Have you ever had the pleasure of slipping your hands into a pair of alpaca mittens? How about covering your ears on a frosty day with a hat spun from alpaca fiber? If you haven’t, just close your eyes, and picture wrapping yourself in the softest, warmest, most cuddle-up-next-to-a-fire-est blanket ever. Imagine mittens and hats so soft, you’ll swear your hands and ears are sad when you take them off. If you’re wondering, “can something really be this soft or is this really good creative writing” then do we have an experience for you!
SunCrest Orchard Alpacas specializes in all things alpaca. From raising and caring for their alpacas on site, to crafting luxurious soft alpaca fiber products, the folks at SunCrest Orchards are the local experts. One trip is all it will take to convince you to cross over to the fuzzy side.
Photo by Knitters Brewing Company
Not only do they have a store on site where you can buy all their super cozy, locally sourced products, but they also offer tours! If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these amazing creatures or see how alpaca products are made, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
A tour of the SunCrest mill will teach you all about alpacas before taking you through their fiber mill. Here, you’ll learn how alpacas’ naturally fuzzy fibers are responsibly sourced and then how they get transformed into yarn and finished products like hats, gloves and socks!
Photo by Austin Brown
For those of you who want to make your very own special alpaca friend, a trekking tour is in order. After a brief introduction to alpaca etiquette, everyone will get paired up with their very own alpaca! Make sure you wear good walking shoes because you and your new fluffy friend will spend the next 30 to 45 minutes exploring the orchard together. Shady tunnels woven from the interlocking branches of peach trees add an enchanted element to the experience. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself expecting your alpaca to start talking to you, they are very social animals known to be elegant, gentle, inquisitive and intelligent.
Photo by Nikki Keye
If all of this has you starting to plan your visit to SunCrest Alpacas, we have one more treat for you! Every third Saturday of the month, SunCrest offers fiber art classes. This is the perfect reason to plan a getaway to Grand Junction and visit an orchard while learning a new skill along the way! Each month, SunCrest Orchard Alpacas helps guests make a new alpaca fiber craft, so you can visit every month and learn to create something new. While you work on crafts that will make perfect gifts for friends and family (or a treat for yourself!) enjoy a glass of wine from one of the local wineries. All materials and refreshments are included and you can reserve your spot online.
Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon to entertain and educate the kiddos, an unexpected getaway for that special someone, or you’re wanting to meet interesting folks through a unique and memorable experience, SunCrest Orchard Alpacas is sure to deliver! So, while you’re at it, start planning the rest of your weekend! Consider a stroll through Downtown Grand Junction and view over 100 high-end sculptures, dine in a restaurant whose chef is a James Beard nominee and be sure to visit Colorado National Monument, just a quick drive from Downtown.
Photo by Bethany Hanks
Fun Fact: Interested in starting your own alpaca farm or sourcing your own natural alpaca fiber? All alpacas at SunCrest orchard are for sale! They will work with you to make sure you know about the incredible animals you’re investing in and help pair you up with the perfect addition to your family!
Photo by Alli Bags
There is the perfect itinerary on page 20 of the Grand Junction Adventure Guide on how to spend the day in Grand Junction including an afternoon with these furry friends.
