Many of those who move to Colorado from places like the American Midwest might notice something missing – fireflies. While this genre of beetle species known for its blinking glow can be witnessed en masse in some parts of the country, that’s not the case in much of Colorado. The state’s dry nature may be a contributing factor, but either way, many Coloradans grow up without the experience of catching ‘lightning bugs’ on a warm summer night.

While the apparent absence of this entertaining little creature might have some locals questioning whether or not fireflies are even present in the Centennial State all, rest assured in knowing that they’re here – one just has to know where to look.

According to experts at the state’s Butterfly Pavilion, here are five places where fireflies can be locally found:

1. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area in Fort Collins, CO

Open until 11 p.m., the fireflies here can be found along the boardwalk in the northeastern side of the natural area. Fort Collins Natural Area volunteers also lead guided firefly walks in months of June and July.

2. Morey Wildlife Reserve in Loveland, CO

Open from dawn to dusk, the best way to find fireflies at this spot is by joining one of the City of Loveland-hosted ‘Fireflies in the Meadows’ walks in June and July. It’s worth noting that bicycles and dogs are prohibited at this wildlife reserve.

3. Sawhill Ponds Open Space, Boulder, CO

Open until 11 p.m., the Butterfly Pavilion reports that fireflies have been spotted on the south side of this open space near the railroad tracks.

4. Fountain Creek Regional Park in Fountain, CO

Open until 9 p.m., Fountain Creek Nature Center offers guided firefly hikes in June and July.

5. Filoha Meadows Nature Preserve in Redstone, CO

While this spot closes 30 minutes before sunset, Roaring Fork Conservancy may still offer guided firefly walks in July. This spot is home to thermal wetlands that not only support a firefly population, but also rare plant species.

Editor’s Note: Before visiting any of these spots for a tour, call to make sure this is still offered. Reservations and a fee may apply.

The five aforementioned spots aren’t the only places where fireflies can be found in Colorado – with a tendency to live near water, firefly activity has also been reported in places like the high-elevation mountain town of Divide, at Chatfield State Park, and Boulder Reservoir. The best time of the year to go looking for fireflies tends to be between June and early August.

It’s also worth noting that the Butterfly Pavilion is slated to open a new facility in 2027, with plans to have fireflies in that facility, too. The Butterfly Pavilion is currently studying how fireflies can be bred and raised under human care as part of a conservation effort. While there are more than 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, this type of bug is regularly threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution.

Learn more about Colorado’s fireflies here.

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