trekking Montana has to offer and they absolutely know their stuff. They offer evening wine and cheese treks (so suitable for a charmer like Raffi!), overnight camping trips, full day treks, and half day treks, which is the option my group participated in. 

If you're anything like me, just the very idea of "llama trekking" will make you feel a bit nervous. I honestly didn't know what to expect! I had visions of everything from a horseback riding-esque trip (one of my least favourite things), a rugged pack mule journey (a la the Grand Canyon) and a side saddle donkey voyage not unlike those found on a Greek island. I was worried. I'm not exactly a vision of grace when I have to get in or on awkward things, like a horse, a hot air balloon basket, or even a bunk bed. Would I be expected to RIDE a llama?

To my relief - and to Raffi's, no doubt - there's no llama riding involved in llama trekking. 

Llama walking and trekking: What it's really like

Llama trekking is just that. You're trekking or walking or hiking with llamas by your side, in the woods! With your llama walking just a few steps behind you, you loosely hold onto their leash but there's not much else to it as the llamas are content to follow behind you, happily enjoying the exercise and munching copiously on all available foliage. Occasionally, you have to give the leash a firm tug to convince them to stick close by and not follow their taste buds but, in general, they happily fall in line. 

Llamas are pack animals and, on the overnight trips, they wear specially balanced packs which carry the tents, sleeping bags, food, and camp supplies. But on our short half day trek, only a few of the animals wore packs which contained our lunch, first aid supplies, and extra camera gear. The rest were just out for exercise or to gain experience so they'll be ready for the overnight trips in the future. 

Bonding with Raffi, the most handsome llama in Montana

Any hesitations I might have had about hanging out with a llama quickly disappeared as we set out on the trail and I softly chatted to Raffi as we made our way along the Upper Bond trail head in the Flathead National Forest. During the 4.6 km round trip, I praised him just like I would my dog Oliver ("Good boy Raffi! Good boy for stepping over the logs!") and took care to warn him about upcoming bumps and ridges (even though he had walked this path a thousand times to my one).

With Raffi by my side, I found myself focusing less on the distance and the inclined path (though, to be fair, I still thought about it a fair bit!) I was trying to see the world through his eyes, to see why Raffi was utterly content to be exactly where he was, exactly when he was there. He didn't fret about how much further he had to go and he didn't grumble about the hill. There was nothing he loved more than to chew leaves and continue down the trail. It was at once both absurdly funny and extremely relaxing.

Resting and relaxing at Bond Falls

The mid-way point of our trek was Bond Falls. I'm not going to lie - I was happy we had arrived! During the course of the 2.3 km uphill trek, we had gained over 700 feet in elevation. While no one section of the path was particularly steep or daunting, I certainly felt the exertion in my legs! Bond Falls was a heavenly rest stop. The pool of water at the base of the waterfall was so clear and blue it bordered on being turquoise. I'm told in during the hot summer months it serves as a swimming pool for overheated hikers and I can certainly see the appeal. Despite knowing that the trail is used all the time for llama treks, I couldn't help but feel that we were the only group to venture forth and discover the falls. It felt like there was no else for miles and miles around (which, for all I knew, could have been true) and it delivered the pristine Montana wilderness experience I was craving.

Feasting on the trail

I was heartily impressed by the simple but delicious lunch we had at the waterfall. There was a choice of two sandwiches - I had turkey and cheese with kale and red pepper on ciabatta buns while the other option was a roast beef sandwich. Mayo and mustard were served on the side, ensuring that none of the sandwiches got soggy from being over-sauced early in the day. You could also make your own peanut butter and jelly sandwich if you were craving something simple. We had an assortment of sides, including cookies, granola bars, gummy bears, and chips, plus Gatorade to drink. Despite our rustic surroundings, the guides had a clever set up with a portable table, picnic plates, hand sanitizer, and a resealable garbage container for packing out our leftovers. 

As for Raffi, never fear. He had his own special snacks as well, which he lapped up enthusiastically despite a morning spent gobbling down all available leaves, grasses, flowers, berries, and foliage. I get it, Raffi. I get it. You can ever have enough snacks. After both llamas and humans were rested and fortified with food, we commenced the return journey, which was considerably faster thanks to the downhill incline. 

Some final practical tips for successful llama trekking

If you have the chance to go llama trekking, Montana is the perfect place to do so. The gorgeous forest, beautiful waterfall, and great company of the llamas along with their guides make for an unforgettable travel experience. 

A few final notes on practical matters... What should you wear for llama trekking? Montana mountain mornings are on the chilly side and I was glad to have some warm layers. I wore comfortable walking trousers, a tank top, a light weight long t-shirt, a scarf, and a cozy, warm, fleece vest. As you can tell through my photos, I started the day bundled up and concluded it with just the tank top and t-shirt. Post lunch, I was equally glad to stash the extra items in my bag. I wore a small, light backpack with an extra water bottle, some lip balm, along with a few other items and some of my colleagues stashed their larger camera bags in the llama's packs (there was plenty of room).

I wore regular running shoes and socks and felt this combination was sturdy and comfortable on the trail. There are some areas where the path is rocky and on a hill and I was glad for sturdy footwear.

Speaking of the trail... There are no bathrooms along the way! Ducking behind a bush is the only way to go! If you really need to, tell the guide who will point to a safe area of the woods for you. Yes, I did indeed bring along some tissues and wipes just in case but I was fine!


Looking for more stories about outdoor adventure? These articles will inspire.

Hiking Ottawa's Mer Bleu Bog
Beluga Whale Watching in Quebec
The Hottest Place on Earth: Death Valley National Park