This Relaxed Alpaca Tour Excursion in Palisade, Colorado, Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel

Tucked away on a hillside surrounded by the peach orchards and vineyards of Palisade, Colorado, SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works offers visitors a unique opportunity to slow down and savor a special sort of animal encounter. The farm’s family-friendly, on-site “alpaca trekking” experiences are precisely what they sound like. You’ll guide the way on a leisurely stroll through the perimeter of the peach orchard while tethered to a living, laid-back alpaca on an entertaining and unhurried animal bonding experience.  

Trekking and Alpaca Fiber Mill Tours

Before the trek, you’ll get a quick review from the tour guides on “alpaca etiquette.” These rules include guidance such as “don’t touch its head because that will spook it” and “be sure to be gentle but firm to show the animal you’re in charge while leading.” You’ll feel completely safe and prepared to guide the animal when you’re paired with one. Then, you’ll be matched up with your very own alpaca—which range in age, color, and character. 

You’ll be paired individually with an animal based on how it suits your size and personality. It was interesting to me to learn that each animal had its own unique traits and temperament. My alpaca was a spirited creature named “Donut,” who liked to lead the way and bob his head around on a swivel, watching his surroundings. His personality made me laugh. 

The trek itself lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. You’ll get the chance to take plenty of photos along the way. Throughout the walk, I felt utterly at peace and connected with the animals and nature of the peach trees. It was a joyful sort of encounter. 

After the walk is finished and the animals return to their home enclosure, you’ll step into the farm’s “alpaca fiber mill.” This factory space is adjacent to the animal enclosure. Here, you’ll get to learn fun and interesting facts about these animals and their fiber.  

The farm’s on-site fiber mill processes the alpaca’s fibers (they’re not “fur” but rather, “hair”---like our human hair). Their hair can be transformed into yarn to make finished products like scarves, hats, and even goodies like wine bottle sleeves. It was fascinating to learn about how complicated the process is of turning alpaca hair into something like yarn that we can use to make hats. It made me appreciate the hats and socks I have that are made from these animals’ hair, knowing how much time and effort went into their making.

Finally, you’ll end the tour with a trip through the farm store. Here, you can see the products made firsthand with the alpaca’s fiber. Fair warning— you’ll be tempted to buy many cute alpaca souvenirs! 

After the tour, you can spend as much time as you desire, feeding the alpacas in their enclosure, and asking the farm folks on-site questions about these fascinating animals. I was wondering why the male and female alpacas were in different enclosures. We learned this is because if a male alpaca touches a female alpaca and gets her scent on his coat, the other male alpacas will fight him for dominance of the pack. 

A peaceful and introspective animal encounter

Alpacas are very calm animals. I was surprised by how mellow our fuzzy animal companions were while we walked alongside them through a tunnel of the orchard’s peach tree leaves. It felt like a powerful way to connect with nature and interact with these majestic animals in a safe environment. After all, it’s not every day you get to pet, guide, and walk alongside living, breathing alpacas! 

Know before you go

There are some tips I learned from my experience with the animals that I think everyone should know. First, wear proper shoes because you’ll walk across uneven ground through the farm and orchard. Second, pack and wear sunblock—the sun is intense in Palisade at 4,700 feet in elevation! Finally, pack water because even though the trek itself isn’t very strenuous, it can get hot in the Colorado sunshine. Oh—and be prepared to buy some alpaca fiber goodies inside the gift shop at the end of the tour. It’s nearly impossible to resist! 

If you're looking for other adorable animal encounters in Colorado, learn about how you can cuddle with rescued farm animals at Luvin’ Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado, or spend time with rescued wolves and wolf dogs at The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide.