Make a weekend of your trip to the Monte Vista Crane Festival. Beyond the festival program, visitors can explore the San Luis Valley’s national wildlife refuges, watch cranes on their own, discover nearby communities, and enjoy local dining, lodging and attractions.
Explore the Refuges
The San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes Monte Vista, Alamosa and Baca National Wildlife Refuges, set between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Together, these wetlands, river corridors, meadows and open landscapes provide important habitat for cranes, waterfowl, raptors and many other species.
Find the Cranes
You do not need a Festival Pass to visit the refuges or watch cranes on your own.
Use our crane-viewing resources to find some of the best places and times to see Sandhill Cranes during your visit. The Colorado Birding Trail also offers a self-guided route connecting significant birding locations throughout the San Luis Valley.
Stay in the San Luis Valley
Festival visitors stay throughout the San Luis Valley, with lodging available in Monte Vista, Alamosa, Del Norte, South Fork and nearby communities. From hotels and motels to cabins, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV parks, there are plenty of options within easy driving distance of festival activities and wildlife-viewing areas.
Planning your stay? Browse lodging options available through our festival booking portal.
Dine Around the Valley
From longtime local favorites to coffee shops, breweries, casual restaurants and regional cuisine, the San Luis Valley offers plenty of places to refuel between festival activities.
Rio Grande County
Explore dining options in Monte Vista, Del Norte and South Fork, including local restaurants, breweries, pizza, Mexican food and more.
Alamosa
Alamosa offers one of the Valley’s largest selections of restaurants and coffee shops, with options ranging from quick meals to locally owned dining.
Explore More of the San Luis Valley
Crane Festival can be the centerpiece of a larger San Luis Valley getaway. Take time to explore the region’s landscapes, communities and cultural attractions while you are here.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The tallest dunes in North America and a perfect excursion for a non-crane day.
San Luis Lakes SWA
In the shadow of the Great Sand Dunes, the area is home to waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.
Silver Thread Scenic Byway
A 117-mile road trip through the mountains along the west side of the San Luis Valley.
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway
A 129-mile driving tour that takes you to many San Luis Valley highlights.
More Visitor Resources
Looking for more ideas while you are in the Valley? These regional organizations can help you plan the rest of your visit: