To begin our trip, we will meet our faithful trail companions, get to know their personalities and learn how to pack, lead and care for them. (Our llama experts will tell you all you need to know, so don’t worry, no prior experience is necessary). From here, we head out on the trail for the next 4 days of camaraderie, grand adventure and immense beauty.

We will be treated to delicious camp meals which include simple and easy breakfasts, picnic lunches and hot dinners each night.

We will take a deep dive into the healing power of nature as we work our bodies, free our minds and feed our souls.

To be immersed in the vastness of these awe-inspiring mountains, looming as tall as 14,000 feet, is an experience like none other. All you have to do is show up with your personal gear and get ready for a trip that you’ll relish for years to come.

El Dorado Lake and the Highland Marys trail is known for its stunning beauty and craggy mountain vistas. To get there, we will traverse through forests of aspen and pine and then set up our base camp in the middle of rugged mountains, surging streams and high alpine meadows. Our mission is to unplug from it all and immerse ourselves in the healing power of nature and animals, as we hike 8 miles to our base camp on the banks of this beautiful alpine lake. From here, we will spend the next 2 days and 3 nights exploring the area around our camp, with the option of taking longer, more challenging hikes or staying closer to “home”.

Our last day is our hike back to the trailhead where we’ll say goodbye to our faithful trail partners and thank them for their work and gentle presence.

We will spend time in mindfulness, letting our overloaded brains take a break from the digital world. By practicing connection with our llama herd, nature and ourselves, we will learn how to bring a new sense of peace and contentment back to our lives at home.

This is a mountainous hiking trip and elevation range from 7,000-10,000 feet. Hikes range from 4 to 9 miles each day and there is a variety of elevation gain and loss throughout the journey. It is possible to choose not to do the more challenging hikes on our layover days at base camp, but the first and last days consist of 8 miles each and these are necessary to get to our camp. To make your trip more enjoyable, we suggest that you have a hiking and workout routine 4-6 weeks prior to our departure. If you live at a lower elevation, it’s also recommended to come to Durango a couple of days prior to the trip so your body can acclimate before the start of the hike.

• Cost: $2500

• $800 will reserve your spot and payments plans are tailored to individual needs.

• Airfare and travel insurances are not included.

• Backcountry insurance is required for participation in this trip which is a very inexpensive policy and trip guides will help you with the correct policy.

***While we all do our best to stick to exact itineraries, sometimes changes are inevitable and flexibility is key!

Liability and release forms will be emailed to you 4 weeks prior to the trip. Please return them at least 2 weeks before our departure to Joy Rides Coaching at joyrides.dgo@gmail.com.

Cancellation policy:

If you have to cancel, costs are fully refundable (less deposit) up to 180 day (6 months) before the start of the trip. Between 120 and 180 days before the trip, 50% of the costs are refundable.  If you have to cancel 0-120 days before the trip, the costs are nonrefundable, but are transferable to another person. The trip deposits are nonrefundable and all payment refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card/online banking fee. However, this deposit amount may be transferred to another excursion is space is available and if your spot is able to be filled for the trip that you originally booked.

All of these spectacular photos are courtesy of Mark Vance and Redwood Llamas. Much gratitude!