About Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
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 refuges in the Valley that provides crucial feeding, resting, and breeding habitat for over 200 bird species and other wildlife. Alamosa and Monte Vista Refuges are located at the south-central end of the Valley and Baca Refuge is located at the north end. The Refuge’s wetlands are artificially made and intensively managed to provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other water birds. Water from irrigation canals and wells maintain this important wetland habitat. Mallards, pintails, teals, and Canada geese are common, as are American avocets, killdeers, white-faced ibises, egrets, and herons.
How to Get There
Directions to Monte Vista Refuge: From the town of Monte Vista, drive south on State Hwy 15 (Gunbarrel Road) for 6 miles to the entrance of the wildlife. The small office and visitor contact station at the Refuge is located at the start of the Wildlife Drive. The visitor contact station is operated by volunteers and may not be open on a regular schedule. All brochures and refuge information will be posted in the kiosk located near the entrance of the Wildlife Drive. For more information, please call us at 719-589-4021 or by email at alamosa@fws.gov. You can also contact Friends of the San Luis Valley Refuges for more information.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1523) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
Directions to Monte Vista Refuge: From the town of Monte Vista, drive south on State Hwy 15 (Gunbarrel Road) for 6 miles to the entrance of the wildlife. The small office and visitor contact station at the Refuge is located at the start of the Wildlife Drive. The visitor contact station is operated by volunteers and may not be open on a regular schedule. All brochures and refuge information will b…
How do I contact Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 719-589-4021 or email: Alamosa@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
