Northwest Colorado comes alive each spring as the region's iconic grouse gather on their ancestral leks in one of North America's most captivating wildlife spectacles. From the booming displays of Greater Sage-Grouse across the Sagebrush Sea to the spirited dances of Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse in the mountain foothills, this journey offers an intimate look at behaviors few people ever have the opportunity to witness. Guided by local wildlife biologist Jeremiah Psiropoulos, you'll experience these remarkable displays from comfortable blinds, allowing the birds to carry on naturally while you observe every detail.

Beyond the leks, discover the remarkable diversity of northwest Colorado's landscapes, from sagebrush steppe and Pinyon-Juniper woodlands to mountain forests and vibrant wetlands. Along the way, search for an impressive variety of birds and mammals, learn how thoughtful conservation and sustainable ranching work hand in hand, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local families who have dedicated themselves to protecting this extraordinary corner of the American West.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness the unforgettable courtship displays of Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse and Greater Sage-Grouse from carefully positioned viewing blinds.
  • Explore an incredible variety of habitats, including the Sagebrush Sea, Gambel's Oak and Chokecherry Scrub, Pinyon-Juniper woodlands, mountain forests, wetlands, and riparian corridors.
  • Learn from local wildlife biologist Jeremiah Psiropoulos as he shares his deep knowledge of grouse behavior, ecology, conservation, and the natural history of northwest Colorado.
  • Discover how conservation-minded ranching supports thriving wildlife populations during exclusive visits to private properties, including the beautiful Howe Ranch.
  • Search for an outstanding diversity of western birds and mammals, from Dusky Grouse, Pinyon Jay, and American Dipper to Golden Eagle, Sandhill Crane, elk, pronghorn, and Mule Deer.

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Apr. 18     Arrivals

Welcome to Northwest Colorado, where snowcapped peaks rise above an endless sea of sagebrush. We greet our travelers at the airport before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner and an introductory presentation with our local expert, Jeremiah Psiropoulos.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (D)

Mon., Apr. 19     Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek | Howe Ranch

The best wildlife experiences often begin before dawn, and today is no exception. Lekking displays take place at first light, so we depart the hotel well before sunrise—typically around 4:00 AM—to reach the blinds without disturbing the birds. The early start is rewarded with one of North America's most remarkable spring wildlife spectacles.

Today we join local guide Jeremiah Psiropoulos, wildlife biologist and Naturalist Journeys guide, for a Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse lek experience in the mountain foothills of Colorado, between 6,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation.

After meeting Jeremiah for an introduction to the morning's experience, we take a short walk to comfortable viewing blinds where chairs, blankets, hand warmers, and hot coffee and tea await. Just before first light, the grouse begin hooting, chuckling, and cooing. As the sun rises, those quiet vocalizations give way to an extraordinary display. With wings spread wide, tails held erect, and heads lowered, the males inflate their brilliant purple esophageal sacs before launching into rapid foot-stamping displays. Dancing, marching, sparring, and posturing fill the lek as the birds compete for the attention of visiting females. If we're fortunate, females arrive to select their mates, and the action becomes wonderfully frenetic.

While watching the grouse, we also look and listen for Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, American Robin, Sandhill Crane, and more. Raptors frequently patrol the lek in search of an easy meal, and Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, and Red-tailed Hawk are expected, with chances for Prairie Falcon, Merlin, or even Ferruginous Hawk. Throughout the morning, elk, deer, and pronghorn graze across the surrounding hillsides. We remain in the blinds until the grouse finish displaying and naturally flush.

After leaving the lek, we explore Gambel's Oak and Chokecherry Scrub in search of Dusky Grouse. Rather than gathering on traditional leks, these birds perform their low hooting, tail-fanning, booming, and strutting displays in small open areas scattered through the forest.

Our day continues at Howe Ranch, a conservation success story owned and managed by Jeremiah, his wife Emily, and her mother, Penny. Their ranch demonstrates how sustainable ranching practices—including light stocking rates and thoughtful weed management—can support both a working family operation and the native flora and fauna of the region. Here we may find Sandhill Crane, perhaps dancing or tending nests, along with nesting raptors and migratory songbirds. By late April, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting are beginning to arrive, joining overwintering Evening Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch, and other year-round species characteristic of this ecotype. We enjoy lunch at the ranch.

This afternoon we explore the back roads of Routt and Moffat Counties in search of Mountain Bluebird, Swainson's Hawk, and Golden Eagle. A nearby reservoir may host grebes, diving ducks, Great Blue Heron, and, with luck, some early migratory shorebirds.

After a full day in the field, we return to the hotel for time to relax before dinner.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (B,L,D)

Tues., Apr. 20   Greater Sage-Grouse Lek | Sagebrush Sea Tour

Another early departure takes us into the heart of Colorado's Sagebrush Sea for an unforgettable morning with Greater Sage-Grouse. Our destination is a private ranch owned by two conservation-minded brothers whose family has stewarded this remarkable landscape for more than 60 years. Protected under a The Nature Conservancy conservation easement, the ranch provides outstanding breeding habitat for sage-grouse, nesting birds, deer, elk, and pronghorn.

After another brief introduction from Jeremiah, we settle once again into comfortable viewing blinds. As dawn approaches, the deep booming calls of the sage-grouse echo across the landscape, creating an almost otherworldly soundtrack. As sunlight reaches the lek, the males begin their spectacular displays, inflating their green esophageal sacs and pivoting in circles to attract females. Wing slaps punctuate the morning as rival males compete for territory while females quietly move among them, selecting a mate. Around us, Horned Lark defend territories, Western Meadowlark sing from nearby perches, and Vesper Sparrow add to the morning chorus. Pronghorn and Mule Deer are common visitors, while Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle patrol overhead. We remain in the blinds until the birds finish displaying.

After the morning's spectacle, we enjoy a short birding walk where Sage Thrasher, Brewer's Sparrow, Common Raven, Black-billed Magpie, and Prairie Dog are expected. With luck, we may also encounter Burrowing Owl, Coyote, or even Badger.

Leaving the ranch, we spend the remainder of the morning exploring the dirt roads that wind through the vast Sagebrush Sea. Additional opportunities await for Sage Thrasher, Brewer's Sparrow, Golden Eagle, Loggerhead Shrike, Dark-eyed Junco, Horned Lark, and other characteristic species.

Our route brings us to a wetland nestled beneath an impressive igneous dike, a striking geologic formation where a near-vertical intrusion of magma cuts through older rock layers. This oasis attracts birds from the surrounding sagebrush steppe, offering opportunities for Marsh Wren, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teals, Bald and Golden Eagles, Tree Swallow, Gadwall, and many more.

Following a field lunch, we continue into Pinyon-Juniper habitat, where a new suite of species awaits. Among our top species is the nomadic and often elusive Pinyon Jay, along with Spotted Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, Bushtit, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

We return to Craig this evening with time to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 21   Hayden Museum | Carpenter Ranch | Stagecoach Reservoir | Steamboat Springs

After two early mornings, today begins at a more relaxed pace. We enjoy breakfast at a beautifully repurposed local granary before visiting the Hayden Museum, where we explore the rich history of the region—from cowboying and homesteading to coal mining and ranching.

Next we visit Carpenter Ranch to meet Belle Zars, author of Only Connect, which chronicles the history of the Utes and the Western settlers of the Yampa Valley. Belle is also the granddaughter of Ferry Carpenter, an early conservation-minded rancher and founder of the schoolhouse featured in Dorothy Wickenden's Nothing Daunted. We enjoy a picnic lunch on the ranch while learning about its fascinating history.

This afternoon our focus returns to birding at Stagecoach Reservoir. Here we hope to find Barrow's Goldeneye along with a variety of waterfowl, early migratory shorebirds, and songbirds.

Later we stroll the Yampa River Walk in Steamboat Springs, where the river corridor provides excellent habitat for American Dipper, Osprey, Bald Eagle, and other riparian species.

Dinner this evening is in the charming mountain town of Steamboat Springs.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (B,L,D)

Thurs., Apr. 22     Mountain Birding Day

Today we venture into the mountains above Steamboat Springs in search of high-elevation specialties, with birding between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, conditions permitting. Aspen forests mixed with Engelmann Spruce and Subalpine Fir create a beautiful backdrop for our exploration. Early wildflowers, including Glacier Lilies and Arrowleaf Balsamroot, are likely to be blooming as we search for Dusky Grouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak, Mountain Chickadees, and many more. Elk, deer, pronghorn, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, and Yellow-bellied Marmot are also possible.

We enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery before returning to Steamboat Springs to visit the Yampa River Botanic Park. By late April, the gardens should be coming alive with spring blooms across this beautiful six-acre landscape. We also stop to check on the local Osprey nest before returning to Craig for some downtime and dinner.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (B,L,D)

Fri., Apr. 23     Guide's Choice

Today serves as both a flexible weather day and a chance to revisit favorite locations. Colorado's spring weather can be wonderfully unpredictable, so we've intentionally reserved this final full day to make the most of conditions. If weather has affected any of our planned excursions, we can use today to revisit missed leks or habitats. Otherwise, our guides choose from the week's most productive birding locations, giving us another opportunity to enjoy some of Northwest Colorado's outstanding wildlife.

This evening we celebrate our adventure with a special farewell dinner at Howe Ranch, hosted by Jeremiah and his family.
Accommodations in Craig, Colorado (B,L,D)

Sat., Apr. 24     Departures

You may depart at your leisure today. Hayden Regional Airport typically offers two daily departures.

 

  • Dusky Grouse by Jeremiah Psiropoulos

  • Pronghorn by Hugh Simmons

  • Sharp-tailed Grouse by Ed Pembleton

  • Red-tailed Hawk by Hugh Simmons

  • Burrowing Owl by Greg Smith

  • American Dipper by Hugh Simmons

Cost of the Journey

The cost of this journey is $4390 DBL / $4890 SGL, per person, based on occupancy, from Hayden, Colorado. 

This cost includes all accommodations; meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, lek expenses, local park and other area entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

The cost does not include transportation to or from your home to Hayden or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, porterage, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Yampa Valley Regional (HDN) in Hayden, Colorado

Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive April 18, 2027, no later than 4:00 PM.

Departure Details: Please plan to depart April 24, 2027, at your leisure. 

Travel Tip: 

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Colorado

  • Jeremiah Psiropoulos

    Jeremiah is a wildlife biologist, bird guide, and naturalist living in Hayden, Colorado. Originally from Oregon, his enthusiasm for wildlife and ecology was fostered by a youth spent in the woods. After receiving degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University and Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon, he pursued a career in federal service as a wildlife biologist. In 2025, he left federal service to start a new chapter as bird and expedition guide and biological consultant. He lives on a former cattle ranch in Northwest Colorado with his wife Emily, her mom Penny, and their dog, Cricket, where they manage the land for native flora and fauna.

    Other trips with Jeremiah Psiropoulos

  • Dan Donaldson

    Dan Donaldson is an accomplished naturalist-birder based in Northeastern Ohio and has been guiding for Naturalist Journeys for nearly 20 years. Dan has developed his skills while working as a naturalist for a local park district for 25 years as well as with his full-time job as director of the local soil and water conservation district. Acustomed to varied audiences from novices to experts, Dan incorporates much more than just identification in his tours and programs. Dan has led tours for The Nature Conservancy, National Parks Conservation, and other tour companies. While now an international guide, his specialization in birding locales ranges from the Great Lakes to coastal destinations ranging from the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Maine, to the Florida Keys.

    Other trips with Dan Donaldson

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.
  • Real ID is required as of May 2025 for U.S. citizens on domestic flights who are not carrying a valid passport.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Many of our accommodations provide a laundry service for a fee. However, consider packing laundry soap sheets in case you need to hand launder in a pinch.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 


Photo credits coming soon.

×

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly eNews to stay up to date!

Get to know our favorite destinations each week. We promise no spam.

No Thanks