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 add 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
Date: September – early October | An hour before sunset
Phone: (719) 384-2181
Admission: Free
Website: visitlajunta.net…
