Llamas Help with Trail Work

FBP Volunteer Trail Work Party
April 24, 1999, HBRA
Trails #7 & #3

Moving gravel on the trail is one of our biggest problems in trail maintenance. We were excited for the opportunity to try using pack llamas to accomplish this task. Several area llama owners volunteered the use of eight pack llamas to help in our trail improvement efforts.

The amount of gravel a llama can carry depends mostly on packing experience and on the particular breed. The guides made sure the llamas weren't overloaded and the loads were balanced. The most carried by a llama on this project was 120 lbs, the other llamas carried 60-80 lbs.

Llamas are hard working critters and liked to keep moving. The hardest part was keeping them still while loading. They are very sure footed and their soft foot pads are easy on the trail. They had no problem negotiating the trails at HBRA.

A previous work party had started repairs on damaged trail tread. The llamas brought us gravel to complete the improvements.

This was great exercise and training for the llamas, who will be packing and working on wilderness trails in the summer.

Thanks to everyone, llamas and folks, for helping on this project.

Photos 1,2,3&5 by Lee Young; Photos 4&6 by Stewart Mulford

Visit the websites of these local llama experts who helped with this project:
Lost Creek Llamas
Llama Express

If you'd like to help with our trail improvement projects contact Trails Committee co-chairs: Kevin and Pam McGraw, 485-3986, email k_mcgraw@efn.org

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Moving gravel on the trail is one of our biggest problems in trail maintenance. We were excited for the opportunity to try using pack llamas to accomplish this task. Several area llama owners volunteered the use of eight pack llamas to help in our trail improvement efforts.
The amount of gravel a llama can carry depends mostly on packing experience and on the particular breed. The guides made sure the llamas weren't overloaded and the loads were balanced. The most carried by a llama on this project was 120 lbs, the other llamas carried 60-80 lbs.
Llamas are hard working critters and liked to keep moving. The hardest part was keeping them still while loading. They are very sure footed and their soft foot pads are easy on the trail. They had no problem negotiating the trails at HBRA.
A previous work party had started repairs on damaged trail tread. The llamas brought us gravel to complete the improvements.
This was great exercise and training for the llamas, who will be packing and working on wilderness trails in the summer.
Thanks to everyone, llamas and folks, for helping on this project.
	Photos 1,2,3&5 by Lee Young; Photos 4&6 by Stewart Mulford