Alaska Llamas & Outdoors Blog

This all-season hike is even doable during winter months... Why I Like This Hike:   This section of the Historic Iditarod Trail starts from the Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) and makes for an enjoyable hike any time of  year especially in the winter after a fresh snowfall. The well-established trail is truly an all-season hike with potential for wildlife viewing and doable for all skill levels. Background : The Historic Iditarod (aka Crow Pass) Trail which spans the Girdwood Valley to Eagle River is considered one of the best trails to hike in the Chugach mountain range because it offers such diversity including glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.  A bit of trivia not known by many is that this trail was rebuilt in the 1970s with girl scout labor. Moose on trail near ERNC How to Get There:   For driving directions to the trailhead at the ERNC go to the   ERNC Website .  Or Google Maps -  Directions to ERNC . Hike Description: This hike covers...

Llamas, the Ultimate Backcountry Hiking Partner? Go further, stay longer and hike harder with your 300 pound (llama) hiking partner! Llamas have been raised in South America for centuries as pack animals. The packing ability of llamas combined with their ease of transport enables them to be utilized in a wide variety of situations and makes them ideal for packing. They are popular with hikers and hunters on longer overnight trips because they can carry most or all of the gear. Advantages There are many advantages to using llamas over other types of pack animals. Llamas do not have hooves. They have two-toed padded feet with a toenail which grows over the top of each toe. This makes them very sure-footed. The pads do much less damage to the environment because they do not tear into and dent the ground the way hooves can. For this reason, llamas are often allowed on trails where horses are prohibited Llamas are browsers, not grazers, and can eat various plants while movin...

A recent letter (below) from Dr. Chris Cebra (DVM and noted camelid/llama veterinary researcher at Oregon State University) exonerates camelids from disease threats being purported by the The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), various  government agencies, and special interest groups such as the Wild Sheep Foundation.  To download Dr. Chris Cebra's letter (09-11-2024)  go to this link: https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/cebra-letter.pdf Why Is This Important?  Although WAFA and special interest groups have no regulatory power, they influence government agencies to enact government regulations restricting the use of pack llamas on public lands and promote the spread of misinformation. This Memo from the Ad Hoc Committee for Llama Access to Public Lands (below) provides important background information. It was sent to the WAFWA-WSI and the WHC and all western state wildlife directors, accompanying the Dr. Cebra Letter in November 2024. Memo fr...

Why Do This Hike: This colorful fall hike through the South Fork Valley and into Ship Creek offers stunning views of alpine lakes (Eagle and Symphony), tarns and valleys surrounded by rugged, glaciated mountains. During September and early October (until the first snowfall) you will have the added bonus of vibrant fall colors.  How to Get Ttere: To get started, take the well established trail to Eagle and Symphony Lakes which starts from the South Fork trailhead parking lot. (This section can usually be hiked in October and well into winter depending on snow conditions.) For directions and details on the hike to Eagle & Symphony Lakes go here:  Hike to Eagle-symphony-lakes The Nitty-Gritty: Once you have arrived at Eagle Lake (second bridge), proceed across the boulder field to the west side of Symphony Lake where there are several camping spots if you decide to camp for the night. To take the Ship Creek loop back, you will need good weather and navigation skills. Don...

"Do llamas attract bears?" This is a frequently asked question (FAQ), especially during the summer months. In fact the llama's "alarm call" may act as a good deterrent for bears. Llamas are instinctively alert and aware of their surroundings, and usually draw attention to an intruder by making a startling "alarm call" when it senses danger. A llama is usually aware of a bear long before we can see or hear it and will let off their "alarm call" when the unwanted intruder is around. Click on the YouTube link to hear our Raul llama making an alarm call -  Llama Alarm Call   However, I would not recommend leaving llamas tied out unattended while camping. In that situation llamas would not be able to defend themselves from predators such as bears or even an aggressive dog. Even in suburban areas such as Anchorage, there are both brown and black bears. We have used an electric fence for many years that works well to keep the bears and o...