Our History

Paragon Guides began in 1978 as Crooked Creek Ski Touring, a small guiding company prior to merging with two other companies in 1985. Buck Elliott, Paragon’s president and founder, has designed the company to represent a consortium of guides who have a personal and professional commitment to the guiding profession and a personal sense of ownership in the Paragon experience

1978

Founded in 1978 by Buck Elliott, Paragon Guides epitomizes the pioneering spirit of Colorado’s backcountry exploration. At Crooked Creek Ranch, Buck’s vision for accessible wilderness adventures took root, blending guiding with inspiration and environmental respect. Paragon’s adventures expanded with the advent of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System, expanding backcountry access and fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts. With a legacy of adventure and discovery, Paragon continues to inspire exploration of Colorado’s rugged beauty, maintaining its place in the state’s rich outdoor heritage.

1980-1990

In the 1980s, Paragon Guides was at the forefront of the burgeoning interest in backcountry skiing, a sport that was gaining momentum among those seeking more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences away from the crowded ski resorts. Traveling on free-heel, telemark skis, afforded the exploration of the backcountry many folks sought. The company’s intimate knowledge of the Colorado backcountry, combined with a strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, made it an ideal choice for adventurers wanting to explore the state’s pristine wilderness areas. During this time, Paragon began to establish itself not just as a guiding service but as an essential component of Colorado’s outdoor community, offering educational programs on avalanche safety, wilderness navigation, and Leave No Trace principles.

1985 brought the merger of three guide services, Cripple Creek Ski Touring, Vail Mountaineering, and ####, to form Paragon Guides Incorporated.

Don Shefchik joined Paragon in 1985 to become a senior guide and then to become our Field Director. A role he still holds today, although very semi-retired now.

1990-2000

This period marked a significant development in the accessibility of the backcountry, with Paragon working along side of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. The system, which connects a network of backcountry huts across the Colorado Rockies, became a hallmark of the state’s adventure tourism, and Paragon Guides offered guided tours, educational programs, and logistical support to backcountry travelers.

1990

1990 was the introduction of llamas to create a summer program for Paragon with the purchase of Colorado Llama Trekking. Buck Elliott was a young dad eager to take his kids into the backcountry, but couldn’t carry everything on his own. Llamas became the perfect companion for camp and hut trips to enjoy the summer Colorado backcountry terrain. Colorado Llama Trekking was folded into Paragon and our summer guiding, llama days, began with hut trips and camping. Llamas were leased each summer.

Paragon also created a working agreement with the then small ski area of Arrowhead in Edwards, Colorado to renovate a historic cabin that once housed the ‘bachelors’ of Bachelor’s Gulch who worked as sheep hands on the old ranch land. This property became our Backcountry Center, a staging area for our trips, gear storage, and favorite guide hang out.

Karen Peck was hired in the fall of 1990 to man Paragon’s office. A role she still plays as Paragon’s Business Manager.

1995

The Backcountry Center is moved up onto Cresta Road to make room for Arrowhead’s expansion. Two front end loaders placed it on a flat bed truck and drove very slowly! This is it’s current location.

2008

Buck’s son, Will Elliott, joined on as co-owner and Senior Guide. Will has taken on most of Paragon’s day to day operations.

2013

Work began to renovate our store front space in Edwards to become Paragon Guides Headquarters (PHQ).

2014

Brought the merger of TrailWise Guides into Paragon and we grew our day tours of hiking, peak ascents, snowshoeing, and Take a Llama to Lunch Hikes.

Photo: Tanya Miller, owner of Trailwise Guides with, Paragon’s Field Director, Don Shefchik, and co-owner, Will Elliott. Tanya remains a integral guide with Paragon still.

2016

Paragon began a partnership with Dynafit Skis and our skinny skis, leather boots, and telemark turns switched to Alpine Touring with its lockable heels and plastic boots. PHQ became a Dynafit Test Center. Paragon has since brought in Black Crows Skis and other ski brands. Brought the merger of TrailWise Guides into Paragon and we grew our day tours of hiking, peak ascents, snowshoeing, and Take a Llama to Lunch Hikes.

2016 also brought in Senior guide, Jim Gabiel. Jimbo’s enthusiasim for the backcountry has made him a favorite guide and part of our executive team.

In 2017, Rachel Solomon joined the team to take on the growing complexity of our reservations and also to guide many trips and tours.

2020

Buck bought a small ranch in Gypsum and began to purchase our llamas. Paragon’s llama team is now 9 ‘boys’ strong.

The Covid Pandemic made for some changes in our tour interactions, but the backcountry was the place to be for social distancing. Time in the backcountry was good medicine for everyone.

Paragon Today

Paragon’s commitment to conservation and responsible tourism during these decades helped shape the conversation around outdoor recreation in Colorado, ensuring that the growth of the industry would not come at the expense of the natural environment. Paragon continues to promote eco-friendly practices and to educate its clients on the importance of preserving while enjoying the backcountry areas they explore.