Volunteer to Work with Llamas in Rocky Mountain National Park

Park seeks outdoorsy volunteers to help maintain backcountry facilities and care for pack animals.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style depicting the sweeping grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, with towering peaks and valleys rendered in smooth, airbrushed gradients of earthy greens, blues, and grays, capturing the sense of scale and adventure of outdoor exploration in this iconic national park.Volunteers will join park staff and llamas on backcountry hikes to maintain remote facilities, contributing to the conservation of Rocky Mountain National Park's pristine wilderness.Denver Today

Rocky Mountain National Park is looking for volunteers to join their staff and work with llamas to maintain backcountry toilets and facilities. The volunteer opportunity runs from June 1 to October 17, and involves hiking about 14 miles over two days, camping on Longs Peak, and assisting with feeding the llamas and other maintenance projects.

Why it matters

Llamas have been used by the National Park Service for years to help transport waste from backcountry toilets in Rocky Mountain National Park. This volunteer program allows outdoor enthusiasts to get hands-on experience working with these unique pack animals while also helping to preserve the park's wilderness areas.

The details

Volunteers will hike the Longs Peak Trail to reach backcountry toilet facilities, where they will maintain the toilets, feed the llamas, and assist with other projects. The park is looking for physically fit individuals comfortable with significant elevation changes and working long days in various weather conditions. While prior experience with llamas or stock animals is preferred, the park will provide additional training.

  • The volunteer program runs from June 1 to October 17, 2026.
  • Volunteers will hike about 14 miles over two days, camping on Longs Peak.

The players

Rocky Mountain National Park

A national park located in north-central Colorado, known for its diverse wildlife, alpine landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and preserving the national parks and other protected public lands in the United States.

Wildland Trekking

A tour operator that offers commercial llama hiking and backpacking trips in Rocky Mountain National Park and other destinations.

Kirk's Flyshop

A tour operator that provides commercial llama hiking and backpacking experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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What’s next

Interested volunteers can find more information about this and other volunteer opportunities on the Rocky Mountain National Park website.

The takeaway

This volunteer program offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to work hands-on with llamas, a lesser-known resident of Rocky Mountain National Park, while also contributing to the maintenance and preservation of the park's wilderness areas.