Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge - Monte Vista, CO
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Dog-Friendly Park Guide
Discover the natural beauty and pet-friendly trails at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, a scenic outdoor destination in Monte Vista, Colorado. This wildlife refuge is especially popular for birdwatchers, with vibrant sightings of red-winged blackbirds, various duck breeds, and the famous migrating cranes, set against impressive mountain backdrops. Visitors and their leashed dogs can enjoy easy-to-navigate gravel loop roads, short hiking trails into wetlands, and plenty of open space for a relaxing adventure.
While there’s no official fenced dog park, pet owners can still enjoy scenic dog-friendly hiking around the refuge. Parking is available at the official entrance on State Highway 15, about 6 miles south of Monte Vista. For those seeking quiet walks, wildlife photography, or a peaceful place to stroll with their pets, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a unique spot worth visiting—especially if you’re exploring the San Luis Valley or nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park.
FAQs for Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the wildlife refuge features gravel loop roads and short trails into the wetlands for visitors to explore with their pets.
- Where is the best place to park? The official visitor parking area is located off State Highway 15, approximately 6 miles south of Monte Vista, Colorado.
Reviews
right off the highway… perfect spot to catch cranes
right off the highway… perfect spot to catch cranes
right off the highway… perfect spot to catch cranes
Beautiful area, but we didn’t see any Sandhill Cranes, which is why we came.
But the walks and drive through this area is stunning.
Lots of other birds to view.
Beautiful area, but we didn’t see any Sandhill Cranes, which is why we came.
But the walks and drive through this area is stunning.
Lots of other birds to view.
Beautiful area, but we didn’t see any Sandhill Cranes, which is why we came.
But the walks and drive through this area is stunning.
Lots of other birds to view.
We visited Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge on a weekday afternoon and were rewarded with gorgeous mountain backdrops, golden late-day light, and a variety of birds including red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl, ducks, and even a woodpecker or two. The refuge has a long gravel loop road with clearly marked pullouts and short trails into the wetlands, making it easy to explore.
That said, be aware that Google Maps will misdirect you into the middle of nowhere inside the preserve instead of the visitor center and parking area. To avoid losing time (we wasted over 30 minutes), you’ll need to take State Highway 15, about 6 miles south of the town of Monte Vista, where the official entrance and parking are located.
Overall, the scenery and birdwatching were beautiful, but because of the frustrating directions we’re giving it 3 stars. Once you find the proper entrance, it’s a lovely and worthwhile stop, especially near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
We visited Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge on a weekday afternoon and were rewarded with gorgeous mountain backdrops, golden late-day light, and a variety of birds including red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl, ducks, and even a woodpecker or two. The refuge has a long gravel loop road with clearly marked pullouts and short trails into the wetlands, making it easy to explore.
That said, be aware that Google Maps will misdirect you into the middle of nowhere inside the preserve instead of the visitor center and parking area. To avoid losing time (we wasted over 30 minutes), you’ll need to take State Highway 15, about 6 miles south of the town of Monte Vista, where the official entrance and parking are located.
Overall, the scenery and birdwatching were beautiful, but because of the frustrating directions we’re giving it 3 stars. Once you find the proper entrance, it’s a lovely and worthwhile stop, especially near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
We visited Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge on a weekday afternoon and were rewarded with gorgeous mountain backdrops, golden late-day light, and a variety of birds including red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl, ducks, and even a woodpecker or two. The refuge has a long gravel loop road with clearly marked pullouts and short trails into the wetlands, making it easy to explore.
That said, be aware that Google Maps will misdirect you into the middle of nowhere inside the preserve instead of the visitor center and parking area. To avoid losing time (we wasted over 30 minutes), you’ll need to take State Highway 15, about 6 miles south of the town of Monte Vista, where the official entrance and parking are located.
Overall, the scenery and birdwatching were beautiful, but because of the frustrating directions we’re giving it 3 stars. Once you find the proper entrance, it’s a lovely and worthwhile stop, especially near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Lots of different duck breeds this time of year. Falls and Spring have so many migrating birds.