Trek through the rugged Wind River Range alongside gentle, sure-footed llamas that carry the heavy gear, leaving you free to wander Wyoming's wild high country.
The scent of crushed sagebrush and dry granite dust hangs thick in the morning air as you pack your gear at the trailhead outside Lander. Here, your trail companions are not heavy backpacks or horses, but quiet, observant llamas with wide eyes and padded feet that tread lightly on the delicate alpine tundra. As you adjust their soft packs, the gentle hum of the herd replaces the noise of the highway, signaling the start of a slower, more deliberate journey. To the west, the jagged granite teeth of the Wind River Range rise against the blue Wyoming sky. This is a landscape defined by scale, where the vastness of the high desert meets the vertical drama of glacial peaks, and your only job is to walk alongside animals that have navigated high-altitude terrain for millennia.
Operating under permits from the USFS and BLM, Lander Llama Company accesses some of the most rugged public lands in North America. These trips venture deep into the Wind River Range, the volcanic wilderness of the Absaroka Range, and the stark dunes of the Red Desert. This is the traditional territory of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. The geology here is a masterclass in deep time: ancient Precambrian granite carved by Pleistocene glaciers into sheer cirques, deep valleys, and cold, trout-filled alpine lakes. Because llamas have two-toed feet with soft pads rather than hard hooves, their impact on these fragile wilderness trails is remarkably low, preserving the delicate wildflowers and pristine water sources that sustain local wildlife.
Whether you opt for a fully guided expedition or rent a team for a self-guided trek, the experience redefines backcountry travel. The llamas carry the heavy loads, including camp kitchens and fresh food, leaving you to walk unburdened with just a daypack. Days are spent tracing clear creeks where cutthroat trout rise, with opportunities to gear up through the affiliated Woody's Fly Shop before you head out. Evenings are spent in remote camps beneath a canopy of stars, while the llamas graze quietly nearby. Before or after your trek, the Bunk House provides a rustic landing pad in Lander for a smooth transition from the wild. It is an immersive, unhurried way to experience the high country, where the rhythm of your steps matches the steady, peaceful pace of your pack team.
Book a night at the on-site Bunk House before your trip to acclimate to Lander’s 5,300-foot elevation and organize your gear. If you are planning to fly fish the high alpine lakes, coordinate with Woody's Fly Shop ahead of time to secure the right flies and tackle for backcountry cutthroat trout.
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