Sandhill Crane Migration

Sandhill cranes fly near San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area, on the southwest edge of the national park. Photo taken with a telephoto lens; the dunes are visible in the background.

NPS/Patrick Myers

Sandhill cranes are an icon of the San Luis Valley - majestic, large, and wild. One of 250 bird species found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, they are a delightful part of the area’s natural diversity.

Over 20,000 cranes spend part of their spring and fall each year in this valley. These are primarily greater sandhill cranes, a larger species than the lesser sandhill cranes that migrate through the Midwest. After wintering in southern New Mexico, they begin to arrive in the San Luis Valley in early February, while winter temperatures may still drop below zero degrees F at night. While here, they build up energy by feasting on grains in agricultural fields and natural grasslands, as well as aquatic invertebrates and amphibians in wetlands. Cranes mate for life, and each spring they renew their bond through a courtship ritual that includes dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air. They leave again by late March for the northern US and Canada, where they raise their young. In fall, they begin to arrive back in the San Luis Valley in late September, and some stay through mid-to-late November. A few flocks may overwinter.

In general, cranes are in fields during daylight hours, and in wetlands from sunset to sunrise, though they sometimes return to wetlands mid-day for water and rest.

Sandill Crane Locations

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is most often the hotspot for crane viewing and activity in the valley, because the refuge features both barley fields and wetlands. Take Highway 15 south from Monte Vista 6 miles; drive on roads in and around the refuge to look for cranes. There are pullouts on Highway 15 and Road 8S.

Farm Fields
To drive to Monte Vista NWR from Great Sand Dunes, take Lane 6N west, go one mile south through Mosca, then take Lane 5N to Highway 285 south to the refuge. Cranes are often seen in fields along this route. Please respect private property; only view from the roadside.

San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area is located 15 miles west of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center on County Lane 6. The large lake, open year round, is a potential location to view cranes flying to nearby wetlands at dawn and dusk. Some cranes may land on the north shore of the large lake, but most prefer the wetlands to the north. These wetlands are closed February 15 - July 15 for nesting season, so plan to enter the wetland area only in early February or during the fall migration. Park at the north end of the large lake and walk into the wetland area. In drier years, the lakes may not have water.

Rio Grande State Wildlife Area is located northeast of Monte Vista. Watch for cranes in fields and wetlands in and near the wildlife area. In the drier fall season, when many wetlands are dried up, cranes may especially seek out areas closer to the Rio Grande that have available water.

Great Sand Dunes National Park
A few hundred cranes feed and roost in wetlands within the boundaries of the national park, but this remote area is not accessible to the general public. The Nature Conservancy privately owns this land and manages a large herd of bison here.