Art has always been at the heart of the Monte Vista Crane Festival. From visual storytelling and hands-on workshops to film and illustration, these sessions invite participants to slow down, observe closely, and engage with cranes and the San Luis Valley in creative ways.
Festival tours are at the heart of the Monte Vista Crane Festival experience. Led by expert guides with deep local knowledge, these outings take you into the landscapes that sustain Sandhill Cranes and countless species of birds and other wildlife.
This year’s festival promises to soar to new heights with a lineup of engaging talks and renowned speakers who will inspire and educate attendees.
The Monte Vista Crane Festival is thrilled to announce that Rosemary Mosco—acclaimed author, illustrator, and science communicator—will be our 2026 keynote speaker!
Every March, thousands of Sandhill Cranes descend upon the San Luis Valley, filling our skies with their calls and drawing nature lovers from across the country to the Monte Vista Crane Festival.
This year’s festival promises to soar to new heights with a lineup of engaging talks and renowned speakers who will inspire and educate attendees.
What special tours are on tap for the 2025 Monte Vista Crane Festival? Read on to find out!
We are excited to welcome Scott Weidensaul, award-winning author and researcher, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Monte Vista Crane Festival!
The annual Colorado Birding Challenge (COBC) is just around the corner, and this year, your participation can make a significant impact on bird habitat restoration in the San Luis Valley.
April is Earth Month, a time when we reflect on the impact we have on our planet and what that means for its future. In the San Luis Valley, April also marks the beginning of the irrigation season, bringing water to the forefront of our community’s consciousness. Here in this high desert, the importance of water and wetlands extends far beyond their role as a haven for the beloved sandhill cranes; they are vital for all valley residents, encompassing the plant, animal, and human populations that call this place home.