Where Do the Cranes Go? – Monte Vista Crane Festival

Where Do the Cranes Go After the Festival?

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. But as quickly as they arrive, they’re off again—continuing a migration that stretches thousands of miles.

So, where do the cranes go when the festival ends?

North, to Nest and Raise the Next Generation

Most of the Sandhill Cranes that pass through Colorado are part of the Rocky Mountain population. After refueling in the San Luis Valley, they continue their journey north, traveling up through Utah, Idaho, and western Wyoming. Eventually, they reach their nesting grounds in western Montana, Idaho, and even as far as Alberta and British Columbia.

There, they settle into remote wetlands and marshy meadows to raise their young. By late summer, the next generation of cranes will be ready to fly—just in time to head back south for the fall migration.

Photo: Teton Regional Land Trust

A Migration of Marvels

The Sandhill Crane migration is one of the longest and most impressive in North America. Some cranes will travel more than 3,000 miles round-trip each year, relying on key stopover sites—like the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge—to rest and feed. Without these places to land, they wouldn’t survive the journey.

That’s why crane conservation is so important—not just here, but across their entire flyway.

Cranes May Leave, But the Work Continues

While the flocks have moved on, our work to protect and celebrate them is just getting started again. Planning is already underway for the 2026 Monte Vista Crane Festival, and we want to hear from you! What did you love? What could be better? What would you like to see next year?

Let us know by filling out this quick feedback form.

And if you’re already counting the days until the cranes return—don’t worry. Fall migration will be here before you know it.