Llamas, Snowflakes, and Red Rock: A Spring Break Adventure Near Capitol Reef 🦙

Looking for a unique and family-friendly way to explore Southern Utah? This spring break, our family discovered an unexpectedly magical experience: hiking with pack llamas! 🦙 With red rock scenery, flurries of snow, and plenty of muddy fun, it turned into one of our favorite family adventures to date. If you’re planning a visit to Capitol Reef National Park and want to try something a little different, read on!

Hiking with Llamas Near Capitol Reef

We joined a guided trek with Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, a local outfitter that offers llama-supported hiking experiences just outside Capitol Reef National Park. Our hike took place in a scenic wash surrounded by red rock cliffs and juniper trees, and while the views were gorgeous, the conditions were very muddy from recent snow and rain.

We went during the first week of April—technically spring—but at 7,000 feet elevation, the weather was anything but predictable. We hiked through snow flurries one minute and bright sunshine the next. That’s spring in Southern Utah for you! If you’re heading out this time of year, make sure to pack layers and wear waterproof hiking boots—you’ll thank me later.

A Perfect Family Activity for Animal Lovers

I went with my husband and our two kids (ages 11 and 14), and this experience turned out to be the perfect family activity. If your kids love animals, they will adore spending time with these gentle and quirky creatures.

Before our hike began, the guides at Wilderness Ridge took time to match each hiker with a llama based on personality. Some llamas were silly and curious, others calm and cuddly. One even liked giving “llama hugs.” My kids instantly bonded with their four-legged hiking buddies, and honestly, so did we.

The llamas carry your gear, making the hike more enjoyable and allowing you to focus on the views (and your new furry friend). For our intro trek, we chose the two-hour walk, but Wilderness Ridge also offers four- and eight-hour hikes that include picnic-style meals. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, they even offer overnight treks—llamas can carry up to 80 pounds of gear, which makes backcountry travel way more comfortable.

What to Expect: Mud, Snow, and Magic

Our hike wound through a peaceful, mostly flat wash—a perfect beginner trail. Because of recent weather, the red clay was thick and sticky, but it added to the fun (and the challenge!). Even with the unpredictable conditions, the scenery was incredible, and the novelty of hiking alongside llamas made it unforgettable.

Spring in this part of Utah can be beautifully sunny one day and a snowstorm the next. It’s part of what makes it so special—and why dressing in layers is essential. We hiked in light jackets with hats and gloves and were glad we did when those snow flurries rolled in.

Where We Stayed: Cozy Cabins on a Working Ranch

For our trip, we stayed at my go-to lodging near Capitol Reef: Cowboy Homestead Cabins. We’ve stayed here before and love it every time, but this visit was especially memorable. The ranch owners offered our kids a tour of the property, complete with horses, cows, and—my favorite part—baby lambs! We even got to bottle-feed a few. Spring is such a great time to visit, with new life everywhere you look.

The cabins have been recently renovated, and they’re so cozy. I don’t usually rave about beds, but these were some of the comfiest I’ve slept in outside of home. Each cabin includes a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker—perfect for quick breakfasts or keeping snacks on hand. In warmer months, they also have charcoal grills outside.

Why Llamas Make Hiking Even Better

Llamas aren’t just adorable—they’re incredibly practical trail companions. They’re calm, gentle, and surefooted, and they make hiking more enjoyable for all ages. Here are a few reasons to consider a llama trek:

• They carry your gear. Whether it’s water, jackets, or a picnic lunch, the llamas take the load off your back—literally.
  
• They’re great with kids. My children were totally at ease leading their llamas and learning how to handle them.
  
• They add fun and personality to the hike. It’s hard not to smile when your hiking buddy has big brown eyes and a shaggy neck.
  

For families, especially, it’s a great introduction to hiking and outdoor adventure without the pressure of a strenuous backcountry trek.

Tips for Planning Your Llama Trekking Adventure

Thinking about adding a llama trek to your Capitol Reef itinerary? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wear waterproof hiking boots – red rock mud is no joke!
  
• Bring layers – even in spring, snow and wind are possible at higher elevations.
  
• Book in advance – tours can fill up, especially during holidays and summer.
  
• Bring water and snacks – even on a short hike, you’ll want to stay fueled.
  
• Be ready for unpredictable weather – that’s part of the fun!
  

Our spring break llama trek was the kind of adventure we’ll be talking about for years. It combined everything we love—animals, nature, family time, and a bit of unexpected weather—to create a truly memorable experience.

If you’re heading to Capitol Reef and want something unique to do with your family (or just want to avoid carrying a backpack), give llama trekking a try. It’s a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and discovery.

Want more ideas for planning your Capitol Reef trip? Be sure to check out my blog post about Capitol Reef Scenic Hikes. And if planning your own adventure feels overwhelming, let me help you map out the details—from unique activities like this to cozy places to stay, I specialize in crafting custom trips to the national parks and beyond.