Colorado Grouse Grand Slam

From alpine tundra to the open prairie—experience all of Colorado’s grouse in one seamless journey.

April 2 – 12, 2027

Colorado Grouse Grand Slam Tour Overview

Highlights: Rare Birds • Photography • Conservation • Thoughtfully Curated Experience

This combined itinerary brings together the Mountain Chicken Chase and the Great Plains Grouse Expedition into one seamless journey across Colorado’s full range of ecosystems. This comprehensive journey is designed to encounter all of the region’s grouse species while exploring a remarkable range of ecosystems—from alpine tundra and subalpine forests to sagebrush basins and the wide-open shortgrass prairie.

With early-morning lek visits, carefully secured viewing access, and seamless travel across dramatically different habitats, this expedition blends rare species, expansive scenery, and meaningful conservation insight into one unforgettable wildlife experience.

Tour Features

  • Dates: April 2 – 12, 2027

  • Duration: 11 days, 10 nights

  • Group Size: 5 –  8 guests

  • Skill Level: All levels welcome (moderate walking at elevation and on sometimes steep, snowy trails)

  • Includes: Lodging, transportation, meals, professional guides, activities included on itinerary, 5% donation to grouse conservation

  • Does not include: Flight to Denver, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, personal services, travel insurance, activities not listed in itinerary

Price per Guest:

$3,240 USD ($600 single supplement)

Why Combine Both Tours?

While each tour stands on its own, combining them creates a complete journey across the full range of grouse habitats—from alpine tundra to the open prairie. This seamless itinerary maximizes your chances of encountering all target species while offering a deeper understanding of how landscape, elevation, and conservation connect across the West.

  • See all grouse species in one journey — from ptarmigan to prairie-chickens
  • Experience the full ecological gradient — alpine, forest, sagebrush, and prairie
  • More immersive and efficient — no need to plan separate trips
  • Greater overall bird diversity — from rosy-finches to longspurs and raptors
  • Deeper conservation insight — from public lands to working ranches
Greater Sage-Grouse in flight seen on the Colorado Grouse Grand Slam

Greater Sage-Grouse in flight. Photo by Bill Bowman.

How the Combined Itinerary Works

This journey brings together two distinct tours into one seamless experience across Colorado’s mountains and plains.

  • Days 1–6: Mountain Chicken Chase (alpine, forest, and sagebrush ecosystems)
  • Transition: Return to the Front Range with time to rest or reposition
  • Days 7–11: Great Plains Grouse Expedition (shortgrass prairie and Plains reservoirs)

Guests may join either tour independently or combine both for the full experience.

Tour Highlights

  • All target grouse species across multiple ecosystems
  • Multiple lek experiences with carefully secured access
  • Diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open prairie
  • Wide range of western and grassland bird species
  • Conservation insights from both public lands and private ranches
A Greater Sage-Grouse displaying in Colorado
Lesser Prairie-Chicken on a cow skull

Logistics at a Glance

  • Start Location: Denver, Colorado
  • End Location: Denver, Colorado
  • Total Duration: ~10 days
  • Pace: Active mornings, moderate travel days
  • Group Size: Small group experience
Colorado National Monument
A Sharp-tailed Grouse displaying near Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Choose Your Experience

More Nature & Wildlife Tours
A bighorn sheep seen during a wildlife tour near Denver, Colorado.

Features: Wildlife Spotting / Birdwatching

Private tour searching for Colorado’s state mammal and foothills birds.

Price Per Group:

$300.00 USD

Bald eagle in flight, bird of prey

Features: Birdwatching / Wildlife Viewing / Photography

Search for Colorado’s iconic birds of prey and learn about their natural history with an expert guide

Price per Group:
$525

A couple with a wheelchair in a forest on an accessible birdwatching tour.

Features: Relaxation / Birdwatching

Connect with nature in the quietest yet most accessible corners of Colorado

Price Per Group:

$300.00-$495.00 USD