Spring Magic Safari

Every spring, the sagebrush plains of Northwest Colorado burst to life, shaking off the chill of winter with an explosion of wildlife activity. At first glance, these rolling landscapes might seem quiet and repetitive—but look closer, and you’ll discover a thriving ecosystem packed with iconic species like elk, pronghorn, wild horses, mountain lions, beavers, cranes, eagles, and more. This is your chance to experience Colorado’s wild side during the magic of spring.

The real showstoppers? The spectacular courtship dances of greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. Each spring morning, male grouse gather at historic leks to strut, puff, and boom in synchronized displays to impress hens. These ancient rituals are nothing short of mesmerizing—a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. And beyond their beauty, they’re a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting these fragile habitats.

Our five-day Colorado safari will take you deep into the heart of this wild region. True to the Reefs to Rockies experience, we’ve carefully chosen off-the-beaten-path locations to avoid crowds and give you a more intimate connection with nature. Highlights include:

• Two nights at an Audubon-certified Bird Friendly Ranch: Nestled along the White River, this ranch offers incredible wildlife viewing, access to diverse landscapes, and a rich history. Your stay directly supports sustainable land practices that benefit local wildlife.
• Two leks: Experience the unforgettable courtship displays of both greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse on two different mornings.
• Nature walks and wildlife drives: Explore the region’s sweeping landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife in style.

And speaking of style, we’ll travel in a custom-designed American safari van, complete with a pop-top for panoramic views. Custom-designed by two wildlife biologists, this one-of-a-kind vehicle combines comfort with optimal wildlife viewing—it’s a game changer for any nature expedition.

Join us for an unforgettable spring journey into the wild heart of Colorado. The sagebrush plains are calling—are you ready for Spring Magic in Colorado?

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE: Reefs to Rockies Co-Founder Sheridan Samano is thrilled to guide this small group expedition to Northwest Colorado’s Sagebrush Sea, one of North America’s most critical wildlife habitats. This unique landscape supports a remarkable diversity of species and ecological processes. Sheridan’s love for Colorado’s natural history will be unmistakable as she takes you into the heart of what makes this region so special.

CONSERVATION IMPACT: Audubon’s mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. They conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. A donation to support Audubon’s science, education, advocacy, and on-the-ground action for birds and the places and resources they need will be made on behalf of all participants.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Thurs, April 10): Denver to near White River City ~ We’ll start our journey with a morning departure from West Denver, making several stops along the way to take in wildlife and the stunning scenery. This evening, our host will share insights into bird-friendly ranching techniques during an engaging and informative discussion. For those who want to soak in the magic of the night, there’s time for stargazing under a sky glittering with constellations. If luck is on our side, we might even hear the haunting calls of coyotes or the soft hoots of owls to end the day.

Accommodations: Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Ranch

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Important note: Our ranch accommodations include three bedrooms in the main house + three stand-alone cabins. There is one bathroom in the main house and a heated bathhouse for the cabins. Rooms will be distributed according to preference and availability at the time of registration.

 

Day 2 (Fri, April 11): White River City area ~ Today, we’ll spend a full day on safari in the Roaming Bison, our custom-designed wildlife-viewing van, traveling along scenic byways and exploring a variety of habitats. There will also be opportunities to stretch our legs and explore on foot. For those interested, you can roll up your sleeves and lend a hand in improving habitat for beavers in the White River watershed. These incredible keystone species play a vital role in maintaining healthy riparian ecosystems. This evening, nature’s late show awaits—another chance to marvel at the night sky and soak in the peaceful sounds of the wild after dark.

Accommodations: Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Ranch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 (Sat, April 12): White River City area to Meeker ~ Today, we’ll delve into the deep history of the White River Valley, a land that has been home to the Ute people for countless generations. According to Ute tribal tradition, their connection to this region stretches back to the beginning of time. We’ll gain insight into the culture and heritage of Colorado’s oldest residents, whose stories are woven into the landscape around us.

This evening, we’ll unwind and settle into our hotel accommodations in Meeker early, resting up for an exciting start tomorrow.

Accommodations: Trailhead Cabins & Lodging

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 (Sun, April 13): Meeker to Craig ~ We’ll start the day pre-dawn, heading to a private ranch where sharp-tailed grouse gather at a lek to perform their captivating mating dances. From the comfort of the Roaming Bison, which serves as our viewing blind, we’ll watch the males strut, puff, and compete in an unforgettable display of nature’s drama.

After the morning show, we’ll head to Craig to refuel with a hearty brunch. The rest of the day offers flexibility to explore more wildlife viewing opportunities in the area, tailored to the group’s interests and the latest sightings.

Accommodations: Best Western Plus Deer Park

Meals: Brunch and Dinner

Day 5 (Mon, April 14): Craig to Denver ~ Our day begins pre-dawn once more, this time to witness greater sage-grouse in action at another lek. This distinct experience will showcase the unique behaviors of these iconic birds as they perform their mesmerizing courtship displays. From our Roaming Bison blind, we’ll have front-row seats to all the action.

After this morning’s wildlife spectacle, we’ll begin our journey back to Denver, traveling through a variety of landscapes that highlight the region’s stunning diversity. Early evening return to West Denver.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DETAILS

Price: $2895* per person based on guaranteed private rooms at the ranch, if preferred and two people sharing a double occupancy room at the hotels. Add $130** if you prefer a private, single occupancy room at both hotels.

Inclusions: accommodations; transportation in “The Roaming Bison” Custom Safari Van; driver/guide (Sheridan Samano); daily guided wildlife viewing with spotting scope available; special access fees including two lek visits; meals as listed (3 breakfasts; 1 brunch; 4 lunches; 4 dinners); and gratuities for your guide and at restaurants for included meals.

Exclusions: travel insurance; transportation to/from the meeting location in west 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.

**The rooms at the ranch are available on a private basis. If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room for the two hotel nights, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply for the hotels.

Group Size: Min 5 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.

A Note About Gratuities: Your trip cost includes gratuities for your guide, as well as at restaurants for included meals. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.

Level of Difficulty – Moderate: April weather in Colorado can be cold, snowy and windy. Participants should be prepared to spend periods of 30 minutes to an hour outside with walks up to a mile in length. Blinds are not heated and sessions typically last 2 hrs. Ability to climb up and down from a passenger van that is lifted for 4WD with a stool provided is required.

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