🦋 Colorado Rockies & Prairie Butterflies

Dates: July 19–25, 2026
Start/End: Denver, Colorado
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days
Group Size: Maximum 8 participants

Overview

Join us for an unforgettable week exploring the rich butterfly diversity of the Colorado Rockies and Front Range prairies at the height of summer. This tour blends spectacular scenery, accessible hiking, and close-up encounters with some of North America’s most sought-after mountain and foothill butterflies.

From Tailed and Gray Coppers and the dazzling Colorado Hairstreak in the lowlands to high-alpine gems like Lustrous Copper, Rockslide Checkerspot, and Rocky Mountain Parnassian at Loveland Pass, each day brings a new habitat and fresh discoveries.

Spaces are limited to 8 participants to ensure a high-quality experience.
Reserve your spot now and join us for an inspiring journey celebrating the butterflies of the Colorado Rockies!

✅ Visit a variety of habitats — from dry foothill scrub and montane meadows to alpine tundra and bogs
✅ Expect more than 70 butterfly species, including several Colorado specialties
✅ Enjoy daily picnic lunches in scenic mountain settings
✅ Stay in comfortable accommodations in Golden and Silverthorne, with an airport hotel the final night
✅ Experience expert leadership and small-group camaraderie

Guided Exploration – Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through Colorado’s top butterfly habitats, sharing insight and field identification techniques.

Photography Opportunities – With colorful butterflies among wildflower meadows and mountain backdrops, photographers will find endless inspiration.

Comfort and Convenience – Enjoy a seamless experience with comfortable transportation, great lodging, and picnic-style lunches in beautiful outdoor settings.

Enthusiastic Company – Travel with a welcoming group of like-minded butterfly and nature lovers.

🦋 Butterfly Enthusiasts – Perfect for everyone from devoted butterfly watchers to casual admirers.
📸 Nature Photographers – Capture stunning butterflies, alpine landscapes, and summer wildflowers.
🌄 Adventure Seekers – If you love spending time outdoors and exploring diverse landscapes, this tour is for you.

Easy to moderate walks (typically 1–3 miles per day) on well-established trails and roadside stops. Some elevation gain at Loveland Pass (~12,000 ft).

Arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN). Overnight in West Denver/Golden, conveniently located near our first day’s butterfly sites. Evening group meet-up and orientation.

Morning visit to Roxborough State Park for Tailed Copper and Colorado Hairstreak among Gambel oak and rocky foothills.

Afternoon at Windy Saddle Park in Golden for Coral, Hedgerow, and Behr’s Hairstreaks.

Overnight: West Denver/Golden.

Keep in mind that this itinerary is subject to change.

Explore low-elevation habitats near the Denver foothills targeting Gray Copper, Acadian and Striped Hairstreaks, and Taxiles Skipper.

Late afternoon transfer to Silverthorne, gateway to the high Rockies.

Overnight: Silverthorne.

A highlight of the trip! Discover alpine species including Lustrous Copper, Rockslide Checkerspot, Polixenes and Melissa Arctics, and Rocky Mountain Parnassian.

Watch for pika among the scree slopes. Weather can be cool and windy at 12,000 feet — layer up!

Overnight: Silverthorne.

Morning stop at Montgomery Reservoir for blues and skippers, then on to Fairplay for Uhler’s Arctic in open grasslands.

Optional visit to Aspen Campground bog for Scudder’s Sulphur — rubber boots recommended!

Overnight: Silverthorne.

Morning visit to Shrine Pass, one of Colorado’s most scenic alpine areas, for

Parnassians, sulphurs, fritillaries, and checkerspots.

Afternoon exploration along the Colorado Trail near Breckenridge (gentle 3-mile round-trip).

Evening transfer to Denver Airport hotel for convenient Saturday departures.
Overnight: Denver Airport area.

Flights home from Denver International Airport.
Optional breakfast with group depending on departure times.