Posted in Colorado March 23, 2020 by Annie

Thousands Of Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For Colorado This Spring

If you thought Colorado was colorful before, get ready to have your mind blown, as an upcoming natural phenomenon will make the state explode with hues of orange, white, and black! The spectacle of thousands of monarch butterflies in Colorado is something everyone can look forward to this time of year. And the best news of all? Predictions indicate that the 2020 monarch butterfly migration in Denver and the surrounding areas will be even more intense than usual.

If you are ready to see Colorado in a whole new way, make plans to be outside as much as possible to experience the spring monarch butterfly migration in Colorado.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

The beautiful monarch butterfly makes its annual migration as they begin to move north following the end of the cold, winter months. Here in Colorado, the event takes place between March and June.

In fall, butterflies instinctively head south in search of warmer temperatures, then lay their eggs on milkweed before dying. Come spring, these eggs hatch into caterpillars that grow, develop in a chrysalis, and eventually emerge as beautiful butterflies who then begin the long journey north.

How do the butterflies know when to migrate? This is a question that still baffles scientists, but one thing is for sure: it is truly a sight to see!

Since most butterflies migrate from either Mexico or southern California, the journey north takes a long time. You should begin to see these monarch butterflies in Colorado come mid-May.

Want to attract more butterflies to your home and yard? Experts recommend planting milkweed, which is a less common plant species in Colorado and offers a place for butterflies to lay their eggs and reproduce.

Fun fact: Colorado may not play a huge role in hosting the butterflies, but strays still stop and make a home in the Centennial State!

A final tip for the spring migration? Always have your camera handy, as you never know just what you will capture.

What are your favorite things about spring in Colorado? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For another awe-inspiring act of nature, check out The Incredible Natural Phenomenon In Colorado That Happens Just Once A Year.

Address: Colorado, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Monarch Butterflies In Colorado

April 06, 2020

Beth C.

What other animals migrate to Colorado in the spring?

Spring in Colorado is an exciting time of year. In addition to the arrival of monarch butterflies in Colorado, there’s another winged creature that makes its presence known: the Rufus Hummingbird. These migrating hummingbirds typically arrive in Colorado in late April and can be spotted as late as mid-September. Typically, these tiny birds can be found in high-altitude regions and prefer open shrubby areas.

What are the best signs of spring in Colorado?

In addition to migrating monarch butterflies and hummingbirds in Colorado, there are a few other tell-tale signs that spring has arrived. Perhaps the most obvious is the appearance of wildflowers. Some of the most iconic wildflowers that grow in Colorado include Colorado Blue Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Bluebell, Fireweed, Larkspur, Blanketflowers, Lupine, and hundreds more. However, spring can be a notoriously frustrating time for many Coloradans. Just as they’re ready to fully embrace warmer weather, there are always at least a few springtime snow storms to delay the process.

How can I best enjoy nature in Colorado?

Enjoying nature in Colorado is as easy as stepping outside your own backdoor. The state’s natural beauty is unparalleled, and every region of the Centennial State has its own hidden gems to discover. One of the most obvious ways to enjoy springtime — or any season — in Colorado is by taking advantage of our state’s countless hiking trails. A great place to start is Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers trails for all different levels of hiking. Whether you’re venturing out with little ones or happen to be a pro-level outdoorsman, you’ll find the perfect adventure inside this park.

Address: Colorado, USA