Paragon Guides
Paragon Guides
5
Ski & Snow ToursClimbing ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Paragon Guides is the oldest and most trusted guide service in the Vail Valley and has been a staple since 1978. We specialize in custom guided trips in both the summer and winter. Join us this summer for guided llama camping trips, mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, day hikes, peak climbs, fishing, hut trips, and lunch with a llama tours! In the winter we specialize in custom hut trips within the 10th Mountain Hut System. All hut trips include planned and prepared meals, gear support, transportation to the huts, and of course plenty of backcountry skiing or snowshoeing. We offer plenty of day tours in the winter as well. Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are among the favorites of our clients. Our guides are highly trained and will delivery your perfect wilderness experience. Check out our website or give us a call to plan your next adventure!
Vail, Colorado
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
90 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Lizzie G
5 contributions
Aug 2020
We contacted Paragon about 2 weeks prior to a trip to Vail, requesting two separate hikes (one half and one full day) and they were thankfully able to accommodate us during a very busy time for them. Our guide for both hikes was Joe B., who was extremely knowledgeable and tons of fun. We appreciated that Joe gave us options for our hikes, based on our interests and skill level...he also carried some great snacks and tasty lunch (for the full day hike). We were able to summit Uneva Peak and on our second hike, make it to Pitkin Lake, both of which were gorgeous, but different. Joe made us feel completely safe but also challenged us. We had a wonderful time both days - certainly the highlight[s] of 9 days out in Colorado - would definitely use Paragon again [and again]. Thank you!
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel J
4 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Stumbled across lunch with a llama while looking for a family friendly summer vacation and thought, well that sounds so fun! We booked our trip about 4 months in advance so the whole family was really hyped up for it for a long time and when the day finally arrived, it was everything we hoped for and more! We had the most amazing guides and llamas, both of whom were so good with our small children! Our girls are 8, 6, 3 and I feel like they enjoyed this experience to the fullest. They were so thrilled to be able to lead the llamas throughout the whole hike, hug them, pet them. What an awesome experience that our family will never forget! Highly recommend.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlyingSux
Lakewood, CO127 contributions
May 2024 • Business
We had a corporate retreat in Beaver Creek and worked with Paragon to do a hike for some of our attendees.
They were very responsive ahead of time and helped us design a hike that was "scenic and walkable" as many of our attendees were coming from sea level.
On the day of the hike there was a snow storm and Paragon was very responsive in rescheduling the event for the next day. Due to pushing the hike back a day we lost several of our hikers who were traveling home. Nate, our very knowledgeable guide, adjusted the hike to be little more demanding as the remaining participants were able to handle a little more hike.
Overall a great experience and I would recommend Paragon to design an educational, fun, appropriate and safe hike for your corporate event.
They were very responsive ahead of time and helped us design a hike that was "scenic and walkable" as many of our attendees were coming from sea level.
On the day of the hike there was a snow storm and Paragon was very responsive in rescheduling the event for the next day. Due to pushing the hike back a day we lost several of our hikers who were traveling home. Nate, our very knowledgeable guide, adjusted the hike to be little more demanding as the remaining participants were able to handle a little more hike.
Overall a great experience and I would recommend Paragon to design an educational, fun, appropriate and safe hike for your corporate event.
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick A.
1 contribution
May 2021
We went on a guided hike on Sunday, May 30th. The group met at the office in Edwards, and the guides drove us to the trailhead, where we hiked approximately 8 miles round-trip.
A few things could have made this trip better.
1) I think there were too many people in the group. The guides said they would split us up into 2 groups, but that never happened and we ended up marching single file through the forest the entire time. It was difficult to talk to anybody because there were always 3 or 4 conversations going on either in front of you or behind. There were 17 hikers total. Our noise level most likely scared off any wildlife we could have seen. I thought the company only allowed a max 10 hikers per group, but there were 17 of us.
2) It was hard to tell when the guide was being serious or sarcastic. Sometimes he'd point out an interesting tree or fauna, but others he would just joke around. It was hard to take him too serious as a leader at times. I think in a situation like this, when you're responsible for the safety and well-being of other people, you should embrace a leadership role and be clear and concise in your communication to the group.
3) There were never any formal introductions, guides or hikers. Didn't do a great job of introducing themselves or the company. Guess we were just supposed to show up and hang out with the cool kids type of thing.
4) The guide wasn't clear up front about the distance or difficulty of the hike. I know he was scouting for the best trail conditions (mud season), but a simple email about the terrain, distance, difficulty, and elevation would have been great beforehand.
5) The hike probably should have been cancelled/post-poned due to inclement weather. We were 4 miles into the wilderness when storm clouds moved in overhead, and lightning was seen. I don't think this was very responsible stewardship on their part. I get they want to make money, but hiker safety should be a priority. They didn't teach us about lightning safety or anything.
If they could address these issues, I would certainly give them a better rating next time.
A few things could have made this trip better.
1) I think there were too many people in the group. The guides said they would split us up into 2 groups, but that never happened and we ended up marching single file through the forest the entire time. It was difficult to talk to anybody because there were always 3 or 4 conversations going on either in front of you or behind. There were 17 hikers total. Our noise level most likely scared off any wildlife we could have seen. I thought the company only allowed a max 10 hikers per group, but there were 17 of us.
2) It was hard to tell when the guide was being serious or sarcastic. Sometimes he'd point out an interesting tree or fauna, but others he would just joke around. It was hard to take him too serious as a leader at times. I think in a situation like this, when you're responsible for the safety and well-being of other people, you should embrace a leadership role and be clear and concise in your communication to the group.
3) There were never any formal introductions, guides or hikers. Didn't do a great job of introducing themselves or the company. Guess we were just supposed to show up and hang out with the cool kids type of thing.
4) The guide wasn't clear up front about the distance or difficulty of the hike. I know he was scouting for the best trail conditions (mud season), but a simple email about the terrain, distance, difficulty, and elevation would have been great beforehand.
5) The hike probably should have been cancelled/post-poned due to inclement weather. We were 4 miles into the wilderness when storm clouds moved in overhead, and lightning was seen. I don't think this was very responsible stewardship on their part. I get they want to make money, but hiker safety should be a priority. They didn't teach us about lightning safety or anything.
If they could address these issues, I would certainly give them a better rating next time.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Nick,
Thank you for your feedback. We are improving our tours with Gravity Haus and will make adjustments in the future. We hope to see you hiking in the backcountry again!
Written July 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DB905
12 contributions
Oct 2021
My wife & I had Joe B. for a full-day, guided hike on the Gore Creek Trail in the White River National Forest and he was a terrific guide. First, he accommodated a last-minute change in schedule due to a conflict that arose upon our arrival in Vail. It was a great time of year to hike, as the Aspens were still showing their Fall color and the weather was great. On the trail, Joe kept up a good pace, but was always mindful of our speed and what we were looking to do and see. He was very knowledgeable about the area and was able to describe all of the sites and provide insights into the local Native American lore. Lastly, Avon Bakery, used by Paragon to provide the trail lunch, has a wide range of sandwiches & salads available; we chose the veggie wraps, which were of high-quality & excellent. In addition, Joe had a good selection of snacks for the trail. I very highly recommend Paragon Guides and Joe B.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea U
1 contribution
Jul 2022
We loved our guided hike with Joe B. He selected a great hike for our interests and abilities. Joe pushed us just enough out of our comfort zone, kept a perfect pace, and was an excellent source of information (particularly on the wildflowers). The process of booking and the communication leading up to our hike was excellent. I highly recommend Paragon Guides.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt S
Schaumburg, IL1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
My son and I had limited experience climbing outdoors and we were not sure what type of climbing experience we should ask for. Our guide Joe was fantastic. We communicated a few times before our climbing day and he tailored out experience to our level. He took us to some breathtaking spots that were challenging while still being within our climbing range. We felt extremely safe, and while talking to Joe during the day, this was reinforced by learning about Joe's climbing experience. 100% recommend and I hope to make it back out to Vail again in the next few years and will 100% book a trip through Paragon Guides and will request Joe.
Written September 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa B
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Friends
Chelsea took four of us novices on a lovely snowshoe tour. Two of us had recently flown in from low-altitude cities, and she kept the pace slow and easy, taking pauses here and there and checking in on us to make sure we were all ok. At the top of the hike, we had a great snack, and throughout the hike, Chelsea shared tidbits about the local flora and fauna. And she answered our many questions with enthusiasm.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JillV288
Indianapolis, IN60 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We had a llama hike today with Rachel and Annie and 5 of their "boys" and 13 of us. It was the PERFECT intergenerational trip. We celebrated a 50th anniversary, so we had people 70-4. Everyone gave this a 10/10. Paragon was easy to communicate with. We met them at a nearby park and followed them a few minutes to a trailhead. We hiked for about 4 hours and stopped 3/4 of the way in for lunch. Excellent sandwich, cheese, cracker, sparkling water spread. All 13 of us would recommend this tour for all of our friends and family.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lionshead
Arlington, VA140 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had an *awesome* half-day guided climb at Camp Hale. My kids (ages 9 and 12) and I are all beginners, and our guide Joe was extremely patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. We got in a lot of climbing in the half-day, and we all loved it and gained lots of confidence. It was a gorgeous setting, and we even had the added bonus of climbing right next to 10th Mountain Division Army climbers who were training on the very same rock face we were. The whole experience de was awesome. Highly recommend Paragon!
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience