Summer Adventures
Don Shefchik on the current state of “distancing”
When Social Distancing meant going camping
by Don Shefchik, Field Director and Senior Guide at Paragon Guides
How easy it was, packing up the camping gear and heading into the mountains with everything you needed neatly stowed away in a backpack. Distancing meant you were going to hike for a few miles, breathe fresh air, listen to the creek and not see anyone for a couple days. For Paragon Guides, little has changed over the years. Well, one thing changed back in the 90s, llamas joined our team. Gone are the 50 pound packs, the sore knees, and tight lower back. Upon arriving at camp, participants are now more likely to do a little exploring, wet a fly in a nearby alpine stream or check on the llamas, rather than lay down for a nap. Welcome the Llama-packing era…light packs, delicious camp food, fishing waders, climbing gear, cold beer and a bottle or two of wine; thank you llamas! These unique and wonderful creatures have been a part of summer programming for nearly 30 years. They have become a summer trademark in the Vail Valley. With an extensive US Forest Service and Tenth Mountain Division Hut System permit area, Paragon Guides, with llamas in hand, is able to provide participants with the opportunity to distance themselves the “old fashioned” way; a way measured in miles, not feet.
Recently, things have changed once again. This time, the change reaches far beyond Paragon Guides and the wild places we call home. The CoronaVirus is redefining lives and perspectives around the World. Previously uncommon terms like “social distancing” have become mainstream. Through all the recent work updating policies and protocols to keep our participants and staff healthy and safe, Paragon Guides was quick to recognize a bit of silver lining; the recommended social distance with which we have become all too familiar is the approximate length of a llama, a mountain bike, a fly rod, or an extended trekking pole. Given that llamas are not too fond of being crowded from behind, they are well practiced in what we now refer to as “llama-distancing,” an old protocol with a new name.
Travel and financial restrictions have many people wondering what their summer vacation will look like or perhaps, if it will happen at all. Fortunately for those living on the Front Range or Western Slope of Colorado, Paragon Guides and our permit areas are not far away. We are optimistic. The reality is that all the ingredients for our outdoor adventures have not changed and are still readily available. Cascading streams, alpine lakes, winding trails, backcountry campsites and huts with priceless views are all still here. We are as committed as ever to providing our participants with “Quality Outdoor Adventures.”
Whether traveling alone or with family and friends, Paragon Guides has an adventure to fit you and yours. There truly is something for everyone. We provide a wide variety of Multi-day, Full-day, and Half-day outings for all abilities and fitness levels. Bring the family for a Backcountry Llama Lunch, a llama supported picnic with hands on llama wrangling fun or perhaps join the llamas for a leisurely afternoon libation. For those more interested in life beyond the llamas, we offer guided Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Peak Ascents, and Fly Fishing trips.
Consider joining us this summer for some Social Distancing the “old fashioned” way. For more information, check out our website or give us a call at 970-926-5299.
Summer Hut Trips
After years of trekking through the hut system, our guides have learned all the routes, shortcuts, and best lunch spots available in and around each hut. We can help plan your hut adventure based on your interests and fitness. Our hardworking llamas will carry the group gear and food taking the heavy load off your back. Your trip can be based out of just one hut or a hut-to-hut adventure.
Popular Summer Llama Treks
Vail to Aspen Interconnect
- 5-day Llama Trek
- Travel the Western Hut System – Estin Hut, Gates Hut, Diamond J Guest Ranch and Margy’s Hut
- Cost: $1820 per person for 6-12 people, $2,125 per person for 4-6 people
- 4 person mininum
Colorado Trail Traverse
- 10th Mountain Memorial Hut to Uncle Bud’s Hut
- Cost: $995 per person for 6 or more people, $1,325 per person for 3-5 people.
- 3 person mininum
- Custom dates can be arranged based on hut availability
- Access the Colorado Trail and alpine lakes
- Climb 13,209’ Homestake Peak
- Options to continue on to the Skinner Hut
Custom Trips Available – let us design a trip with your dates and trip goals in mind.
Mountain Biking Hut Trip
Hut Trips | Holy Cross 100 | Half Day Tours | Full Day Tours | Popular Trails and Roads | FAQ
Hut Trips
Travel to a 10th Mountain Division hut or take on the challenge of a hut to hut tour via mountain bike. We’ll create an itinerary with daily guided routes for riders of all abilities. Routes follow singletrack and dirt roads. There are many opportunities during the trip for hiking, peak climbs, and even some fly fishing.
- All trips are accompanied by a support vehicle so the weight of gear, bike tools, and food will not hinder your ride in the high country.
- Custom trips available in 10th mountain hut system
- Uncle Bud’s to Skinner Hut
- Peter Estin Hut to Harry Gates Hut
Holy Cross 100
This classic backcountry mountain bike adventure can cover up to 100 miles as it winds it’s way along the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness Area from the small town of Eagle to the historic mining town of Leadville, crossing the Continental Divide at 12000′. Three to five day options are available. Lodging is in the 10th Mountain Hut System and may include the Diamond “J” Guest Ranch
- The main route uses Forest Service roads ranging from smooth gravel to 4wheel drive. We do travel on pavement for about 10 miles.
- Elevations range from 8,200′ to 12,000′
- Difficulty: Basic riding skills are adequate for the main route and a moderate level of fitness is required. Varying degrees of pace can be accommodated, and the shuttle vehicle is always available to get you over the “hump”.
- Dates and Pricing: TBD
- Contact us for pricing, available dates, and more information
Half Day Tours – self or fully guided tours
- Morning tour: 8:30 a.m. pickup; 12:30 p.m. dropoff
- Afternoon tour: 1:30 p.m. pickup; 5:30 p.m. dropoff
- Cost
- 1 person $250
- 2 people $170 each
- 3 people $150 each
- 4+ people $125 each
- Groups of 8+ people, please call for group pricing.
- Transportation, guide, and snack included.
- Mountain bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet.
Full Day Tours
- Morning pick-up with approximately 4-6 hours of riding  
- Cost
- 1 person $330
- 2 people $250 each
- 3 people $190 each
- 4+ people $170 each
- Groups of 8+ people, please call for group pricing.
- Transportation, guide, and lunch included.
- Mountain Bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet.
Popular Trails & Roads
Colorado Trail to Camp Hale
Descend singletrack from Tennesse Pass and the Continental Divide to Camp Hale, the historic WWII training site for the 10th Mountain ski troops. Enjoy moderate trails and roads. Half and Full day options.
Vail Pass to Red Cliff
Climb on a graded and gently inclining Forest Service road to the top of Shrine Pass. From there, it’s a gorgeous 8mile descent through aspen and sprucefir forests and along Turkey Creek to the former mining town of Red Cliff. Perfect for halfday tours.
Colorado River Road
This fullday sightseeing ride is an opportunity to bike through classic Colorado ranch country while following the Colorado River. The road is paved with a short section of well maintained gravel road so choose a road or mountain bike. Guided and selfguided tours include a shuttle vehicle. Round trip driving time is approximately one and a half hours from Vail.
Red Sandstone area
The Red Sandstone road accesses a variety of roads and single track trails. Lost Lake road, Middle Creek, sonofMiddle Creek, Bueffer Creek trails, and the North Trail offer a variety of single track and road options for riders of all abilities.
Mountain Bike FAQ
Where are your mountain bike tours located?
We offer guided mountain biking outings on most single track trails and Forest Service roads located in the White River National Forest surrounding the Vail Valley, but not on Vail Mountain. Multiday trips that access the 10th Mountain Division hut system mostly travel on Forest Service roads with limited single track. Some huts are located close to designated Wilderness Areas where bicycle travel is not allowed. The Colorado Trail offers some of the best single track options on our mountain bike hut trips.
What kind of bicycles do you provide?
We rent bicycles from local bike shop partners that maintain a fleet of full suspension mountain bikes. Flat pedals are standard issue. Bring your own bike shoes and pedals if you have them.
Why should I ride with a guide?
Maximize your time in the Vail Valley by going with a guide that knows the terrain, trails, and roads that will best match your abilities. There’s no need to waste time choosing from unknown options, getting lost, or getting in over your head. Plus, mechanicals and accidents happen. Our guides will offer instructional tips, keep your bike in motion, and keep a smile on your face. How much experience do I need? You need basic bicycle handling skills and a moderate level of fitness. You should know how to get on and off a bicycle, know how to control your speed with brakes, and be comfortable climbing and descending. If you’re looking to improve your riding, our guides are happy to offer instructional tips.
Do you offer shuttles for pointtopoint rides?  
Yes. Please read more about our shuttle services. 
Backcountry Fly Fishing
Join us for a backcountry fishing experience unlike what you might find on the bigger rivers. Our guides have been hiking and wade fishing our local small streams, beaver ponds and lakes for many years and are looking forward to sharing these places with you. There are “drive to” and “hike to” options throughout the Vail area. Come discover the other side of Vail fishing.
Small streams provide the angler with less intimidating wading so you can focus on fishing for brookies, browns, and native cutthroat trout. If you are new to fly fishing, our guides can show you the basics. If you are a seasoned “trout bum,” come explore the pools and riffles with us.
What You Get
- Guides: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 3:1
- The Day: Trip length is from lodging pickup to drop-off. Full day is 5-7 hours, Half Day is 3-4 hours
- Transportation: We will pick you up and drop you off
- Food: Snacks are provided on the Half Day trips. Lunch is provided on the Full Day trips.
- Gear: Fly rods, waders, and tackle included
- Rental: We rent rods and waders for self-guided trips. $20 each or $25 for both per day
- Not Included: Colorado Fishing License (one day license available at local shops or online:https://www.co.wildlifelicense.com/start.php. Under the age of 16 does not require a license
Why Paragon Guides
- Experience: Paragon has been guiding in the Vail backcountry since 1978.
- Reputation: The majority of our participants come back year after year. Click HERE to see what our previous clients think about us.
- Terrain: We have one of the most extensive permits in the White River National Forest including both the Holy Cross and Eagles Nest Wilderness areas.
- Time: Save time by letting us plan your day. Your vacation has enough going on.
Pricing
| # of Persons | Half Day | Full Day |
| 1 | $295 | $435 |
| 2 | $185 ea | $270 ea |
| 3 | $160 ea | $210 ea |
Note: For groups of 2-3 participants, an additional guide is often hired to provide for more individual instruction and assistance; cost is $100 for a Half Day and $200 for a Full Day.
Guided Hiking in Vail
Explore a variety of classic trails surrounding the Vail Valley on a full or half day guided hike. Unplug while you immerse yourself within the beauty and quiet of the Holy Cross or Eagles Nest Wilderness areas. Discover aspen forests painted with wildflowers. Hike to a pristine alpine lake. Gain a ridge or stroll beside a wooded stream. Learn the local flora and fauna. Step out and away from the resort and enjoy the serenity of the mountains.
Why Paragon Guides
- Experience: Paragon has been guiding in the Vail backcountry since 1978.
- Reputation: The majority of our participants come back year after year. Click HERE to see what our previous clients think about us.
- Terrain: We have one of the most extensive permits in the White River National Forest including both the Holy Cross and Eagles Nest Wilderness areas.
- Time: Save time by letting us plan your day. Your vacation has enough going on.
Book your Summer Adventure HERE
What You Get
- Private Hike that is tailored to your interests, goals, and abilities.
- Transportation: We will pick you up and drop you off at your residence or hotel
- Food: Lunch (full day only) and snacks provided from one of our local vendors
- Guide: Enjoy yourself while your experienced guide navigates the terrain, manages risk, and delivers some natural history
- Gear: Packs, trekking poles, and rain gear provided if needed
- Llamas: Want to bring a llama? Click HERE for info on our backcountry llama hikes
Full Day Guided Hike/4-8 hours, includes lunch
- One person $425
- 2 people $235 each
- 3 people $185 each
- 4 people $155 each
- 5+ people $125 each
Half Day Guided Hike/ Up to 4 hours, includes trail snacks
Mornings: 8:30 -12:30
Afternoons: 1:30 – 5:30
- One person $375
- 2 people $185 each
- 3 people $150 each
- 4 people $125 each
- 5+ people $99 each
Book your Summer Adventure HERE
Popular Hiking Destinations
The following are our most popular hikes, but not our only offerings. Call for more information.
Alpine Lake Hike
If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake
. Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, Booth Lake, Pitkin Lake, Piney Lake and the Seven Sisters Lakes are a few choices that make for an unforgettable experience. Your day will be filled with mountain views, abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and evergreen forests.
Panorama Ridge Hike
If you yearn to look into the Gore and Sawatch ranges from up high, take yourself above the trees and gain an alpine ridge.
Meadow, Stream and Wildflower Hike
Absorb the sounds, smells, colors, and textures of the natural world on gentle to moderate trails that follow mountain streams winding through wildflower meadows and alpine forest.
Mountain Biking
The Vail Valley offers some of the best mountain biking in the state with its diverse landscapes, access, and vast selection of maintained trails and roads. Let Paragon Guides do the dirty work of planning your day, shuttles, food and gear, giving you and your group more time to enjoy this exciting sport.
Choose from TWO mountain biking options
1. Loop Ride: Start and end at the same location. Cross country oriented.
2. Point-to-Point Ride: Start and end at different locations. Downhill oriented.
Book your Summer Adventure HERE
Loop Ride
- Half day: morning or afternoon, about 3-4 hours in length
- Full day: about 5-6 hours in length
- A cross country ride with some uphill climbing
- Transportation, guide, and snack included
- Mountain bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet
Pricing
| # of Persons | Half Day | Full Day |
| 1 | $250 | $425 |
| 2 | $170 | $250 |
| 3 | $150 | $190 |
| 4+ | $125 | $170 |
Point – to – Point Ride
- Half day: morning or afternoon, about 3-4 hours in length
- Full day: about 5-6 hours in length
- Includes transportation, shuttle, two guides, and lunch
- Downhill oriented ride with the opportunity for less uphill climbing
- Mountain Bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet
- Popular rides: Vail Pass to Red Cliff (see below)
Pricing
| # of Persons | Half Day | Full Day |
| 1 | $600 | $660 |
| 2 | $290 | $330 |
| 3 | $220 | $250 |
| 4+ | $170 | $190 |
Book your Summer Adventure HERE
Popular Trails & Roads
Colorado Trail to Camp Hale
Descend singletrack from Tennesse Pass and the Continental Divide to Camp Hale, the historic WWII training site for the 10th Mountain ski troops. Enjoy moderate trails and roads. Half and Full day options.
Vail Pass to Red Cliff
Climb on a graded and gently inclining Forest Service road to the top of Shrine Pass. From there, it’s a gorgeous 8mile descent through aspen and sprucefir forests and along Turkey Creek to the former mining town of Red Cliff. Perfect for halfday tours.
Colorado River Road
This fullday sightseeing ride is an opportunity to bike through classic Colorado ranch country while following the Colorado River. The road is paved with a short section of well maintained gravel road so choose a road or mountain bike. Guided and selfguided tours include a shuttle vehicle. Round trip driving time is approximately one and a half hours from Vail.
Red Sandstone area
The Red Sandstone road accesses a variety of roads and single track trails. Lost Lake road, Middle Creek, sonofMiddle Creek, Bueffer Creek trails, and the North Trail offer a variety of single track and road options for riders of all abilities.
Mountain Bike FAQ
Where are your mountain bike tours located?
We offer guided mountain biking outings on most single track trails and Forest Service roads located in the White River National Forest surrounding the Vail Valley, but not on Vail Mountain. Multiday trips that access the 10th Mountain Division hut system mostly travel on Forest Service roads with limited single track. Some huts are located close to designated Wilderness Areas where bicycle travel is not allowed. The Colorado Trail offers some of the best single track options on our mountain bike hut trips.
What kind of bicycles do you provide?
We rent bicycles from local bike shop partners that maintain a fleet of full suspension mountain bikes. Flat pedals are standard issue. Bring your own bike shoes and pedals if you have them.
Why should I ride with a guide?
Maximize your time in the Vail Valley by going with a guide that knows the terrain, trails, and roads that will best match your abilities. There’s no need to waste time choosing from unknown options, getting lost, or getting in over your head. Plus, mechanicals and accidents happen. Our guides will offer instructional tips, keep your bike in motion, and keep a smile on your face. How much experience do I need? You need basic bicycle handling skills and a moderate level of fitness. You should know how to get on and off a bicycle, know how to control your speed with brakes, and be comfortable climbing and descending. If you’re looking to improve your riding, our guides are happy to offer instructional tips.
Do you offer shuttles for pointtopoint rides?  
Yes. Please read more about our shuttle services. 
Llama Trekking
Llama Trekking Details:
Vail to Aspen Interconnect Itinearary
Hike with the companionship of a llama willing to share the burden of your gear.
- Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them an ideal addition for your backcountry adventure
- Camps are situated in secluded alpine settings or at high 10th Mountain Huts surrounded by alpine lakes and peak summit
“Our guides were great. They tremendously enhanced the wilderness experience. Both had a good sense of what would maximize the enjoyment of each member of the group” —John of Charleston,
Day Trips This link will bring you to our Summer Day Programs site.
Popular Multi-day Routes – Based on hut availability
- Colorado Trail Traverse
- Uncle Bud’s Hut to 10th Mountain Memorial Hut
- Vail to Aspen Llama Treks
- Estin Hut – Gates Hut – Diamond J Ranch – Margy’s Hut
Custom Trips can be designed for Huts or Camping. Various huts or camping trips are available to meet the dates, needs and interests of families, groups and individuals.
Pricing:
- 1-3 people = $580 per person / per day
- 4-8 people = $410 per person / per day
- 8-12 people = $385 per person / per day
- Fully guided rate includes: Professional guides, llamas & tack, hut / camp fees, transportation, all meals, USFS fees, sleeping bags w/ liner, trip prep info including guide connection prior to trip. Camping includes all tents, kitchen kits and all amenities.
- Pricing example: 4 people on a 3 day trip= $410 x 3 = $1,230.00 per person
- Most trips are custom designed and will itemize any additional fees such as the Diamond J Ranch, additional guides, special food, etc.
Colorado Trail Traverse– This classic route begins at the historic training site of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops from WWll. Three to five day trips are available. The route follows the Colorado Trail as it winds its way beneath the Continental Divide. Daily distances range from 5-8 miles and up to 1500 feet of elevation gain. Accommodations are mountain huts, part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. Longer trips can include a “layover” day at one hut providing plenty of time for relaxing, exploring the area, fishing or climbing a local peak. Scheduled and Custom dates are available.
Why Llamas?
For centuries, llamas have been used as high country pack animals. Their natural curiosity and intelligence will fascinate you along with their gentle, easy going character which makes them highly compatible with children. They will act as your backcountry ‘sherpas’ carrying the food, tentage and most community gear. With a gentle nature and agile abilities the llama leaves little trace that he has passed through on a trail. Their natural inquisitiveness and relentless curiosity displayed in their ears, eyes and ‘hum’ may show you wildlife that you might have otherwise missed.
Call for more information or to reserve
Take a Llama to Lunch
Get to know the curious nature of llamas on our “Take a Llama to Lunch” hikes. The ‘boys’ are wildly popular with children due to their gentle nature. The easy pace and length make llama hikes excellent outings for families, friends, and groups. Llamas make excellent trail companions as pack animals and can carry as much as 80 pounds. They do not like being ridden no matter how much grain we feed them.
Choose from Our llama lunch options
1. Arrowhead Llama Lunch: Based out of the Arrowhead Ski Area.
2. Backcountry Llama Lunch: Wilderness based lunch on a local hiking trail
3. Wine and Cheese with Llamas: Based out of the Arrowhead Ski Area.
Request / Waitlist your Llama Lunch HERE
Upcoming Blackout dates – all our llamas will be out on hut and camp trips: July 27-29, Aug 2-5, Aug 24-26. Tours are currently SOLD OUT until August 18th. You can get on our waitlist with the above link for dates outside of the blackout dates.
Private Arrowhead Llama Lunch or Wine & Cheese with a Llama
- Availability: July 1st – September 30th.
- Private Hike that is tailored to your interests, goals, children’s ages, and abilities.
- Logistics: Half-day hike, 10 am – 2 pm. A custom timeframe can be arranged to accommodate your schedule or enjoy an early evening ‘wine & cheese’ outing.
- Times can also be: 9am-1pm, 11am-3pm, or 3-6:30pm Wine & Cheese
- Includes: Guide, llamas, red-checkered picnic lunch, snacks, and water
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. We will customize the hike to your ability
- Gear: Packs and rain gear provided if needed
Please Note: Transportation is NOT included
Details
Meet the ‘boys’ at our backcountry center cabin located at the Arrowhead Ski Area. Enjoy an interactive introduction to these unique pack animals before taking off on a leisurely hike. Families with young children typically take a short hike and may return to the cabin for lunch. Seasoned hikers and families with older children will enjoy a longer hike that winds through mature aspen groves, evergreen forest, and at the height of the season, wildflowers. Lunch is our signature “Red-Checkered Picnic” on the trail. Every outing is catered to the needs and abilities of your group.
Pricing
- $490.00 Base Fee, first 2 people
- Additional: $95 per person
- Children 12 and under $55 each, age 3 and under are free.
- Due to the high demand of this program, a 48hr cancellation is required
Private Backcountry Llama Lunch
- Availability: Mid June – end of September
- Private Hike that is tailored to your interests, goals, children’s ages, and abilities.
- Logistics: Full-day hike, 10am – 3pm. Pick up times can be flexible. We will transport your party to and from the trailhead.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, llamas, red-checkered picnic, snacks, and water
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard. We will customize the hike to your ability
- Gear: Packs and rain gear provided if needed.
Details
Enjoy a day hike in the company of a llama while experiencing one of the Vail Valley’s beautiful backcountry trails. Your guide and the ‘boys’ will pick you up from your home or hotel and transport you to a local trailhead. The llamas will not only offer some curious companionship but also a helping hand in carrying gear and lunch. Participants should expect to carry a small daypack and show up ready for a full day of hiking. Feel free to inquire on how we can customize your day to fit your group’s needs.
- $590.00 base fee, first 2 people
- Additional: $95 per person
- Children 12 and under $55 each, age 3 and under are free.
- Due to the high demand of this program, a 48hr cancellation is required
Hiking
Vail Hiking
Explore a variety of trails surrounding Vail on a classic full or half-day hike. Immerse yourself in the beauty and quiet of the Holy Cross or Eagle’s Nest Wilderness areas. Explore aspen forests painted with wildflowers. Hike to a pristine alpine lake. Gain a ridge or stroll beside a wooded stream. Learn the flora and fauna. Group and family pricing available for full and half-day hikes. We custom design each hike to match your interests and ability.
- Morning, afternoon, or full day hikes available
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
- Included: Guide, transportation, snack or lunch
- Have llamas join your hike day to carry lunch and gear. $200 surcharge.
Full Day/4-8 hour hike with lunch
- One person $295
- 2 people $180 each
- 3 people $160 each
- 4+ people $130 each
- Upgrade your lunch to our classic “Red-Checkered” picnic lunch, available on request. $10 per person additional.
Half Day/ Up to 4 hours, with trail snacks
Mornings: 8:30 -12:30
Afternoons: 1:30 – 5:30
- One person $220
- 2 people $130 each
- 3 people $115 each
- 4+ people $99 each
Hike Destinations
The following are our most popular hikes, but not our only offerings. Call for more information.
Alpine Lake Hike
If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake. Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, Booth Lake, Pitkin Lake, Piney Lake and the Seven Sisters Lakes are a few choices that make for an unforgettable experience. Your day will be filled with mountain views, abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and evergreen forests.
Panorama Ridge Hike
If you yearn to look into the Gore and Sawatch ranges from up high, take yourself above the trees and gain an alpine ridge.
Meadow, Stream and Wildflower Hike
Absorb the sounds, smells, colors, and textures of the natural world on gentle to moderate trails that follow mountain streams winding through wildflower meadows and alpine forest.
