Founded in the late 1800s, Monte Vista served first as a train stop and supply center for the San Juan Mountain mining communities. The community gradually evolved into the regional center for the Upper San Luis Valley agricultural industry.

A Colorado Main Street community since 2006, Monte Vista has always been known for the beauty of its streets, older residential homes, and parks. Monte Vista’s historic downtown architecture showcases a blend of the Anglo influence of the north and the Hispanic predominance of the south.

Today Monte Vista is also well-known by two of its signature events: the Annual Crane Festival, which celebrates the annual migration of sandhill cranes as they stop off at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge each spring, and the nationally known Ski Hi Stamped Rodeo, Colorado’s oldest professional rodeo, held each summer.

Visit www.ci.monte-vista.co.us or www.monte-vista.org for more information.

Attractions in Monte Vista