The mission of SPLT is to purchase and preserve land in Southeast Colorado for prairie wildlife. To date, more than 60,000 acres have been protected providing refuge for an array of grassland flora and fauna. Piece by piece, SPLT is restoring the American Serengeti. We’ll see the impacts of SPLT’s efforts firsthand today as we explore their prairie preserve. We’ll also learn from SPLT’s directors about current and future conservation initiatives including reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, one of North America’s most endangered mammals, stream restoration for beavers, fence removal to allow for free-ranging animals including bison, pronghorn, and elk.

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.

During our late afternoon wildlife drive, we'll search for tarantulas on the move. We'll stay until after dark for a nocturnal experience at SPLT. Once prairie dogs go to sleep, other animals including badgers, swift foxes, and coyotes become more active. Today will be a wildlife experience to remember.

Accommodations: Historic Cow Palace Inn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Southeast Colorado is home to stunning canyons that offer visitors some of the most breathtaking views in the state. These canyons also offer a unique glimpse into the region’s history, ecology, and geology. We have the entire day to explore area canyons in search of resident and migratory species. Relive trip highlights during tonight’s Farewell Dinner in town.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express La Junta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner                  

As we make our way back to Denver, we’ll pass through Rocky Ford, a small agricultural haven famous for its melons. There’s time for a stop at a Rocky Ford farm stand before we continue west along the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River Valley is packed with top-notch wildlife viewing hotspots so we’ll have plenty of options to choose from this morning. Lunch will be at a farm to table deli in Pueblo. Our final wildlife viewing location of the trip will be selected based on recent sightings and what we’ve found up to this point. Early evening return to Denver.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch