The Monte Vista Crane Festival is an annual event held in Monte Vista, Colorado, celebrating the migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes through the San Luis Valley. Each spring, typically in early March, these majestic birds rest and feed in the wetlands and agricultural fields of the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, offering a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. The festival features guided crane viewing tours, educational talks by renowned experts, photography workshops, and a craft and nature fair organized by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can enjoy the sight of cranes, ducks, geese, and raptors set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The 42nd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival is scheduled for March 7-9, 2025. While the festival is centered in Monte Vista, its proximity to Blanca, Colorado, makes it an accessible and enriching experience for residents and visitors in the Blanca area.