The 42nd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival Returns to the San Luis Valley. Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds follow a long route during their seasonal migrations. Along the way, there are many places where you can stop and view these beautiful creatures. So what makes the Monte Vista Crane Festival unique? We believe it is a combination of unmatched scenery, exceptional wildlife viewing, and the friendly, welcoming communities of the San Luis Valley. At the Monte Vista Crane Festival you can enjoy thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and geese flying against a backdrop of mountain scenery. Raptors will adorn the power poles and owls will be sitting with their young. A visit to the Monte Vista Crane Festival is an opportunity to see an amazing natural spectacle as well as experience a unique rural community.

Schedule Of Events

March 7, 2025

Crane Viewing
7:00-9:00 : Morning Crane Viewing
4:00-6:00 : Evening Crane Viewing

Special Tour
10:00 : Blanca Wetlands
10:30 : Trinche Ranch Tour Lunch
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM : J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Research Facility
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM : Home Lake Guided Birding

Special Events
5:30 AM - 6:30 PM : In Light of Nature Photography Workshop
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM : Sip 'n Paint at the Historic Windsor Hotel
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM : Migration Mini Film Festival

Talk
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM : Optics 101
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM : Crane Basics
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM : Arts and Advocacy for Conservation
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM : Crane Basics
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM : Wildlife Detection Dogs: Conservation's Canine Heroes

Expo
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM : Craft & Nature Fair

March 8, 2025

Crane Viewing
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM : Morning Crane Viewing
4:00-6:00 : Evening Crane Viewing

Special Tour
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM : History, Fishies, and Elk? – Tour the Baca National Wildlife Refuge
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM : Elephant Rocks
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM : MVNWR Spring Creek Archeological Site Tour

Special Events
5:30 AM - 6:30 PM : In Light of Nature Photography Workshop
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Gel Printing Workshop
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Plein Air Painting Workshop
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM : Keynote: A World on the Wing

Talk
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM : Optics 101
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM : Raptors of the Rocky Mountain West
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Birds and Jaguars of the Pantanal, Brazil
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM : Crane Basics
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM : White-Faced Ibis and Wetland Conservation
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Understanding and Protecting the Migratory Monarch in Colorado

Expo
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM : Craft & Nature Fair

March 9, 2025

Crane Viewing
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM : Morning Crane Viewing

Special Tour
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM : Behind the Scenes Tour of Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM : RiGHT Tour of Bee's Preserve

Special Events
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM : In Light of Nature Photography Workshop
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM : Celebrating Cranes: Brush Painting Workshop

Talk
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM : All About Owls

Expo
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM : Craft & Nature Fair

Date : March 7-9, 2025

Location : Various Venues In Monte Vista, CO

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