COME TO LIFE 5 Monte Vista Crane Festival What better way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s majesty than watching thousands of birds with 6-foot wingspans dot the sky in front of the snowcapped San Juan Mountains? Now in its 43rd year, March’s Monte Vista Crane Festival is an activity-packed adventure. Events include a craft and nature fair, movie screenings, speakers and even expert-led bus tours in Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to learn about sandhill crane migrations. Keep your binoculars ready to spot other birds, too, including ducks, geese, owls, eagles and raptors. If you prefer to explore on your own, the refuge has a walking trail, interpretive auto-tour route and designated pull-offs to maximize your viewing opportunities. Make the most of it: Looking for an all-encompassing San Luis Valley trip? Just 40 miles east of Monte Vista are the tallest sand dunes in North America and an International Dark Sky Park — Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Monte Vista Crane Festival 6 International Snow Sculpting Championship Each January, visitors flock to this frosty fest in Breckenridge to watch pros from around the world gently coax intricate sculptures out of 25-ton blocks of snow. Over the course of five days, they create jaw-dropping and whimsical scenes of mythical creatures, larger-than-life natural wonders and elaborate abstract artworks — all without the use of power tools. Food trucks, hot cocoa, music performances and a beer garden keep things lively, and those in the know go around sunset to see golden hour’s sparkling effect on the frozen works of art. Make the most of it: Viewing the sculptures while they’re being carved is free, but timed-entry reservations may be required. After admiring the icy masterpieces, swing by the Breck Create arts district to craft something of your own. International Snow Sculpting Championship in Breckenridge 66 1-800-COLORADO PATRICK MYERS; BRECKENRIDGE TOURISM OFFICE
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 66
