Southeast Colorado Summer Safari

An American Serengeti Series Safari

The Plains and Canyons of Southeast Colorado offer visitors unique historical, cultural, and natural wonders. A region of far-ranging contrasts with a rich heritage, this is one of the least changed areas of the state. Much of the terrain looks as it did centuries ago and wildlife are plentiful here, especially during the summer breeding season.

We have special permission to explore two private Audubon Certified bird-friendly ranches and Southern Plains Land Trust, in addition to other legendary wildlife hotspots. This Colorado American Serengeti Safari is timed to maximize opportunities to observe a diversity of Southern Great Plains icons including bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, badger, swift fox, coyote, and pronghorn. For birders, we have excellent chances to observe summer visitors including Burrowing Owl, Swainson’s Hawk, Mississippi Kite, orioles, grosbeaks, buntings, and more.

Our ranch visits will highlight how two fifth generation family-owned ranches near Kit Carson are implementing regenerative grazing techniques to work with nature to maintain wildlife habitat. Southern Plains Land Trust, founded in 1998, creates and protects a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, ensuring a future for grassland flora and fauna. This trip provides a unique opportunity to see how the reintroduction of bison and innovative ranching techniques are helping sustain Great Plains biodiversity.

In addition to exploring a variety of wildlife hotspots, we’ll embark on an unforgettable 4-wheel drive adventure at Picket Wire Canyonlands. These rugged remote canyons are home to rich First American history, pioneer ranches and homesteads, gorgeous scenery, and the largest dinosaur track site in North America.

We have strategically selected areas away from crowds, so we have the time and space to enjoy these wildlife spectacles in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel along scenic and historic byways in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. It’s not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.

Join Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable weekend getaway highlighting what makes Southeast Colorado so special.

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE: Sheridan Samano, Reefs to Rockies Co-Founder and Lead Biologist Guide, is thrilled to lead this unique summer safari to southeast Colorado. Timing for this trip is designed to place you in prairie and canyon wildlife hotspots during the peak of summer breeding season. Sheridan is excited to share her enthusiasm for our newly launched American Serengeti Series. This trip features scenic landscapes and showcases collaborations furthering our mission of conservation-based, sustainable tourism.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Thurs, June 13): Denver to Kit Carson ~ Morning departure from Denver. Within a few hours of leaving Denver, we’ll arrive to Flying Diamond, a fifth-generation family-owned Audubon Certified bird-friendly ranch that’s been running cattle and caring for arid grassland and riparian habitat in Kit Carson since 1907. We’ll hear directly from the family about their “work with nature” philosophy and holistic conservation ranching initiatives. The rest of the day, we’ll enjoy a dynamic wildlife safari as we explore the ranch’s prime habitats.

Accommodations: The Bin Inn or similar

Meals: Lunch

Day 2 (Fri, June 14): Kit Carson to La Junta ~ Our day begins with a wildlife drive at Collins Ranch, another fifth-generation family-owned Audubon Certified bird-friendly ranch in Kit Carson. We’ll see firsthand how the conservation ranching measures at Collins benefit local flora and fauna. The ranch is teeming with grassland birds and an array of mammals. There’s time to learn about this region’s history before continuing to La Junta to spend the night.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 (Sat, June 15): Picket Wire Canyonlands ~ Southeast Colorado is home to stunning canyons that offer visitors some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Located on the Comanche National Grassland south of La Junta, Picket Wire’s rugged and remote canyons are home to the largest dinosaur track site in North America. Today, we’ll join embark on a guided 4-wheel drive auto tour to learn about Picket Wire’s amazing, colorful past. During the tour, knowledgeable Forest Service guides will show us difficult to find dinosaur tracks, as well as share the history of First Americans and with beautiful scenery as a backdrop. This auto tour truly does offer something for everyone and is the only motorized access into the canyons.

Accommodations: Historic Cow Palace Inn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 4 (Sun, June 16): Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) ~ The mission of SPLT is to purchase and preserve land in Southeast Colorado for prairie wildlife. To date, more than 60,000 acres have been protected providing refuge for an array of grassland flora and fauna. Piece by piece, SPLT is restoring the American Serengeti. We’ll see the impacts of SPLT’s efforts firsthand today as we explore their prairie preserve in the Roaming Bison. We’ll also learn from SPLT’s directors about current and future conservation initiatives including reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, one of North America’s most endangered mammals.

Accommodations: Historic Cow Palace Inn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 (Mon, June 17): Lamar to Denver ~ As we make our way back to Denver, our wildlife viewing stops will be determined on what we’ve seen so far during our time together and group’s interests. Early evening return to Denver.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DETAILS

Price: $2645* per person based on two people sharing a double occupancy room. Add $325* if you prefer a private, single occupancy room.

Inclusions: double occupancy accommodations; transportation in “The Roaming Bison” Custom Safari Van; driver/guide (Sheridan Samano); daily guided wildlife viewing with spotting scope available; special access for wildlife viewing on Days 1, 2 and 4; gratuities at restaurants for included meals; entrance fees; and meals as listed.

Exclusions: one dinner, travel insurance, transportation to/from the meeting location in east Denver, optional gratuities for hotel staff, and activities not listed in the itinerary.

*Reflects payment by check. Credit card fees assessed based type of card used at time of payment. If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply.

Group Size: Min 4 and Max 7 participants + Sheridan Samano. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. This trip involves multiple short daily walks on varied terrain with most walks between 1.5-2.5 miles in length and a total distance of up to 3-5 miles on a given day.

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