Alpacas of the Southwest

Closed 8-9-2020 (You could see the Alpacas from the road though!). Sign on the gate says to check their website for updates: http://southwestalpacatours.com

Bottom right of website currently says this:
“Hours of Operation
... In an abundance of caution we will be closed for onsite tours and store visits effective 3/17/20, until further notice.”

I saw signs for the ranch while on a road trip through Arizona in fall of 2014 and decided to stop for a visit. The owner was a very nice man, and he answered every random question I could think to ask about alpacas. The animals themselves are so interesting, and many of them are quite sociable - especially Hershey, the ranch's unofficial mascot. There are several sweet dogs on the property as well. I was able to snap a lot of cute pictures with the alpacas, and even got to feed a few of them.

I purchased a pair of alpaca socks from the shop, and they're so wonderful - very soft, and they've definitely kept my normally ice-cold feet nice and warm this winter. As a knitter, I also purchased two hanks of yarn made from Bristol, one of the alpacas I met on the tour - how neat is that?! I'm saving them for a really special project.

The ranch is well worth the stop - visitors of any age will love interacting with the alpacas, and they have many lovely items available for purchase in the shop. You could make it a quick pit stop to stretch your legs, or spend a longer time interacting with the animals if you have children with you, for instance. I'll definitely go back if I'm ever passing through the area again.

Took my cousins here. They were so excited. The guy was nice enough and opened the gate on a day when they were supposed to be closed. Thought we'd pet or feed the alpacas. No. We were brought into the shed and told to stand back and watched as these alpacas ate. It was cool enough. But that was it. The guy stood there and talked about alpaca fur for the longest time. I mean, that's cool and all, but, bruh. these teens don't care about % and fur grade. they want to pet the alpaca. then, part of the "tour" included the gift shop where I was urged to buy socks. i mean. i know the guy has to make a living but please make these $30 socks worthwhile and let us at least take a picture of the damn things --- not worth it.

Great fun for the kids - easy RV in and out I guess up to 30-35 feet - no longer than that. Price is around 6 bucks per car but you are then walked to the gift shop where you can buy alpaca socks for $37. May be the most comfortable socks I've ever worn. The guide is friendly and knowledgable. Stay away from Hershey, the angry alpaca.

This place is great. Owners are super friendly and work hard to make you feel comfortable (COVID or otherwise). They make their income off of selling products made by alpacas so best to purchase a product. Tours are only $15/car. A worthy stop for any family road trip.

A great rest stop between Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree! The owner is so friendly and nice and passionate about alpacas. The owner wears a mask the whole time and has each visitor sanitize their hands before touching the alpacas (so very covid safe!). Be sure to schedule an appointment in advance! We got to touch and feed the alpacas and learn a lot. The fee for the tour is $11 per vehicle but after the tour you’ll be convinced that you should get some alpaca wool products in the gift store (about $20 for socks!). No pressure from the owner to but something though!

So worth the stop!

Great stop on our roadtrip. Owner was very nice and welcoming. The Alpacas are amazing.

Ron was very knowledgeable and passionate about His business.
Alpacas were beautiful and well taken care of. Definitely worth the stop.

Went on Easter Sunday and the sweet couple let us in. It was $6 for the tour and the man could answer any question you had. Me an my sisters were able to take some fun photos with one of the alpacas named Mr. Ted as well as pet and feed some of the others except for Hershey. Don't touch Hershey. They have a little shop that you can buy some things made from alpaca wool from (which is SUPER soft by the way). It was a nice little stop for our road trip