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About this trip
The Plains and Canyons of Southeast Colorado offer visitors unique historical, cultural, and natural wonders. A region of far-ranging contrasts with a rich heritage, this is one of the least changed areas of the state. Much of the terrain looks as it did centuries ago and wildlife are plentiful here, especially during migration.
This trip is timed to maximize opportunities to observe a diversity of Southern Great Plains icons including bison, Burrowing Owls, black-tailed prairie dogs, swift fox, coyote, and pronghorn, as well as the famed ‘tarantula migration’. In addition to a variety of wildlife hotspots, we’ll also visit rock art sites and points along the historic Santa Fe Trail.
We have strategically selected areas away from crowds so that we have the time and space to truly enjoy these wildlife spectacles in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel along scenic and historic byways in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.
Join Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable weekend getaway highlighting what makes Southeast Colorado so special.
About your guide
Conservation Impact
What’s included
- AccommodationsBased on two people sharing a double occupancy room
- TransportationRoaming Bison Custom Safari Van
- Driver/guideChip Clouse
- Daily wildlife viewingSpotting scope available
- Entrance fees
- Meals as listed3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner
- GratuitiesFor your guide and at restaurants for included meals
What’s not included
- 2 dinners
- Travel insurance
- Optional gratuitiesFor hotel staff
- Activities not listed
Available Packages
Available Add-Ons
Itinerary
Morning departure from Denver. As we make our way to Lamar, we’ll make several stops at birding hotspots that showcase the importance of grassland and riparian habitats for resident and migratory species alike. To maximize our time wildlife viewing today, a hearty picnic lunch will be provided.
After a quick stop at our hotel to check in and drop luggage, we’ll continue south for our late afternoon wildlife drive.
Oklahoma brown tarantulas are a common species in undisturbed grasslands of southeast Colorado. Every fall, adult males set out in large numbers in search of female tarantulas who stay close to their burrows for their entire lives. Males use their senses of touch and vibration to locate females.
Often incorrectly referred to as a migration, this walkabout of males across the southern plains is a remarkable wildlife spectacle. This will also be our best chance to spot swift fox, a species whose numbers are declining. As we make our way back to our hotel along county roads after dark, we’ll keep an eye out for additional nocturnal species that call these grasslands home.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lamar
Meals: Lunch