SunCrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works Tour — Palisade, Colorado

Discover the SunCrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works Tour in Colorado

Visit SunCrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works in Palisade, where visitors meet gentle alpacas up close and learn how their luxurious fleece becomes premium yarn, textiles, and handcrafted goods. This scenic working ranch and fiber mill offers a hands-on agricultural experience perfect for families and fiber enthusiasts.
Why it’s special:
SunCrest is a fully operational alpaca ranch and fiber-processing mill, allowing guests to see the entire process—from shearing and skirting to carding, spinning, and finished yarn.

History/Story of SunCrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works

SunCrest Orchard began as a small family farm dedicated to raising high-quality huacaya alpacas. Over time, the owners expanded into fiber processing, creating a custom mill that serves ranchers across Colorado. Today, SunCrest is known for its ethical animal care, premium fleece production, and educational tours that highlight sustainable fiber farming.

What You’ll See & Do at SunCrest Orchard Alpacas

• Meet friendly alpacas in their corrals and learn about their care

• Watch fleece skirting, washing, and picking in the fiber mill

• See carding machines, spinning tools, and felting equipment in action

• Learn how raw fleece transforms into roving, yarn, and finished garments

• Explore the ranch store with alpaca socks, scarves, yarn, and handmade textiles

• Enjoy sweeping views of Palisade orchards and the Book Cliffs

Hands-On Elements: Pet or feed alpacas (in supervised areas), touch raw and finished fleece, feel yarn samples, fiber-processing demonstrations.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged; no flash near animals.
Souvenirs & Extras: Yarn, rovings, fleece, socks, hats, scarves, stuffed alpacas, mill-made accessories, and farm-branded merchandise.

Pricing of the SunCrest Orchard Alpacas Tour

• Alpaca Ranch + Fiber Mill Tour: $10 per person

• Kids (ages 5–12): $5

• Children under 5: Free

• Private or group tours: Pricing varies

Practical Info for Visiting SunCrest Orchard Alpacas

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided ranch + mill tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours available year-round with advance booking
Working Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (varies by season)
Audience: Families, fiber artists, animal lovers, Western Slope tourists
Accessibility: Ranch grounds may be uneven; mill is mostly accessible
Safety & Restrictions:

• No outside pets

• Do not feed alpacas without staff supervision

• Closed-toe shoes recommended
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Great for school groups, homeschoolers, and fiber guilds
  What to Bring/Wear: Sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
  Facilities: Ranch shop, restrooms, outdoor seating, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Mill machinery may not run daily depending on production schedules

Nearby

• Palisade Peach Orchards

• Colorado Cellars Winery

• Palisade Brewing Company

• Riverbend Park & Colorado Riverfront Trail

FAQs About Visiting SunCrest Orchard Alpacas

Do the alpacas like being touched?
Many enjoy gentle interaction, but staff will guide you—each alpaca has its own personality and comfort level.

Will I see the fiber machines running?
Often yes—carding and spinning equipment run on many tour days, though activity depends on mill workload.

Can I buy fleece from specific alpacas I meet?
Yes—SunCrest typically labels fleece by alpaca name, making it possible to buy fiber from the exact animal you pet.

Is this a good tour for young kids?
Absolutely—children love meeting alpacas and watching the fiber machines, though supervision is required.

Do they shear the alpacas onsite?
Yes—shearing happens annually in late spring, and visitors can learn about the process during tours.