Explore the Fluttering Wonders of California: Hermes Copper & Hairstreak Expedition - June 8-14, 2025

Join us on an enthralling adventure through California's enchanting landscapes, where the vibrant tapestry of flora welcomes a dazzling array of butterflies. Our expert-guided tour is designed for enthusiasts eager to witness the beauty of these delicate creatures up close and personal. Whether you're a seasoned lepidopterist or a nature lover drawn to the dance of butterfly wings, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Tour Highlights

A Land of Lepidopteran Diversity:California's rich ecological diversity sets the stage for a spectacular butterfly-watching tour. From the lush lowlands to the rugged mountain peaks, our tour traverses habitats teeming with an estimated 100 species of butterflies, ensuring a vibrant and varied sighting experience.Prime Butterfly Watching: Early June Brilliance:Strategically timed in early June to coincide with peak butterfly activity, our tour offers unparalleled opportunities to view the multitude of species as they flutter and flit in their natural environment. Be prepared to fill your cameras and memory with colorful and exquisite butterfly images.A Range of Altitudes: Sea Level to the Mountains:Our quest for butterflies will span altitudes from sea level’s warmth to areas reaching nearly 6000 feet. With climate varying from sunny and hot to pleasantly cool, each altitude presents a unique butterfly watching setting, culminating in a diverse and comprehensive tour.Convenient Accommodations: Base in El Cajon:Situated in the well-appointed hotel in El Cajon, you will enjoy the comfort of a single accommodation throughout your stay. Its strategic location provides easy access to the many prime butterfly spots across the region, minimizing travel time and maximizing exploration.Discover Uncharted Fluttering Territories:Our itineraries are dynamic, leading you to areas where butterflies are known to gather, including coveted roadside flower spots, wet areas, and creek crossings. Although butterfly behavior can be unpredictable, our experienced guides are adept at finding the best locales for sightings, making every discovery a thrilling highlight.

What to Expect

• Guided Exploration: Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through California’s prime butterfly habitats, imparting expertise to enhance your understanding and appreciation.
• Photography Opportunities: With an abundance of butterflies among picturesque floral backgrounds, photographers will find endless inspiration and chances to capture stunning images.
• Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy a seamless tour experience with comfortable transportation to various locations and pleasant accommodations at a central hotel.
• Enthusiastic Company: Share the joy of discovery with like-minded individuals who share your passion for butterflies and the natural world.

Who Should Attend

This tour is perfect for:

• Butterfly Enthusiasts: Whether you're a devoted butterfly watcher or a casual admirer, this tour is structured to provide deep insights and delightful sightings.
• Nature Photographers: A haven for shutterbugs, you'll encounter myriad opportunities to photograph butterflies in lush settings.
• Adventure Seekers: If you love spending time outdoors and exploring diverse landscapes, the search for these winged beauties is sure to spark your adventurous spirit.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to join a community of butterfly watchers on a tour that celebrates the flutter and flight of these marvelous insects. Spaces are limited; reserve your spot today to be part of the ultimate California butterfly experience!

Take a look at our trip report from last year here

Arrive in San Diego, California. Plan for evening arrivals.

Check into our hotel and then a potential evening meet and greet depending on arrivals.

Today, we will leave quickly after breakfast to go to our Hermes Copper location.  

The location for the Hermes Copper will require the farthest hike on this tour. It is mainly flat but about 6 miles round trip. Deer flies can be an issue.

Afternoon: either San Diego coast, Mt Laguna, or Jacumba Springs

Keep in mind that this itinerary is subject to change.

Mount Laguna is approximately 6,000 feet above sea level in a forest of Jeffrey pine, east of San Diego in the Laguna Mountains on the eastern edge of the Cleveland National Forest.  

Some of the targets for today are Gabb's Checkerspot, Nelson's Juniper Hairstreak, Sylvan Hairstreak, Boisduval's Blue, Harford's Sulphur, Coronis Fritillary.

Today, we head north to a trailhead of the Pacific Crest Trail at Warner Springs in search of Tailed Copper, Lorquin's Admiral, Sylvan Hairstreak, Gold-hunter's Hairstreak.

Today we venture east to Otay Mountain which is the highest summit of the San Ysidro Mountains.  We hope to find Thorne's Hairstreak among others.

Today is a built-in bonus day for any second chances on species we may have missed or to simply revisit a particularly productive location.

Today we depart beautiful Southern California to return home.