Desert Mirage Alpaca Ranch in Wittmann is a family owned alpaca farm offering public tours. We stumbled across the little place at random and had to visit with some friends! How often do you get to visit alpacas around Phoenix, much less in Arizona?
This place is so unique and fun for all ages! The owners, Chuck and Sandi Baxter, led the 35 minute tour themselves. They answered all our questions, and were very patient with our excited kids. We made three stops, the female barn, the male barn, and the store. The alpacas were friendly and love to be petted. Selfies and photos are encouraged!
Seeing the alpacas up close was so amazing. The kids loved to pet them, feed them hay, and marveled at their poofy hair on their heads! The alpacas were very curious about our toddler too, and sniffed her often, which she took in stride. There were some young alpacas to pet in each barn as well.
The store had a gifts and items for purchase, some imported from Peru. It was really neat to see the wide variety of products made from alpaca wool! Price range was wide, from $5 keychains, to $100+ blankets. Some items even made by family members, like an adorable crocheted lovey.
So what are alpacas? They are smaller than llamas, and originally found in South America, specifically the Andes Mountains of Peru, and sometimes Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. They were bred not to be working animals, but for their fiber! There are only two breeds of alpacas, but the fibers come in dozens of colors. They can be used to make blankets, clothing, hats, gloves, and more. They are gentle and curious animals. And of note, they do not have hoofs but two toes on each foot, just like camels!
Tours at Desert Mirage Alpaca Ranch in Wittmann are free, just contact them via their website to set up a time. Searching for Desert Mirage Alpaca Ranch on Google will have the correct location, near the intersection of Jomax and 191st Avenue. (When you pass the First Samoan Christian Church, look for the second gate on the right. You may need to call the phone number listed below if the gate is closed.) At this time, masks are encouraged.
Desert Mirage Alpaca Ranch
19007 W Roadrunner Road
Wittmann, AZ 85361
(520) 237-2553
