Tara Singapuri is a goat enthusiast and owner of the Double S Ranch in Conifer, Colorado, where she runs her business, Guided Goat Hikes. Initially, it was just Tara and her goats hiking the trails, but intrigued humans wanted to participate, and her business exploded. "They are smart animals and bond well with people," she explains. Goats use eye contact to connect with people, are intuitive about human emotions and are curiously playful. Tara has about 40 goats, ranging from 5 to 200 pounds.
Guided Goat Hikes offers a 60-minute public group hike for $35 per person, a 90-minute private hike for up to nine people for $60 per person and a three-hour hike at Reynolds Park Peak with Alpine Goats, which weigh around 200 pounds, for $100 per hiker.
"The Alpines are incredible animals. They love hiking and being with people," Tara says.
“I start a hike by meeting people at a trailhead with the goats packed and ready to go,” she explains about the hiking process. “We provide water and goat packs for people to store their belongings. I give out goat treat bags and we set off on the trail. Some hikes are only a mile or two but can take 60 minutes. The goats like to munch occasionally, grabbing leaves or pine needles along the trail. They move slowly, but people enjoy themselves; it's calming, and the vibes on the trail are great because other hikers are excited to see us. I take pictures and videos and give them to everyone at the end. It's a great experience! I think it's good for people to experience something they can't in their normal lives."
"Their distinctive personalities really come out on the trail!" Tara laughs. Rouge, a pack goat, is tightly bonded with Tara. "She always wants to be at the front with me. I can't even get two feet behind her; she just stops walking!"
Another goat named Nugget is a playful Nigerian Dwarf goat with crystal blue eyes and a chicken nugget-colored coat. He is a popular host at Goat Happy Hour. Then there’s Targaryen, an expert hiker who takes his job on the trails seriously. More goats like Vincent Van Goat, Mable, Marley, Penelope and Ophelia happily guide hikers along the trails.
Meet the goats and find information on events like Goat Yoga at guidedgoathikes.com. It’s a remarkable adventure for everyone!
I think it’s good for people to experience something they can’t in their everyday life!