Described by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as “a living dinosaur: [a] large ancient species known for its spectacular mating dance,” massive sandhill cranes have arrived by the thousands in Colorado – and you’re able to go see this natural spectacle in full view.

Weighing about 11 pounds, these cranes stand roughly four feet tall and can have a wingspan of up to seven feet wide, per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nearly the entire Rocky Mountain Population of the Greater sandhill crane species stops in the San Luis Valley twice a year – during a spring migration (late-February through March) and a fall migration (late-September through October). Per the Monte Vista Crane Festival viewing brochure, this means about 23,000 to 27,000 of these massive birds coming through the area each year.

This year, the Monte Vista Crane Festival is set to take place from March 6 through March 8, though viewing these birds without attending the festival is possible, too. The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and the Alamosa Refuge are good viewing spots, with Bluff Overlook also cited as a place that offers “beautiful views of wetlands and the surrounding mountains,” per the festival.

Making this bird species particularly unique is that members form breeding pairs that bond for life, with the typical lifespan often being in the range of 20 to 30 years. Per the festival, these bonds are “reinforced with a ‘dancing’ behavior,” that involves hopping and the flapping of wings. The vocalization the species make is noteworthy and memorable, too.

Find a viewing guide related to the Monte Vista Crane Festival here or learn more about attending the festival here. Find more information about the species from Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.

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