Alamosa-Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Complex

A snowy egret.

A coyote on the prowl.

The Alamosa-Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Complex is in the San Luis Valley. Each year, the runoff from melting snow feeds the rivers and wetlands of the valley and provides habitat for migratory birds, as well as deer, elk, beavers and coyotes.

Each spring and fall, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate to the valley.

Monte Vista Refuge's 14,189 acres and Alamosa Refuge's 11,200 acres are crisscrossed with irrigation canals and wells to help maintain water levels in the wetland.

Hiking, wildlife watching and seasonal hunting for waterfowl and small game are among the visitor activities. Canoeing is possible on the Rio Grande, but it is not permitted through Alamosa Refuge.