PREPARE FOR 
ADVENTURE

Tours and Trek Basics

Is the ranch open for visitors ANY TIME?

No. This is a private property. Visitors with tickets are allowed on the ranch only during the experience they have booked in advance. The entire ranch is closed at all other times. Don't miss out! Book your ticket in advance. See our ticketing pages for times and availability. 

What types of experiences do you offer?

Llama Tours are for all ages. Learn all about llamas, plus have a chance to feed some and take a short, easy walk with them. 
 

Ranch Treks are for ages 6 and up. After a basic introduction to llamas, learn to saddle and load them, then take a guided hike on our ranch trails with a llama companion. If we have more guests than llamas in your group, participants may take turns leading. For more information, see the Book Now page. Advance booking is required for tours and treks. 

Special Events are offered on occasion, throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications.
These are some examples:

• Guest speakers in our outdoor classroom on local flora, fauna, geology, history

• Pictures with Santa and llamas

 

Private Events are custom-designed for your needs and interests. Use your imagination!
How about . . .

• A bring-your-own picnic hike

• A combo Tour and Trek

• A focus on tree identification or wildlife tracks and signs with a naturalist

• A team-building experience

• A do-it-yourself meal or celebration in one of our picnic areas

Email us with your ideas and we will work with you to create an memorable experience that's ideal for your family or small group.
 

How long are the tours and treks?

Llama Tours: Approximately 90 minutes depending on questions. You will have free time to enjoy the scenery after the tour.

Ranch Treks: Approximately 2.5-3 hours, including a rest with snacks. Multiple distance and terrain options are available based on participants' physical ability.

I HAVE KIDS UNDER SIX, BUT THEY ARE GREAT HIKERS. CAN WE DO A RANCH TREK?

Sure! Contact us directly and we'll arrange a private Ranch Trek that works for your group. 
 

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SAFETY AND Preparation

Are llamas safe to be around, even with kids?

Yes! Llamas are naturally calm and gentle, are not easily spooked or startled, and are easy to train. They also have a special knack for being careful around little people. Still, adult llamas are larger and weigh more than we do, so we have a few rules for your safety:

• Everybody should wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

• Small children should be carried in arms or in a backpack
 

Your guide will go over safety tips at the start of your experience and, since our groups are small, will keep a watchful eye and issue additional cautions as needed.

What should I wear?

• Closed-toe shoes are required.

• Comfortable walking shoes are fine; hiking boots are not necessary.

• Consider waterproof shoes. The ground may be damp, especially in the morning.

• Dress in layers for unpredictable weather. Mornings are usually cool, even in summer.

• Comfortable hiking attire for treks
   

What should I bring?

• Pre-filled water bottle

• Sunscreen & bug spray

• Camera (optional)

• Snacks to enjoy at the conclusion of the Llama Tour (optional)

• Snacks are provided on the Ranch Trek, but feel free to also bring your favorites.

• Rain gear (hopefully you can leave it in your car!)

• Personal medications

• Backpack to carry small children who cannot walk 1 mile (Llama Tours only)
   

Do I need prior hiking or llama experience?

No. Our guides provide full instruction and support to ensure an enjoyable experience. Ranch Trek lengths and routes are available for various skill levels. 
 

What if the weather is bad?

In general, we operate our Llama Tours and Ranch Treks rain or shine–and sometimes snow! In the rare event we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather, we will notify ticket holders in advance. Tickets will be fully refunded or transferred to another date and/or time. ​

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Do you accommodate special needs?

Please contact us in advance and we will do our best to facilitate an enjoyable experience. This experience is outdoors on uneven terrain with seasonal snow/mud, and may not be suitable for wheelchair access. Safety is our priority, and we apologize for any inconveniences. If you have questions about accessibility, please reach out to us before your visit. Limitations apply.​​​

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BookinG and pricing

How do I book a tour or trek?

All reservations are booked online through our website. Choose an experience, click the booking link, and you will be redirected to the website of our ticketing service, TicketSpice. When you check in, present a printout or screen shot of your ticket.

 

CAN I BUY A TICKET AT YOUR RANCH IF I DIDN'T GET ONE ONLINE IN ADVANCE?

We do not allow "walk up" guests during our tours. All tickets much be purchased in advance to ensure the best experience for our guests. Summer tickets sell out fast so don't delay!

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What is your cancellation policy?

Tour or Trek cancellations up to 48 hours in advance will be refunded minus a $6 processing fee. Notice of cancellation must be emailed to hello@gnllamaco.com with CANCELLATION in the subject line. There is no refund for late arrivals or no shows. There is no refund for cancellation less than 48 hours in advance, unless canceled by GNLC. 

 

GNLC reserves the right to change or cancel an experience due to weather or other unfavorable conditions. In the rare event we need to cancel, ticket holders will be notified in advance. Tickets will be fully refunded or transferred to another date and/or time, whichever the guest prefers.

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DO YOU OFFER FAMILY OR GROUP RATES?

Yes. On the Ranch Trek, groups of 4 or more receive a 10% discount.  

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Can our family/group do a private Llama Tour or ranch trek?

Yes. We can do a private Ranch Trek for groups of 3 or more, and a private Llama Tour for groups of 4 or more. Contact us to make arrangements.​​

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LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY 

Where are you located?

The ranch is at the base of Swan Mountains on the east side of the Flathead Valley.

• Kalispell – 12 minutes

• Whitefish – 30 minutes

• Bigfork and Flathead Lake – 20 minutes

• Glacier National Park – 30 minutes

• Glacier Park International airport (FCA) – 25 minutes

 

Directions to the ranch are provided upon booking. Follow signs to parking and check in. The ranch is not open to the public.
A ticket is required for entry.

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Are there physical requirements?

Llama Tours: Guests normally walk a loop of less than one mile on natural terrain with uneven surfaces. If this might be difficult for you or someone in your group, contact us in advance to make special arrangements.

Llama Treks: Guests should be prepared for moderate physical activity with variations in elevation on uneven surfaces for a distance of 2-3 miles. Please be mindful of weather conditions and dress appropriately.​ 
 

Are there age restrictions?

Llama Tours: All ages welcome! Babies or small children may be carried in a backpack or arms.

Ranch Treks: Minimum age is 6 years. Private Treks are available for families with younger children who can walk 2+ miles. Please contact us to discuss if this would be appropriate for your group or family. 

 

Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

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Can i take pictures?

Please do! Ticket holders are welcome to take personal pictures during their experience. Our permission is required only for commercial photography. Great Northern Llama Company LLC reserves the right to photograph ranch experiences for promotional purposes. Please refer to our media release waiver when purchasing your ticket for more information. ​Don't forget to tag us on social media (@gnllamaco)!

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LLAMA FUN FACTS

What's the difference between a llama and an alpaca?

Llamas and alpacas are "cousins" that look a lot alike but are bred for distinct purposes. (There is no such thing as a wild llama or alpaca. They are all domestic animals.) Alpacas, the smaller of the two, are prized for their superfine coats of many colors from which clothing and blankets are made. Llamas also have a beautiful coat, but they are bigger, stronger and more athletic than alpacas. Llamas were originally bred to carry heavy loads in their mountainous South American homeland–and that's what we use them for in Montana, too!

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DO THEY SPIT?

Yes, but don't worry! Llamas invented the food fight but they usually only spit at each other. When you're feeding them during your Tour, you may see the "queens" blow a few pellets at other llamas. It's their way of teaching them to stay back and politely wait their turn. Spitting is also used by pregnant females to inform our studs that they are not in the mood to be bothered.

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HOW MANY LLAMAS DO YOU HAVE?

This is a breeding ranch, so the number is always changing but usually between 35 and 50. It depends on how many babies have been born, and how many we have bought or sold.

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When are the babies born, and what do you call them?

Our birthing season is normally April through July. In South America newborn llama and alpaca are called crias, the Spanish word for baby. Honestly, we usually say "baby boy" or "baby girl" and we call the parents males and females, or sires and dams.

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DO YOU RIDE LLAMAS?

No. Llamas walk behind us on a lead rope attached to a halter that is custom-fitted around their nose and head. On the trail they carry loads of about 80-100 pounds in canvas bags attached to both sides of a leather saddle.