monte vista and alamosa national wildlife refuges

Perthenia

Try to time your visit with the Sandhill Crane migrations - the cranes are fascinating. There were 100s of cranes at the Monte Vista NWR, and we even saw a bald eagle at the Alamosa NWR.

249libbyr

We were here during the crane migration. Holy cow - or bird - Very neat experience, we were glad we caught it. Just by chance. We may try to plan a family vacation around this place in the spring. Fun!

PaulLuehrmann

This Wildlife Refuge will be packed with migrating birds in October but September is just a good time to visit and take a hike. But do come back in the fall.

32pamelah

Easy to find & drive thru. You never know what you'll see. Big variety of bids & I've seen pheasant, wild turkey & cranes. Known to have elk, deer, antelope & a peaceful drive! They maintain it well.

okaugust

Both Alamosa and Monte Vista have good driving tours. There are a lot of spots to pull over and take pictures. We saw a lot of great birds, including White Faced Ibis, which was the hope of my excursion. Monte Vista was a bit more reedy, and sometimes harder to see over the verge, but the verge is what makes it a great wildlife area, so no complaints. The visitors center at Alamosa was staffed by a friendly volunteer.

K6306AJrobertr

Wonderful place to observe birds and wildlife. Self-guided, 2-mile tour was informative and peaceful. Only 2 other people visiting at the time we were there.

praise_singer2331

We saw a variety of bird species the morning we were there. Since the area was closed to foot traffic, we stayed on the auto route that weaves through the nature preserve

JimN802

We returned for the Sandhill Crane Migration...absolutely wonderful. This is a tremendous photo opportunity and we took advantage of it. We brought our dog with and he was curious, but did not bark (I believe it was because they were bigger than him and he was greatly outnumbered). We believe it is best to drive through and around the Wildlife Refuge and watch for the yellow school tour buses on the weekend. The weather is usually wet or snowy and some of the back roads can be a challenge with mud (go Subaru). This was a very enjoyable trip and I am certain we will do it again.

SheriK416

Going for the Sandhill Crane Migration in the Spring was something that we wanted to do for a long time. Although we didn't go to the Crane Festival this time, I think my husband and I will go to that in the future for all the educational aspects. We stayed two nights in Monte Vista. I'm not sure we saw 20,000 cranes which is the migration number, but we did see 1000s and it was spectacular. We were there right after the Crane Festival and it was not crowded, at all.

retirebioteacher

We decided to make an impromptu last minute trip in hopes to catch the sand cranes. No birds at alamosa but thousands at and near the Monte Vista refuge. This is a sight and sound not to be missed.

JaySWarner

This is a beautiful place, peaceful, with lots of places to stop and bird watch or take pictures. I saw at least 7 species of birds in addition to the Sand Hill Cranes. The migration was over but some of them lingered. It is quiet and a good place to sit and look out over the water and think. It's worth the trip, and if you ever get to go to the Crane Festival you will see hundreds of cranes in migration and mingle with bird lovers from all over the world with many activities and educational opportunities.

Jean6564

The visitors center was supposed to be open but was not since the volunteer did not show up. The driving road was well marked, and although the signs were worn, they were readable. The Rio Grande river and the birds were interesting. Still worth a visit, but don't count on the visitor's center.

AF_Hiker

I recently visited both refuges. Both have an auto tour that is enjoyable. There are interpretive signs along the tour. You will see many species of birds, and if you're lucky beavers and deer. There is a visitor's center at Alamosa refuge, but it is open irregular hours, so call ahead. Both refuges are great to see and learn a little about the local ecosystem

greg2mar

Actually, we went to the Monte Vista NWR and had a great time taking the auto tour. None of us had ever seen a yellow-headed blackbird but we have now. As well as ducks, coots, Canadian Geese, hawks, etc. The sanctuary is nice & peaceful and you can hear all of the birds but not the traffic noise from the nearby road.

CSFowl

We have visited the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge numerous times. Sometimes there are 1000's of cranes and at other times none . When the weather is decent and La Veta pass is open we come down to the San Luis Valley every year . Our last visit was on Friday March 15th in the afternoon. What a treat, just south of the wildlife refuge auto loop was a field full of sand hill cranes as far as the eye could see. The sound of the cranes calling to one another is amazing.