Alamosa Wildlife Refuge | Photo: @ranchlands
Out of the 500 bird species native to Colorado, over 300 can be found in San Luis Valley—and they’re not just visiting for the views. Our valley acts as one of North America’s most significant stopovers for migratory bird species as they make their way back and forth across the Central Flyway, which spans between Canada’s Boreal Forest to Mexico’s Highlands. While both ends of the Central Flyway are paramount to the bird’s breeding and wintering seasons, finding a consistently favorable stopover in between is integral for these weary travelers to find some rest after a long flight.
This stopover is mutually beneficial to the health of our ecosystems as these migratory birds distribute key nutrients, balance the food chain, and strengthen local biodiversity. The end result? The San Luis Valley becomes a more inviting place for a wide range of wildlife making it an outstanding destination for nature lovers. In addition to the waterfowl, sandhill cranes, great blue herons and numerous other migratory birds that frequent the area, there’s a long-list of residential avian species that can be spotted regularly.
Explore the best wildlife viewing spaces the San Luis Valley has to offer.
Photo: @hauserhandcraftedFinding a venue for bird and wildlife watching isn’t difficult around these parts. One of the choice locations to visit is the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, a group of three disparate but nearby refuge areas containing over 199,000 acres of vibrant ecosystems. Together, they are the Alamosa-Monte Vista-Baca Wildlife Refuge areas. Now connected by one administrative team striving toward the goal of improved conservation efforts, each of the three locations has something special to offer—not to mention breathtaking views!
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Photo: @josetorresphotoThe Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers an outstanding wildlife watching venue in itself, packed with layers of naturally diverse ecosystems spanning dunefield to alpine tundra. Over 250 bird species have been identified within the park alone. For a complete list of residential wildlife provided by the Great Sand Dunes National Park, click here.
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Photo: @travelexplorephotosSan Luis Lakes is a state park offering a wide variety of recreation and wildlife viewing all in one. With close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes, visitors can camp, fish, and even motorboat (conditions permitting) on the lake while enjoying the vast views of the valley.
Dig Deeper >Whether it’s your first time out or you’re an avid nature lover, being a responsible traveler helps protect yourself and our outdoor spaces. Click the buttons below to uncover tried and true wildlife viewing tips.
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On average, Alamosa receives nearly 300 days of sunshine each year along with high temps during the summer months. It’s a good idea to pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and sun protection for any outing.
Respect the distance of wildlife by viewing with binoculars and assuring there’s more than enough space between you and the animal. This helps assure your safety and mitigates disturbance within their natural ecosystem.
Leave the trail better than you found it so the next visitor can enjoy it all the same.
Humans aren't the only ones that find the valley a heavenly sanctuary. Every year tens of thousands of migratory birds and other wildlife make their home in and around th ...
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Baca National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the San Luis Valley Refuge Complex and is within the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.
This 17-mile self-guided tour traverses through a well-preserved mining area just North of Creed, Colorado. Visitors can choose to drive through, hike, or cycle their way ...
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Recognized as a Dark Sky Park in 2019, the Great Sand Dunes National Park has since become an increasingly popular destination for those searching for a unique yet i ...
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Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is located in the San Luis Valley, a high mountain basin located in south-central Colorado. It’s one of three national wildlife refug ...
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Previously one of the largest iron ore-producing mines in Colorado, the Orient Mine is full of history... not to mention many other surprises! Today the mine is home to o ...
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The Rio Grande National Forest is considered to be one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Rio Grande National Forest o ...
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Neighboring the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this wildlife area is ideal for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related recreation.
Please Note:
A valid hunti ...
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The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area is a breathtakingly rugged and beautifully preserved area located immediately to the Northwest of Alamosa. Standing tall behind the G ...
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Float the Rio
By the time the Rio Grande reaches Alamosa, it has slowed down to a leisurely pace. This makes the waters perfect for floating! This stretch is also popula ...
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