Tarantula Migration in Nevada 2024

Watch thousands of tarantulas on the march through Nevada desert

Best time: September–early November

Tarantulas are quite common throughout the whole Southwest. However, the town of Gabbs, Nevada, is where you can witness the world’s largest tarantula migration. Although the migration of tarantulas makes many people want to stay away, spider enthusiasts visit the area to watch the tarantulas move through the small town in search of mates.

When is the best time to watch tarantula migration

Every fall, thousands of desert tarantulas get out of their burrows and roam searching for a mate. Those large, hairy spiders with brown or tan hair can be seen on trails, crossing highways, on the streets, and in backyards. In Gabbs, a local high school even picked the tarantula as its mascot. The arachnids' mating season typically starts in September and ends in early November.

What is tarantula migration

During the mating season, adult male tarantulas wander in search of a female's burrow. When a tarantula finds the right one, it rattles its pedipalps—a pair of appendages attached to its head—in front of the entrance. If the female is ready to mate, she will crawl to the surface. After mating, approximately 20 percent of females kill their partners, prompting the males to try to escape as quickly as possible. However, even males who escape the clutches of their partners die within about a year.

It's mostly male desert tarantulas that you can spot outside. Even though tarantulas, reaching a few inches in size, are feared by the public, it has been proved that their venom is quite harmless to people.

Where to watch tarantula migrations in Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park

In Southern Nevada, the migration occurs as well. The Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best destinations for spider-spotting in the state. Spiders are often seen on the trails near Las Vegas as well or on the road into Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Tarantulas are most active right before or after the sunset.

Best spots to visit

Although tarantulas migrate through the park without specific routes, you can visit places like Elephant Rock, Fire Wave, Atlatl Rock, or the Valley of Fire Beehives for great photo opportunities, where you might be lucky enough to witness the migration.

Operates hours and infrastructure

Valley of Fire State Park operates seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, with 24-hour access to campgrounds. The visitor center is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. There are two campgrounds on the property, accommodating up to 72 units. Visitors can use shaded tables, grills, water, restrooms, dump stations, and showers. To stay at a campsite within the park, a reservation is required.

There are three group-use campsites, each accommodating up to 45 visitors. Reservations are required for overnight camping at these sites. Camping and day-use fees of $20 per vehicle per night for Nevada residents or $25 per vehicle per night for non-Nevada residents must be paid upon arrival. Park Attendees can bring their pets. However, they must be kept on a leash, and pets are not permitted in the visitor center.

Admission

Day use entrance fee is $10 per vehicle and $15 per non-Nevada vehicle. Also, visitors must pay $2 per bike.

Location

Valley of Fire State Park is located 45.5 miles (72 km) from Las Vegas, which is a one-hour trip. From Las Vegas, take I-15 North for about 30 miles, then turn right onto Valley of Fire scenic byway for 15 miles (24 km), then enter the park from the northwest. Visitors can also reach the Park via Northshore Road (Highway 167) through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Gabbs

The small town of Gabbs is known as the "epicenter of the tarantula migration," and it is said that during the migration period, the number of spiders in the town and its surroundings exceeds the number of residents. However, locals report that spider activity in this area has decreased in recent years. Gabbs is located 273 miles (439 km), or 4 hours and 30 minutes, from Sacramento and 311 miles (500 km), or 4 hours and 50 minutes from Las Vegas. Also, take into account that there is no hotel in the town.

General information about tarantulas

There is no danger associated with the venom of tarantulas found in the United States, though there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Most tarantulas are busy minding their own business. If you avoid bothering them, they won’t bother you.

Tarantulas prefer to inhabit rainforests, deserts, and scrubland. They create silken webs, but not for snaring prey. Instead, the web is used for creating housing, a "mat" for molting, or assisting with food. Tarantulas hunt at night for various insects and other spiders, as well as small lizards, snakes, and frogs.

Practical info

When can tarantula migration in Gabbs, Nevada be seen?

The desert tarantula migration in Gabbs, Nevada happens during the mating season that starts in early September and lasts until early November. Thousands of male spiders leave their burrows to find a mate and can be observed on their march through the desert during late afternoon and around sunset.

Where else in Southern Nevada are tarantulas found besides Gabbs and Las Vegas?

Tarantulas can also be spotted in the Valley of Fire State Park and the trails near Las Vegas. If you're going to Death Valley National Park, the roads leading to it can be a good place to observe them too. In Reno, you can explore Hawk Canyon for tarantulas. Be careful not to handle them, however, as they have a venomous bite.

What size can tarantulas in Nevada grow up to?

Tarantulas found in Nevada can grow up to a few inches in size. Desert tarantulas are large spiders that have brown or tan hair. They are generally not harmful to humans as their venom is used primarily for killing prey rather than for fighting predators. Their fully grown leg span can reach up to 10 inches, and their body length ranges from 2-4 inches, which can be intimidating due to their large size.

Do tarantulas pose a threat to humans?

Most tarantulas are not a threat to humans as their venom is not harmful. They bite humans only in self-defense, and their bites are typically not life-threatening. There may be severe reactions for a few people who are allergic to tarantula venom, but such instances are rare. If you get bitten, ensure immediate medical attention.

What are the other unique animal migrations to witness in Nevada besides tarantulas?

Nevada is host to several unique animal migrations. For instance, you can spot a herd of elk migrating for food and water in the Ruby Mountains. During winter, you can watch thousands of snow geese migrating through the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. The Lamoille Canyon area near Elko is an excellent place to see various migratory birds. In the Great Basin National Park, you can witness pronghorn antelope migration.

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