Alaska Llamas Blog

Get out and enjoy Alaska's long summer days with a hike. To find a hiking buddy, here's a list of Alaska hiking groups compiled from various Facebook posts, meetup groups and websites. The groups range from easy family-friendly to more challenging for experienced hikers. Some welcome anyone; others are women only and are geared for various ability levels. I included website and/or Facebook links if available. If you know of others, just send me a message and I will include. FOR EVERYONE, VARIOUS ABILITIES Anchorage Trail Walkers   -   https://www.meetup.com/Anchorage-Trail-Walkers/ Website says: "We get out 2-3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the day, usually at 10am." Kenai Peninsula Outdoor club on Meetup  (Very active - open to all Alaska Outdoors   http://alaska-outdoors.org/?page_id=222 As per website, hosts 2 hikes on Monday and Thursday year around. FOR WOMEN, VARIOUS ABILITY LEVELS Alaskan Wild Women Hiking & Backpacking Grou

Because llamas are herbivores, which means they eat exclusively plant materials such as grass, hay, shrubs - their teeth are mainly designed for crushing, grinding, and juicing their food. They do not feed on meat and other tough materials like nuts or shells.  Llamas use their teeth the same way goats, cows, camels and sheep do. They cut grass from the ground using their sharp-edged incisors and dental pad, tear them, and push them towards the cheek teeth or the grinding teeth to further be chewed. Llamas are not true ruminants but are “pseudo ruminants” even though they have a similar digestive system as that of ruminants. Like ruminants, llamas are often spotted chewing because they regurgitate their food and chew it repeatedly before digesting. Llamas and alpacas are camelids, and camelids do not have front teeth in their upper jaws. This is why when you take a closer look at a chewing llama, you will notice that only its lower jaw has visible teeth. In place of the upper front tee

Why I Like This Hike: Non-technical glacier hike suitable for most skill levels with great views of Mt. Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donaho Peak. This trail is generally rated easy / intermediate due to its grade and creek crossings. You can safely hike the glacier on your own with micro-spikes (or take the glacier tour and they will provide crampons.) This is an incredible glacier hike and well worth it if you (and your vehicle) can survive the drive from Chitna, Google Maps Driving Directions -  Kennecott-McCarthy Directions to McCarthy Road & Kennecott Note: This trail departs from Kennecott Mill Town and you must access Kennecott from McCarthy by either walking the road between McCarthy and Kennecott (an extra 4.5 miles), taking the commercial shuttle, or riding a bike.  If you plan to take the shuttle (recommended) be sure to check the schedule as it operates seasonally.  According to the NPS website:  There are 3 shuttle companies providing services between the pedestria