It’s that time of year again when creepy crawlies invade the streets and can be seen in huge groups! No, we’re not talking about Halloween (though that is right around the corner) but rather the annual tarantula migration where thousands of giant spiders cross the highway in search of their perfect mate. If seeing this natural phenomenon is on your bucket list, you will want to make plans to visit this small Colorado town that is invaded by tarantulas every year:

Welcome to La Junta, Colorado: Home to historic sites, Otero Junior College, and...
Wikimedia Commons
...thousands of tarantulas in search of their soulmate!
Getty Images/graphmaster
Beginning in late August, thousands of male tarantulas start their trek across Highway 109, where they use their sense of touch and vibration to locate females in nearby burrows.
YouTube/USA Today
Why do they flock to southeast Colorado? It is because of the vast prairie landscape a la the Comanche National Grassland.

Related Stories

Best Waterfalls In Colorado: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Best Waterfalls In Colorado: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

 5 Waterfront Retreats In Colorado That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

5 Waterfront Retreats In Colorado That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Colorado Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Colorado Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
The annual migration takes place from August through October but the best time to view - according to Visit La Junta is September 10th.
YouTube/USA Today
Can't make it on September 10th? It is suggested you visit any evening in mid-September, especially if the weather is warm and there is little to no wind present.
YouTube/USA Today
The tarantulas' peak migration time is an hour before sunset, so plan accordingly!
Do you want to make an entire weekend out of your viewing? La Junta is the perfect place to do so, as it boasts such important pieces of Colorado history as Bent's Old Fort, Picketwire Canyon (pictured), and several museums.
TripAdvisor/funtobeme
In addition to the historical aspect, La Junta is also home to a vast array of delicious restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores!
Google/Erin Harris
You can discover even more to do around La Junta by reading This One Small Colorado Town Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State.

Are you ready to get an even better look at the migration? Check out this mesmerizing video from USA TODAY:

Are you brave enough to watch the tarantula migration? If so, who will you take? Let them know by tagging them in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles