The Monte Vista Walking Trail is located approximately 6 miles south of Monte Vista on Highway 15. The trail is on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges Complex. The trail was created by the Friends of the San Luis Valley and is 0.5 miles long. The Monte Vista Walking Trial is located near the beginning of the auto tour.
In the spring and fall 95% of the Rocky Mountain population of Sandhill cranes migrate through the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the only major spring and fall migration stopover for the Rocky Mountain population of the Greater Sandhill cranes. There are approximately 21,000 Sandhill cranes that migrate biannually through this area.
The Monte Vista Refuge has artificially created wetlands that 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.
The trail is maintained by the Refuge staff and the Friends of the San Luis Valley. It is used by a variety of visitors, from school children on field trips to people just out enjoying the day.
