Date Hiked: December 29, 2022

Distance: 0.4 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation: 7,650 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 37.48580, -106.14461

Managing Agency: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Fee: None

Directions:

From the Town of Monte Vista, head south on CO 115 (Gunbarrel Road) for about 6.5 miles to the entrance and visitor center of the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Turn left onto a good dirt road and drive for just a few seconds to the trailhead.

Hike Description:

The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge along the western part of the San Luis Valley, in between Alamosa and Del Norte, is world famous as a birding destination due to the bi-annual sandhill crane migrations in the spring and fall.  If you are not that into birding, this is still a scenic and peaceful place to come and do a short nature hike.  

The Monte Vista Nature Trail is only about half a mile long but it is a beautiful half mile.  The entire hike has those classic wide open San Luis Valley views as well as a look at the eastern edge of the foothills of the San Juan Mountains.  A sleepy little pond and tall grasses add to the landscape.  It’s almost impossible not to relax on this pleasant little trail.