General Tour Information
ENTERING THE UNITED STATES: Non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. Consult your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for details. Canadian citizens ned to carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport.
HEALTH: High altitude can pose several problems from altitude sickness to sunburns. Even in winter, sunburns are frequent at high elevations; we recommend using strong (>15 SPF) sunscreen. Starting on the first full day of the tour, we will be above 12,000 feet. The best defense is to stay hydrated and wear the right clothes. Staying warm and dry in early spring in Colorado is very important. Participants should bring an adequate supply of any personal medications as they may be difficult to obtain during the tour. Rattlesnakes emerge at lower elevations in early April, but we would be lucky to see one.
PACE OF THE TOUR: The entire tour will be rather fast-paced with long drives and very early mornings almost every day. The typical day will involve rising about two hours BEFORE sunrise for a quick breakfast and a drive to the lek. We will view all leks from the van and everyone will need to be relatively still and quiet for about two hours. During this time, the van must stay at the lek and people will NOT be able to get out. All of this is essential to reduce disturbance to the birds. After viewing the birds, we’ll return to gather luggage (and a more complete breakfast) and then head toward the next destination, birding along the way. Typically, a day of driving will total about 225 miles, sometimes on winding mountain roads. These drives will be broken by several birding stops, restroom breaks, etc. Walking will usually be on well-maintained trails or along roads.
If the weather cooperates and roads are open, we will look for White-tailed Ptarmigan on the first full day. This could involve up to one mile of walking on steep terrain, at times through waist-deep snow, at an elevation of 12000 feet. People will have the option of staying at the vans.
CLIMATE: April is a dynamic time of year in Colorado and nearly every type weather is possible, from heavy snow to clear blue sky and mid-70s (F). It is possible for it to be 70°F, sunny and calm, only for the temperature to plummet to around 20°F with heavy snowfall, all in period of two or three hours (and to find the next day with temperatures in the 60sF)! Thus, be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Typical highs range in the 50s and 60s (F), with lows in the upper 20s and low 30s (F). Lows in the single digits (F) are rare, but not impossible. Early mornings spent at leks may be particularly cool. Snow is likely; Denver averages about nine inches for all of April. Rain and snow is possible at anytime. Given this, it is very important to dress in layers.
ACCOMMODATION: We stay at standard motels throughout.
TRANSPORTATION: We’l be traveling by 15- [or 12-] passenger window van or minivan, depending on the group size. When using 15-passenger window vans, we’ll take a maximum of seven passengers plus the leader/driver. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Colorado will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Updated: June 2007