Hallmark Ranch Alpacas

06/12/2024

Who wouldn't love a team event at Hallmark Ranch Alpacas..? This work group from Toyota came down from Denver today to meet the alpacas, and then spend a little time in Salida. We loved introducing them to the girls. Thank you Emily for choosing us as your team building event!

06/08/2024

What a gorgeous day for alpaca visitors! We had a lovely family stop by and Kenny took some beautiful photos, which he shared with us (a few posted here). Roxie got the royal treatment from the 'cousins,' and enough lovin' to last her at least the rest of the day. Thank you, Michelle, Kenny and family, for visiting; we hope to see you again in the future!

05/30/2024

Visitors today included Girl Scout Troop 45213 from Colorado Springs. We were just one of their stops on a fun trip to Salida & Buena Vista. What a lovely group of young ladies and their leaders!

05/27/2024

Nice weather means the start of a busy visitor season. A large group of 14 came by to meet the alpacas today. We had to take turns in the pen, so as not to overwhelm the girls. The young visitors were very patient and respectful of the alpacas' space. What a great family!

05/19/2024

It was a sad day today at Hallmark Ranch. We lost our beloved Rowdy. A friend to all, and a stellar guardian to the alpacas, we acquired Rowdy as a puppy eleven years ago. He fit easily into the ranch family, always knowing he had a job to do, and he did it well. When we lost Rowdy’s last pen mate (Rambo) 3 years ago and later acquired Roxie, we cautiously introduced the little pip-squeak to Rowdy, the ‘main man’ in charge. Rowdy, as only Rowdy would, took her under his wing and was unbelievably patient and tolerant as Roxie worked through her puppy phase, her multitude of play times with him, and even as she ‘chomped’ onto his jowls as they walked together to the barn at dinner time. The ranch will not be the same without him. We will miss you Rowdy – Rest in Peace.

“If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all.” ~Unknown

04/20/2024

A popular item in our fiber studio/ranch store are these cute alpacadorables made from alpaca fiber. There is the option of adding a cute little churro hat as well. Occasionally someone will get just a little hat to use for another purpose. Most recently we had a visitor buy 2 for their lizards! Who would've thought. We meet the most interesting people at our alpaca ranch!

04/17/2024

Remember this? Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike -- guess what day it is?” ....It's hump day!

And did you know… that alpacas are part of the Camel (Camelidae) family, along with llamas, vicunas and guanacos.

Like camels, alpacas have a split upper lip. They eat grasses and shrubs and have three-chambered stomachs. Both have long legs with padded feet with two large toes.

If they are related, why don’t alpacas have humps, you might wonder.

In short, the camel cousin evolved fluff instead of fat. Research suggests the common ancestors of camels and alpacas most likely broke away millions of years ago with the close camel relative being more tolerant of harsh, hot environments while the alpaca’s ancestors led more relaxed lives in South America’s cool highlands.
More info here: https://nhpbs.org/wild/camelidae.asp

Happy Wednesday (aka "hump day") everyone!

04/15/2024

Alpacas are very cautious animals, but also extremely curious. Maddie, one of our dogs, got a major coat trim today. Everyone is trying to figure out, "who's that??"

04/04/2024

Beautiful spring day, perfect for a lovely family to come by to meet the alpacas. The little toddler loves all things 'farm' so this was a good outing for him. The alpacas were fun to feed, the big dogs love people and it turns out alpaca treats are tasty, don't you know..

03/20/2024

Roxie: I'm telling you the dinner bowl is empty. And when you fill it up again, I would like to eat in bed!

03/15/2024

Snow Dogs! We finally got a good amount of snow - all day! It hasn't stopped since last evening and it's supposed to continue through the night. It's so funny to see how much the dogs love it!

02/27/2024

How many llamas can you fit into a car? Watch this video of a man loading his llamas into an SUV. 😀

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=690900408400442

02/24/2024

Say hello to this group of great folks who came to visit on this gorgeous day. They came to Colorado for sking and snowboarding, AND a visit to meet the alpacas! Thanks so much for stopping by!

02/10/2024

The evening line-up. Girls are ready to come in for the night, Rowdy and Roxie are set to follow "their girls" into the barn. And sweet Maddie just waiting for someone to let her in the house : ) Dinner is waiting for all!

02/06/2024

We had a lovely family visit yesterday with two of the cutest little toddlers ever. They did a good job feeding the alpaca. Thank you for coming by!

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from Hallmark Ranch Alpacas

10/07/2023

Starting to see color up on the mountains. Old Elvis got pasture time today. Living his best life!

10/06/2023

The Boys and Girls Club from Alamosa came to meet the alpacas today. Thank you Shawna and kids for coming by! We loved having you!

10/06/2023

Fall...the best time of year!

10/04/2023

Great group of ladies at the ranch on Sunday. We all got into the picture, including Wendy!

09/04/2023

Saturday, Theresa and her delightful family came by to meet the alpacas. Mom absolutely loves alpacas and Dad loves Elvis!

08/29/2023

We are excited about the Salida Fiber Festival coming up the weekend after Labor Day, Sept 9-10. Due to limited inventory, Hallmark Ranch Alpacas is not having a booth this year, but we can't wait to be there to see all the beautiful things this festival has to offer. We are volunteers for this all-volunteer effort and the festival is celebrating its 12th year! If you are local, won't you consider signing up to volunteer as well? There are a number of volunteer opportunities, which can be found on our website: https://www.salidafiberfestival.com/

Hope to see you there!

The Salida Fiber Festival is a non-profit organization hosting an annual fiber festival in the historic and creative mountain town of Salida, Colorado. The festival not only hosts over 70 incredible vendors of fiber materials and supplies, but also hosts a variety of classes, presentations, and hand

08/20/2023

Ring the Bell! One thing we do with the kids is have them ring the big, loud bell that's on the post. Because you know, that lets everyone in Salida know that someone was "kissed by an alpaca." This was just the sweetest little girl!

08/10/2023

Hard working ranch dogs taking a break in the shade. Rowdy and Roxie...best buds.

08/07/2023

It's been a busy summer. This is the 4th group today. Miss Pearl has to think about 'picture time' : ) but she's always up for a handful of treats!

07/19/2023

Lots of large group visitors this summer. What fun!

07/05/2023

A large group came by yesterday to meet the alpacas. Such a nice family and the kids were adorable

07/02/2023

It's always a pleasure to have people visit that have been here before. This lovely family visited last summer and were joined by out-of-town friends today. Thank you for stopping by again and we hope to see you next year as well!

06/29/2023

Hay getting baled this evening. Early this year, but the plan is to get a 2nd cut. It's always a reminder...we are ranchers, living in the country : )

06/27/2023

It's the time of year for lots of great visitors. Thank you, Mary and family, for coming by today; we loved having you. Happy Birthday!