Denise Bardal — Denise has organized and led family backpacking trips for over 2 decades. She is a licensed food handler with experience planning and preparing meals, and she’s learning the art of dutch oven cooking as well. She is also trained in Wilderness First Aid. She is an animal lover and confident handler of pack llamas. Denise has demonstrated a high level of competence at connecting with clients, looking out for their needs and comforts, as well as maintaining trip organization and flow.
Irene Pasternack — Irene started leading backpacking trips with kids and teens in the 1970s, and started packing with llamas in 2021. She is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and is a licensed food handler. When not hiking, she works as a Feldenkrais Practitioner, helping people get out of pain and build coordination so they can do more of what they love.
Jesse Swordfisk
Jesse has been an outdoor enthusiast since childhood. He has a dozen+ years of personal backcountry trips using llamas. He is a Wilderness First Responder and Food Handler. He is aslo an expert at sourdough bread baking. When not on trips, he is a business consultant and tax CPA.
Morgan Chase
Morgan joined us in 2025. She has 8 years experience guiding hiking and whitewater rafting trips. She loves having the llamas carry the gear.
We are enthusiastic, committed guides and are looking forward to some great trips.
The Llamas — Don’t think we forgot about introducing our pack. Meet them here.