KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
We are located on the western edge of La Junta on U.S. Highway 50, on the south side of the road, behind Viaero Wireless and next to Walmart. GPS GENERALLY DOES NOT WORK WELL IN OUR AREA!
Eastbound on U.S. Highway 50 (coming from Pueblo): We are exactly 2.4 miles east of the Conoco in the town of Swink. Go one block east past the signalized intersection at Conley Road/Country Road 26.5 (Village Inn/Walmart/Wendy's) and turn right/south on Rogers Road at Viaero Wireless.
Northeast-bound on U.S. Highway 350 (coming from Trinidad) or Colorado Highway 10 (coming from Walsenburg): We are exactly 1.9 miles west of the intersection of US 350 & US 50 and exactly 1.5 miles west of the intersection of CO 10 & US 50. Turn left/west on to US 50 and go .3 miles past the Big R Farm & Ranch Supply Store on the left/south. Turn left/south on Rogers Road just before Viaero Wireless.
Westbound on U.S. Highway 50 (coming from Lamar): Continue west through La Junta. We are exactly 1.1 miles west of McDonald's and .3 miles past the Big R Farm & Ranch Supply Store on the left/south. Turn left/south on Rogers Road just before Viaero Wireless.
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For some, an annual tarantula trek, formerly known as the tarantula migration, may inspire anxiety. These arachnids are, however, fascinating. Every year the male tarantulas leave their burrows and crawl over the lands in search of “the one.” It is a phenomenon that is a growing tourist attraction, with visitors taking the journey to witness the black, furry bodies scurrying across the grassland in an annual mating ritual.
Many refer to the phenomenon as the tarantula migration; however, ecologists feel the tarantula trek is more accurate because there is no significant relocation or mass movement. Each year, males that have reached their reproductive readiness — usually takes seven to 10 years — go searching for a mate. The readiness is determined by the size of their pedipalps, a couple of appendages stemming from their heads.
These matured male tarantulas wander the grasslands in the fall for a mate's burrow. Once he finds his match, he stomps his pedipalps at the entrance. If the female is interested, she will crawl to the surface, and the male will hoist her above him so they face each other. Coupling is fast because about one-third of females eat the males after mating.
Unfortunately for the males, their days are numbered even if they are not sexually cannibalized. Most males die within a year of doing their trek and mating, making the journey a special one for them to take and you to witness.
Tarantulas are fascinating, and more scientists are dedicating time to expand their knowledge of the eight-legged creatures.
Archaeologists believe spiders, including the tarantula, are misunderstood and understudied. There is still much mystery — like how the Oklahoma browns can withstand sub-freezing temperatures in Southeast Colorado when invertebrates struggle to move at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists also have yet to determine how the spiders survive the flood season.
Public interest and activities like the La Junta Tarantula Festival are beneficial in learning more about these arachnids and the tarantula trek.
To witness this fantastic tarantula trek, prepare to visit La Junta during autumn before heavy frosts set in. The FAQ answers will help you best plan your spider-spotting adventure.
You can see the tarantula trek at the Comanche National Grassland, south of the La Junta Highway 109.
The mating season typically begins once temperatures dip around September, making this the ideal time to visit.
The mating season is between September and October or before hard freezes start. Some sightings even last until November.
Tarantulas are typically the most active an hour before sunset. The peak time to start is between 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and ends within an hour. It is best to choose a day that is warmer and less windy.
The male tarantulas can travel up to 20 miles and often travel in groups searching for mates.
You might see a handful of spiders — most visitors see about two in one viewing.
There are various species of tarantulas. The Oklahoma brown tarantula is the spider most often spotted.
Some of their common predators include foxes, coyotes, snakes, birds and tarantula hawks. Tarantula hawks are particularly nasty. They are a 2-inch wasp breed that lays eggs in the tarantula's abdomen. The larvae then eat the spider as they grow. You may spot a few of these wasps lurking during the tarantula trek.
La Junta KOA Journey is the ideal place to stay at to enjoy the picturesque Southeast Colorado region. If you visit during the fall, our KOA Campground is perfect for witnessing the La Junta tarantula migration.
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