Monte Vista Crane Festival 2026 Tickets

Your all-access pass to the heart of the Monte Vista Crane Festival. This General Admission ticket includes entry to ALL expert talks throughout the weekend, AND the 2025 Keynote with acclaimed cartoonist, naturalist, and author Rosemary Mosco. With one simple ticket, you can move freely between talks, explore the festival, and build your own weekend experience—no add-ons or juggling schedules required. Whether you’re here for conservation, creativity, photography, or just the magic of cranes in the San Luis Valley, this pass gives you full access to the festival’s core programming. What This Ticket Includes: ✔ Festival entry all weekend ✔ 14 expert talks covering cranes, conservation, ecology, art, and storytelling ✔ Optics & photography talks, plus photography and editing presentations ✔ Keynote presentation with Rosemary Mosco ✔ One simple, all-inclusive ticket for talks and keynote REMINDER: Access to the Craft & Nature Fair, exhibitors, and informal programming is FREE to all. No ticket Required. What This Ticket Does Not Include: ✘ Bus tours or guided field trips ✘ Hands-on workshops or art classes ✘ Special ticketed events, films, or off-site programs ✘ Transportation, meals, or lodging (Tours, workshops, and special events require separate tickets due to limited capacity.)

Skip the cold and ride in style. This guided crane tour takes you out to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge aboard a comfortable charter bus, complete with heating, cushioned seating, and a sound system so you won’t miss a thing. Your guides will help you spot cranes and other wildlife while sharing stories about the San Luis Valley and one of North America’s most iconic migrations. It’s the easiest — and warmest — way to experience Crane Festival. Seats are limited and tours often sell out. This ticket is required for the bus tour and is separate from General Admission. What’s included: Climate-controlled charter bus transportation Expert wildlife and refuge guides Prime crane viewing locations Comfortable seating with onboard audio Good to know: Tour duration: approximately 2 hours Meet-up location: Ski-Hi Complex Bring warm layers and water Restrooms available at the refuge

Join us for a guided midday charter bus tour focused on waterfowl of the San Luis Valley. From the comfort of a climate-controlled bus, learn to identify ducks, geese, and other waterfowl using key field marks, behaviors, and seasonal patterns. Stops along the route offer opportunities to observe birds in the field and ask questions. Ideal for both beginners and experienced birders looking to sharpen their skills. Seats are limited and tours often sell out. This ticket is required for the bus tour and is separate from General Admission. What’s included: Climate-controlled charter bus transportation Expert wildlife and refuge guides Prime waterfowl viewing locations Comfortable seating with onboard audio Good to know: Tour duration: approximately 2 hours Meet-up location: Ski-Hi Complex Bring warm layers and water Restrooms available at the refuge

In partnership with SLV GO!, join expert guides for small-group bird walks at three outstanding San Luis Valley locations. Walks take place Friday–Sunday, with identical walks happening simultaneously at each site. This ticket is for walks at the Oxbow Trail System in Alamosa. Each walk is limited to 12 participants and requires a ticket. Participants must meet guides at the walk location—there is no transportation from Ski Hi Complex. Please bring water, binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Dress for changing weather conditions. These walks are suitable for beginners and experienced birders alike.

In partnership with SLV GO!, join expert guides for small-group bird walks at three outstanding San Luis Valley locations. Walks take place Friday–Sunday, with identical walks happening simultaneously at each site. This ticket is for walks at Smith Reservoir SWA in Blanca. Each walk is limited to 12 participants and requires a ticket. Participants must meet guides at the walk location—there is no transportation from Ski Hi Complex. Please bring water, binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Dress for changing weather conditions. These walks are suitable for beginners and experienced birders alike.

In partnership with SLV GO!, join expert guides for small-group bird walks at three outstanding San Luis Valley locations. Walks take place Friday–Sunday, with identical walks happening simultaneously at each site. This ticket is for walks at Smith Reservoir SWA in Blanca. Each walk is limited to 12 participants and requires a ticket. Participants must meet guides at the walk location—there is no transportation from Ski Hi Complex. Please bring water, binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Dress for changing weather conditions. These walks are suitable for beginners and experienced birders alike.

Discover the cutting-edge conservation efforts at the J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Research Facility near Alamosa. Led by facility manager Rick Romero and staff, this two-hour interactive tour showcases the unique work being done to protect and propagate over a dozen native aquatic species, including endangered fish and amphibians like the boreal toad. After the tour, enjoy self-guided exploration of the adjacent Playa Blanca State Wildlife Area for opportunities to spot sandhill cranes and other wildlife. Details: - Meet at the facility at 10:45 - 6655 South County Rd 106 Alamosa, CO 81101 - Duration: Approx. 2 hours for the tour, plus optional wildlife viewing. - What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, water, binoculars, and clothing for variable conditions. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn about vital conservation efforts in Colorado!

Join local ornithologist and author John Rawinski for a 1.5-hour guided birding tour at Home Lake, a hotspot for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Suitable for all skill levels, this easy walk covers less than a mile on level ground. Binoculars recommended; spotting scopes may be available. Details: - Meet: Monte Vista Middle School parking lot, 10:00 AM. - What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Join Esteban Salazar of SLV GO! for a “Hiking in History” walk through Penitente Canyon, exploring the untold stories of Genízaros (detribalized Native people), Indo-Hispano lifeways, and settler colonialism across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. This guided walk offers insight into the cultural and historic significance of the canyon and honors the people who stewarded this land long before it became a recreation destination. Know Before You Go: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water/snacks. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead. Trail maps can be found at the kiosk. Directions: From Highway 285 turn west on County Road G, travel about 6 miles to La Garita follow County Road 38A until you see the Penitente Canyon turn off on your right, less than a mile.

Step back over 12,000 years with expert Esteban Salazar (SLV GO!) on this exclusive tour of the Spring Creek Site, located on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Typically closed to the public, this site reveals the rich history of Pleistocene megafauna and the people who thrived in the lush San Luis Valley through changing climates.

Explore the rich history and unique wildlife of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge with Manager Ty Benally. Discover its designation as a Rural Historic Landscape, efforts to restore Rio Grande Sucker and Chub populations, and the legacy of the Baca Land Grant No. 4. Weather permitting, enjoy a guided tour to experience the refuge’s beauty and possibly spot an elk herd. A perfect blend of history and nature! Details: - Meet your guide at the Baca NWR Visitor's center. See directions below. - Dress for the weather! Tour will involve spending some time outside. - Bring sturdy footwear and water. Directions: The Baca NWR office is located approximately 10.5 miles east of Highway 17 on the south side of County Road T. The gate at the end of the driveway is between two large timbers, with "Luis Maria Baca Grant" in cast iron lettering above it.

Go behind the scenes with recently retired Refuge Manager Suzanne Beauchaine to explore the hidden wonders of the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. Witness wintering bald eagles, migrating waterfowl, and possibly porcupines, deer, elk, and coyotes. Learn about the Refuge’s year-round habitat conservation efforts and experience its secret places during this exclusive tour. Details: When: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Where: Alamosa NWR Visitor Center (7824 El Rancho Ln., Alamosa, CO) A unique look at the Valley’s incredible wildlife and conservation!

Join the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust for "Cranes, Cows, and Cocktails", a guided tour of one of RiGHT’s conserved properties where you can explore working lands that provide vital habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. The tour will include a guided walk of the property, a presentation on how private working lands and conservation help sustain agricultural livelihoods, wildlife habitat, and water resources, and a cocktail featuring Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye (a locally crafted rye whiskey made from grain grown right here in the San Luis Valley). This event offers a chance to ask questions, learn more about private lands conservation, and connect with the landscape, all while enjoying a drink inspired by the Valley’s agricultural roots.

Join artist Amanda Charlton Hurley for a relaxing "Sip 'n Paint" event at the historic Windsor Hotel in Del Norte. Enjoy your favorite drink while Amanda guides you step-by-step in creating a stunning nature scene featuring the iconic sandhill cranes. Whether you're a seasoned painter or new to the canvas, this creative experience promises fun, inspiration, and a masterpiece to take home! Your ticket includes all materials and a drink coupon.

Start your day behind the lens with this relaxed, hands-on photography workshop designed for all skill levels. We’ll spend the morning exploring light, composition, and techniques for capturing compelling images in an outdoor setting. The workshop will include guided instruction, time to practice, and opportunities to ask questions and get feedback. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, you’ll come away with practical tips and fresh inspiration for photographing the natural world.

Cartooning can promote conservation and help you capture your favorite nature experiences. In this fun, playful workshop, learn the basics of making nature cartoons with Rosemary Mosco, creator of the award-winning comic Bird and Moon. No drawing skills required and all ages are welcome! There is a small amount of writing, so parents, feel free to join in if help is required.

Join artist Denny Wetmore for an outdoor painting adventure at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge. Explore the art of capturing landscapes and wildlife in watercolor and gouache with Denny’s expert guidance. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and dress warmly for the elements. In case of snow, we’ll relocate to Ski Hi or the Church Project for an indoor session.

Gel printing is a versatile way of making monoprints using a variety of techniques, including image transfers and layering acrylic paint, then creating texture with recycled goods. This fun workshop is great for all levels of experience. Learn a new way of making art and check out Monte Vista's new community arts center!

Join Crestone artist Leigha Nicole for this beginner-friendly Brush Painting workshop! In this class, you will learn traditional Chinese Brush Painting techniques to create a work of Crane art on flexible “Moon Shikishi” card stock that is immediately ready for framing. Artists will be painting a beautiful flying Crane using Po Mo brush strokes so, you can bring home your own hand-painted masterpiece from Crane Fest!

Join artist Macey Sigaty for an introductory linocut printmaking workshop at The Church Project. This hands-on class will introduce the basics of linoleum block carving and relief printing, from designing and carving a block to inking and pulling prints. Participants will have time to experiment, ask questions, and create their own prints in a supportive, creative environment. No prior printmaking experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.