Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

The artificially created wetlands on Monte Vista NWR"s 14,804 acres are intensively managed to provide habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other water birds. Mallards, pintail, teal, and Canada geese are common, as are American avocets, killdeer, white-faced ibis, egrets, and herons. Irrigation canals and wells provide precious water to maintain important wetland habitat.

The entire Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes migrate biannually through the Monte Vista NWR and the San Luis Valley each year. These cranes collectively spend more time in the San Luis Valley than at their wintering and breeding grounds, making it a crucial migratory stopover for this population. The Monte Vista Crane Festival is held annually in early March to celebrate the return of the cranes.

Directions:
The headquarters for both Refuges is located at Alamosa NWR, 4 miles east of the town of Alamosa, Colorado, on Highway 160 and 2 miles south on El Rancho Lane. Monte Vista NWR is located 6 miles south of the town of Monte Vista on Highway 15.

Address:
9383 El Rancho Lane
Alamosa, CO 81101

Phone:
719-589-4021

Email:
alamosa@fws.gov

Website:
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

Organization:
FWS - Fish and Wildlife Service