Tarantula Trek

It’s tarantula season!

Join Youth Science Institute for a special late-afternoon hike through Alum Rock Park in search of one of California’s largest and most misunderstood spiders - the tarantula!

For much of the year, tarantulas live surprisingly secretive lives and can be difficult to spot. But each fall, mature male tarantulas leave their shelters and begin wandering across the landscape in search of females. Our late-afternoon adventure will take us onto the trails to search for these fascinating animals and discover the wild habitat they call home.

Along the way, a YSI naturalist will uncover the hidden lives of tarantulas and other arachnids. Learn where tarantulas live, how they hunt, what they eat, why males wander during the fall, and the important role these impressive predators play in California’s ecosystems.

Keep your eyes on the trail - you never know what we might discover!