If you happen to be a spider-lover, make sure to head to La Junta this fall. Each year, from September through early October, the Oklahoma brown tarantula, most common in Southeast Colorado, comes out with a procession of male counterparts with the single mission of finding a mate.
As the weather starts to cool in fall, thousands of tarantulas can be observed near sunset as they are on the move across the open space towards their future mates. It’s a parade you don’t want to miss! But fair warning: if eight-legged creatures aren’t your cup of tea, you might simply choose to visit at a different time of the year.
Helpful Viewing Tips
- A warm and non-windy day in September is the best time to view the migration.
- Tarantula activity increases in the hour before sunset.
- The ideal place for viewing these arachnids is on Highway 109 in the Comanche National Grassland.
- Vogel Canyon is a popular destination for viewing because it’s equipped with trails, facilities, and picnic shelters.
- Sierra Vista & Timpas Picnic Area and Delhi and also good viewing areas.
Additionally, if you’d like to add a beautiful fall driving route to your adventure, take La Junta to Timpas (on HWY 350). Go east on County Road N, then turn south on County Road 25. Proceed east on Forest Service Road 2200, then head north on HWY 109 back to La Junta.
Details
Address: La Junta, CO 81050
Date: September – early October | An hour before sunset
Phone: 719-384-2181
Admission: Free
Website: visitlajunta.net/tarantula-trek