Wild Earth Llama Adventures

Had a fantastic snowshoe adventure. Meeting Stewart was like meeting an old friend. He has a great attitude and his stories and information about the area we were in made the trip even better. We were spending a week up at Taos Ski Valley and wanted a one day break from skiing. Could not have found any better option — we got an active, outdoors adventure in a beautiful place. It was great to get away from the crowded slopes for a day and still get to enjoy the mountains.
Will definitely do another snowshoe trip next time we are up there in winter and if we can arrange to be out there in summer would love to do a llama trip.
Wild Earth is a great organization — it’s just what you want to find, a local small business that is organized, on top of everything, professional but also very friendly.

We had a fantastic time on the day hike with Stuart. The llamas were icing on the cake for our afternoon. From booking the trip to arriving back at the base, the day was perfection. Don’t hesitate to go on the trip, you do not need to be an athlete to enjoy your lunch with llamas excursion. Kudos to Stuart for doing what he loves and sharing that experience with us.

amazing. amazing. amazing!!! this might be one of the coolest things that i have ever been a part of!!!
when we arrived at the place where we left from, we learned about the llamas, wilderness and where we would be hiking from our friendly guide, stewart.
stewart showed us exactly what to do and how to handle any situation that would potentially be thrown our way. stewart was friendly, knowledgeable and provided us with ample opportunity to try different types of berries that he was able to pick up along the way. we were able to get raspberries, double berries, oregano, and more.
once we arrived at the lunch site (we did the lunch with a llama) stewart showed us how to pick and identify oregano plants, which he sliced up and put on top of our onions and tomatoes that we ate for lunch.
i have no negative comments. absolutely nothing bad to say. 100% go if you are in the area. definitelt worth every penny. we were out the entire day with a skilled wilderness explorer who took us off the regularly beaten path and even went so far as to show us an abandoned mine! we are already thinking about going again and going on a longer trip!

In 2014, I scheduled a trip to Grand Canyon which included a stop in Taos to take llamas to lunch. I started in January and planned a big family vacation to include my husband, my son (17), my two step children (16, 14), and me. Called up Leah, she was super friendly and got my llama hike ready to go. Two months before the trip, my step children decided not to go on the trip. I ended up flying my two nephews (7, 9) to Dallas to go with us. Called Leah, changed the reservation, no problem! She was sympathetic to my situation – oh brother. Trip time comes, we see the Grand Canyon, then head to Taos. Once we get into town I get a phone call. It’s Leah. Her husband is very, very ill and has to cancel. Oh no!!! Of course she said she’d refund our money, but then she did something above and beyond. She said she felt terrible about canceling because she knew what trouble I had gone through to make the trip happen. She gave us a free trip that we could take within a year. How wonderfully generous of her. It would have been expected to refund our trip, but it was above and beyond to give us a trip. So fast forward to 2015, and we took our trip. This time we couldn’t bring my nephews, but we brought my in-​laws.
The trip was great!!! We finally got to meet Stuart who is as all the reviews say, knowledgeable, personable, definite outdoorsman. The lllamas were amazing. Rather sweet and full of personality. I think I was the envy of my friends. Lunch was great, so much so we went to the market and bought a loaf of the sourdough to take home :)
You can read all the great reviews about Stuart and the trip and that will let you know what to expect, but I really wanted to let you know how great Leah and the company is as well. She really took care of us and that meant a lot.

Stuart and the llamas made my trip to New Mexico absolutely unforgettable.
I signed myself and girlfriend up for the ‘Lunch with a Llama’ experience. Signing up was easy over the phone only a few weeks before our trip (late May). Although I recommend not waiting last minute to book. I think we were really lucky they still had a spot open.
An email was sent to me with what to expect the same day I booked. It was complete with information on what to wear, where to meet (good, descriptive directions) and other items to bring. I did not have any questions again until the day of the hike.
What questions did I have, you ask??? Well, the NM weather gods decided it was going to rain all morning and possibly SNOW the day of the trek. Brrrr… I called to ask if the event was still a go forty-​five minutes before start time. The lady that answered the phone explained our guide (Stuart) would make a game time decision. If cancelled, they would call us back and possibly reschedule for the next day (luckily we were going to be there another day).
Already in my mind I was thinking… ‘This is really going to suck hiking in the cold rain.’ My friend was even less thrilled about this possibility. Thankfully I have done enough camping and hiking in my life to know to always prepare for everything. I had layers and rain jacket.
We arrive at the Columbine trail head on time. The llamas are all saddled up and have packs on them already. Looks like this IS going to happen. I did a quick anti-​rain dance.
We get introduced to the llamas. Give them treats to buy them into friendship. Sign away our lives on some legal paperwork (cause not even a helicopter can enter a designated wilderness area… but hey we have Stuart. More about that later). We had our last pee break and we were off on the hike.
Right at the beginning of the hike the heavens open up. Hooray!
I think llamas have magical powers because I really didn’t care that it was raining. I was having way too much fun watching this giant furry creature follow my friend around. Apollo became our buddy very quickly. He’s a stubborn dude, but he is so loveable. He is very vocal and would ‘hum’ to communicate to the rest of the pack. I had no idea that llamas were so closely knit to other llamas.
The beauty of the mountains also had a hold on me. Everything was very green, columbine were blooming and the water of the creek was rushing by us. It was tranquil.
We stopped for lunch. Stuart, who I like to refer to as ‘the greatest Eagle Scout that ever lived’ made us a make-​shift shelter with a single blue tarp. He worked so fast and made lean-to’s out of branches. It was like watching an episode of MacGyver: Wilderness Edition.
Among Stuart’s other talents is preparing a delicious meal. We had turkey sandwiches complete with homemade pesto sauce and locally made bread. There were also fixings for a lovely spinach salad with several dressing options. I did not walk away from lunch hungry one bit. It was perfect.
The hike back down the mountain… WAS DRY. No rain!!! Stuart stopped more often on the way back to point out certain plants and their mediciine properties. Another of Stuart’s talents is that he is certified in wilderness emergency. So he knows what plants to give you if you have an upset tummy, etc.
I could go on and on with this novel I am beginning to write. I’ll just sum it up like this:
Beginning, intermediate, advanced hiker… all will have a blast! The llamas and Stuart make this a safe and laughter-​filled day in the woods. I would do it again, but next time I want to go on the three day hike.

If you are on the fence about booking the llama trek, DO IT. I went today, and WOW what a fantastic experience!!!
It was raining cats and dogs, and Stuart had his finger on the pulse of our group of 11 from the start. He wanted to be sure we were all ready to push through the damp weather and move along with our hike? We were! Thank goodness for rain ponchos, hats and gloves (they really saved the day). Unfortunately our hike was eventually cut short due to that rain — it had washed out a bridge that we needed to pass over the creek — and although Stuart indicated that ‘maybe’ we could make it by walking barefoot across the rushing waters, he understandably chose not to risk our safety. Instead, we tossed up a tarp, and sat down for our delicious lunch in the woods.
Stuart is passionate and knowledgeable about both the outdoors and his llamas. He ensures each animal is introduced to the group, and even requests your help saddling/​packing them up with gear. He makes sure you «show them love» too, which equals lots of treats for those furry boys! It is well deserved, because they carry ALL of your stuff!
I loved hearing all of the Llama stories: from which of them must lead the pack on the hike, to why they spit :)
I can’t wait to go back.
My time with our gracious guide and the llamas flew by, in a beautiful way.

We had an INCREDIBLE experience with Stuart. My husband sought out a means to go snowshoeing for our anniversary (something I’ve been pining to do for four years) and came across Taos Snowshoe Adventures & Wild Earth Llama Adventures.
Being first-​timers, we were stoked that the equipment was provided and that we’d have a guide ready to show us proper technique and all that jazz. Stuart felt like a long lost friend; he was so down-​to-​earth, authentic, and helpful. He’s exactly what you want in a guide.
Our trek took about five hours and included hot chocolate and cider, a snack, and a hot lunch just off the trail. With the combination of mind-​blowing scenery, a fantastic soul to guide us along, and all the resources to journey across the snow, we were blown away. We would absolutely do this again and want to try one of his llama spring/​summer trips too!
All in all, Taos Snowshoe Adventures provides an outdoor experience that truly feeds the soul.
Thanks, Stuart!!!

Snowshoeing in the Kit Carson National Forest was FABULOUS! Stuart is a guide extraordinaire. I wondered how he could make the trek fun for my super in shape 23 year old daughter and manageable for me, at age 62. He nailed it! He showed her how to do some off the trail exploring on snow shoes as well as coaching me with each step on the teensy bit of uphill/​downhill.
Stuart was a fun and prepared expert. He made me feel comfortable with my first few steps in snowshoes.
The whole trip was absolutely perfect, and I recommend it to anyone. We both had a blast snowshoeing with Stuart!

We loved every minute of our adventure! Stuart is warm, funny, knowledgeable. I was particularly impressed with the professionalism as well as the grace and kindness he showed when the other family in our party had a a grade-​school-​aged daughter who suddenly started feeling the altitude. Ultimately, the family, who were also friendly and fun and generous, decided to curtail their trip and that was sad. I hope they come back to do another trip.
With the other family having bowed out, we got what amounted to a private guided hike (on snowshoes) through a gorgeous snowy stretch of the canyon, filled with pine, fir, and aspen. Stuart’s knowledge is impressive and the talk on the tour was natural and flowing, not at all a spiel. Rest stops (important at altitude) were built-​in and while we are fit and outdoorsy and had no issues with exertion levels, it was obvious Stuart has lots of experience in catering to people of different fitness levels, ages and abilities. With Stuart’s 30 years of experience in doing this, and being wilderness first aid certified, etc etc, we felt very safe and secure as well.
Stuart is also active locally in conservation efforts and related endeavors, and his love of nature and outdoors is evident.
Whether you’re outdoorsy types who live at altitude (like us) or the sort of person who would rather just watch nature shows on TV, this is for you. Honest. You’ll be fine and you’ll be glad you did the tour!
By the way, lunch prepared al fresco in a gorgeous copse of trees was awesome (doesn’t *everything* taste better outdoors, after a hike?).

If you are in the Taos area and want to experience nature in a new and interesting way I highly recommend Wild Earth Adventures. We have hiked with Stuart and the llamas three times over three years and it has been the highlight of our Taos vacation every time. Stuart is extremely knowledgable about the flora, fauna and history of northern New Mexico. The llamas are all rescues and if you’ve never met one what are you waiting for? This should be on everyone’s bucket list!

This llama day hike got my kids off their electronic gadgets and outdoors enjoying nature. Stuart is the perfect mix of teaching you about the outdoors, but not looking down on you because you may be a city-​folk. He chatted one on one with us, and also gave us a enjoyable talk about llamas, and the terrain of where we were. This «lunch with llamas» lasted about 3 or 4 hours and had a delightful complete lunch. Great for anyone capable of walking — you don’t have to be a trained mountaineer. Scenery was beautiful — mountains, trees, bridges over little streams and lush greenery, which Stuart gave us all more information about, but in a lighthearted way (I never thought I was «in school). I HIGHLY recommend this excursion!

Stuart certainly is a gentleman and a scholar. My boyfriend, sister and I had such a great day with Stuart and his llamas. We learned a lot, had a great adventure, and we left feeling like we made great friends with each of our llamas and also with Stuart. The surroundings are magical, the lunch was very thoughtfully prepared and delicious, the pace was manageable (i’m not particularly sporty), and it was all in all a perfect day. HIGHLY recommended! There were kids on our hike and Stuart was able to keep a wide age range of people entertained, challenged and informed.

Stuart is a gentleman and a scholar. This is what touring should be like. Active, informative and fun. Try to get in shape before you do it, though! If you don’t it’ll kick your behind. Thanks for an unforgettable time, Stu!

Our family had an exceptional day with Stuart doing a llama hike with lunch. He was just fantastic — friendly, knowledgable, and patient. He made sure to spend quality 1:1 time with each of us and really made an effort to get to know all of us. My son who loves the outdoors wants to get a job with him next summer doing these treks.
I think the most important thing was his willingness to flex the pace of the day based on our fatigue levels. The hike, while doable, was very challenging; however, he made it a very pleasant experience.
Although it seemed a bit pricey at first ($ 99 per person), it was totally worth every penny. We will likely come back and try an overnight camping trip either this or next summer.
PS — The llamas (Diego, K2, Rajah) were characters. Very friendly and loving. This is a great family event.

Wild Earth is an outfitter that offers all kinds of adventures in Taos (and further afield for groups), from camping (with llamas as sherpas) to snowshoeing and more. We had the great good fortune to stumble upon them when the outfit we tried to reserve with in Santa Fe was all booked for the week we were there. Stuart, who co-​owns the company with his wife Leah, led us on a half-​day snowshoeing trek in the Taos back-​country which was one of the best guided tours I’ve ever done (and I’ve done a lot)! The route was untraveled, challenging and replete with stunning views; Stuart is garrulous, tells great stories, is on the correct side of most political issues (if you ask me) and as a bonus is full of knowledge about all things environmental — so he keeps up a steady narrative about the flora and fauna encountered on the journey. The trekking is highly civilized, too — our half day included stops for hot tea and lunch. I can’t wait to try a multi-​day camping/​llama adventure next. Absolutely the highlight of any New Mexico trip.