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Trail
2.6 mile
4.1 kilometer
point to point
Easy
Elevation
Ascent:
10'
3 m
Descent: -24' -7 m
High: 7,660' 2,335 m
Low: 7,638' 2,328 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 0% (0°)
Max Grade: 1% (0°)
Dogs
Unknown
Weather
Unknown
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“A multi-use loop on a dirt road with informational signs and opportunities to spot local and migrating wildlife.”
— Zander Göpfert
Features
Birding · Views · Wildlife
Family Friendly
A wide, flat, easily-accessible road with informational signs that teach about the local wildlife.
Description
This loop is the best way to experience the Wildlife Refuge. There is parking and two restrooms at the Visitor Center and educational signage along the way. There seemed to be a water spigot but it wasn't clear if the water was potable. The Visitor Center office is run by volunteers and was closed on the day (Friday) that we were there.
Beyond getting to explore the refuge, the views east toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains and west toward the foothills of the San Juans are beautiful.
Each year in the beginning of March, an estimated 30,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes migrate from Arizona, New Mexico, and areas near the Mexican border through San Luis Valley. The Monte Vista Crane Festival takes place each year, using the Wildlife Refuge as its base.
Beyond getting to explore the refuge, the views east toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains and west toward the foothills of the San Juans are beautiful.
Each year in the beginning of March, an estimated 30,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes migrate from Arizona, New Mexico, and areas near the Mexican border through San Luis Valley. The Monte Vista Crane Festival takes place each year, using the Wildlife Refuge as its base.
Hiked this trail?
We need help with the following missing trail information:
ADA Accessible, Need to Know, Dogs Allowed, Flora & Fauna
Contacts
Land Manager: USFWS - Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Dec 31, 1969: "Dragonflying" is Taking Off
Dec 31, 1969: Youth in the Great Outdoors
Apr 8, 2013: Busy Time on Refuge Web Cams
Hiking Project is part of the REI Co-op family,
where a life outdoors is a life well lived.
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