Join us this September for an unforgettable butterfly tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Southeastern Arizona! Known as a biodiversity hotspot, this region is home to an extraordinary variety of butterfly species, including the elusive Giant-Skippers and other regional specialties.
From the rolling grasslands to the sky island mountain ranges, we’ll explore diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. This tour offers the perfect opportunity to observe unique butterflies, learn from expert guides, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the most biologically rich areas in the United States.
28 September - 4 October
Plan your arrival for the afternoon of 28 September 2025 and your departure for 4 October 2025
Entry fees into reserves and parks
All planned meals and tips at restaurants
Hotel nights on the itinerary
All transportation during the scheduled itinerary
Travel to San Diego is not included
Phone calls, laundry or other items of a personal nature
Tips for guides or at hotels
Arrive in Tucson, Arizona, with evening arrivals expected. After checking into our hotel, we may gather for an informal meet and greet, depending on arrival times, to kick off our adventure and connect with fellow travelers.
We'll explore Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains and nearby Montosa Canyon in search of the Arizona Giant-Skipper and the striking Red-bordered Satyr, along with a variety of other fascinating butterfly species that thrive in these rich habitats.
We'll depart Tucson for a 2.5-hour drive to Gisela, where we'll search for Bauer's Giant-Skipper and Mormon Metalmark. Around lunchtime, we'll make our way back toward Tucson with a stop at Mt. Ord, where we’ll look for Canyonland Satyr and Mead's Wood Nymph, adding more exciting finds to our journey.
We'll venture into Garden Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains to search for the elusive Huachuca Giant-Skipper and the striking Red-bordered Satyr, along with other exciting butterfly species that call this scenic area home.
We'll explore Molino Basin in search of Poling’s Giant-Skipper and Arizona Giant-Skipper. Along the way, we'll also keep an eye out for the Xami Hairstreak, Black Checkerspot, and Colorado Hairstreak, adding to the excitement of our butterfly discoveries in this diverse habitat.
On Day 6, we’ve set aside time to search for any missed species or revisit a favorite spot from our journey. One potential destination is the Patagonia area, where we may have the chance to spot the Arachne Checkerspot, Tropical Least Skipper, and Sunrise Skipper. This flexible day allows for deeper exploration and new discoveries!
As our journey comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the incredible landscapes and butterflies we've encountered. Departures from Tucson mark the conclusion of our adventure, but the memories and discoveries will stay with us long after we return home. Safe travels! ✈️🦋