Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Ninety-five percent of the Rocky Mountain population of the Sandhill Crane migrate through the San Luis Valley each spring and fall, and a large percentage of those birds spend much of their time in and around the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. This is the attraction that has brought people to Monte Vista for the annual crane festival in March for more than 25 years. Crane sightings are virtually guaranteed in spring and fall. In addition, the wildlife auto tour loop on the refuge takes you past numerous fields, ponds, and cattail marshes where you might see birds ranging from Buffleheads to bitterns and wildlife from elk to badger to muskrat. Northern Harriers cruise low over the wetlands almost year-round. A visit to this refuge is likely to be a highlight of any wildlife-watching excursion to the San Luis Valley.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations.
County: Rio Grande
Directions: Take CO 15 south from Monte Vista to the refuge auto tour route on the east (signed). Also drive CR 8S along the refuge's southern border, CR 3E on the east, and other county roads in the area.
Alternate Directions: From the junction of US160 and CO 15 in Monte Vista, head south on CO 15 for 7 miles to the entrance, on the left.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Wet Meadow
Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Ownership: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Unpaved parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Monte Vista or Alamosa
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Good opportunities for viewing from car.
Delorme: 90 A2
ROC: 134 B4-C4
Latitude: 37.485892
Longitude: -106.1489462
Visit the Website for Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge »