Upcoming Events and Environmental Updates in Monte Vista

As we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is organizing a series of community events to raise awareness about the current environmental conditions in the San Luis Valley.

The inaugural Sip N Science event is scheduled for this Friday at Del Norte's Trade and Post. Local water experts Pat McDermott and Catherine Hunt will lead discussions in a relaxed setting, aiming to engage the community in understanding the environmental dynamics affecting our region.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be available via podcast. We hope you find it informative and engaging.

Outdoor Conditions

The Rio Grande is currently not frozen enough to support the upcoming Rio Frio Ice Festival's 5K race. Dalton Carleo, the City of Alamosa Recreation Division Manager and race organizer, stated, "We are looking at a dry land route this year. The river and pond are not safe this year." The race will proceed on an alternative course; participants are advised to dress warmly for the chilly weekend.

A significant storm is approaching the eastern and southern United States. While it may bring some snow to Colorado this weekend, the reversal of the La Niña system suggests that the Valley will remain warm and sunny for now, with potential moisture arriving in the spring.

Calendar of Events

Rio Frio Ice Fest

The Rio Frio Ice Fest is set to commence this Friday, January 23, with the theme "Legends of the Ice." The weekend's activities include:

- Friday: Race packet pickup from 6-7:30 p.m. at Knee Knockers Tavern and a Cross Country Luminaria Ski at Blanca Vista Pond at 6 p.m.

- Saturday: The Rio Frio 5K at Cole Park, followed by ice carving demonstrations, disc golf and cornhole tournaments, and the Fire and Ice Bonfire.

- Sunday: A polar plunge with the mayor at the Blanca Vista Ponds.

For more information, please contact the race director at dcarleo@alamosa.gov.

Sip N Science

The first Sip N Science event is happening Friday, January 23, at the Trade & Post in Del Norte. In collaboration with the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, this series aims to blend science, stewardship, and community connection. The upcoming session will focus on snow and its impact on the Valley's ecosystem, covering topics such as:

- The importance of snow modeling

- How mountain snowpack feeds rivers, aquifers, and wetlands

- Changes in snowmelt timing and annual flows

- The uniqueness of the San Luis Valley's water system

Events are donation-based and open to all.

SLV T.U. Winter Gathering

The San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited Winter Gathering is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at 11 a.m. at An Angler’s Bookcase in South Fork. Shop owner and sporting book collector Craig Douglas will present on collecting sporting books, including how to start a collection, identify first editions, evaluate book condition, and preserve book value. This free event offers a chance to explore the heritage of fly fishing while enjoying one of Colorado’s unique fly-fishing bookstores.

Crane Fest

The 43rd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival is set for March 6-8. Celebrate the migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes through the San Luis Valley with crafts, local art, speakers, and tours. This year's keynote speaker is author and cartoonist Rosemary Mosco, who will provide a humorous exploration of birds, blending art, science, and history. Tickets are available now.

Outdoor News

Wolf Confirmed on the Valley Floor

A Colorado gray wolf, identified as wolf 2516, was confirmed to have spent the first days of 2026 in the San Luis Valley. Rick Basagoita, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Manager, confirmed that the traveling female was in the Valley on January 2 and 3 before moving northward. Local landowner Loren Buss was alerted by wildlife officials about the wolf's presence near Monte Vista.

Wolf 2504 Killed in Northwest Colorado

Female wolf 2504 was found dead in northwestern Colorado over the weekend. Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced the death but did not provide details on the cause or location. This marks the 12th wolf death since reintroduction in December 2023 and the seventh of 15 wolves from British Columbia to have died in Colorado.

Federal Order: Expand Hunting and Fishing Access

The federal Bureau of Land Management is working through a new order issued on January 7 by U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, calling for more public lands to be opened to hunting and fishing by removing unnecessary barriers. Local staff are reviewing current restrictions, including those at the Blanca Wetlands, which are under annual closure from February 15 to July 15.

Wolverines Coming Back to Colorado

Colorado is preparing to reintroduce wolverines into its wilds, following bipartisan legislation passed in 2024. Robert Inman, Ph.D., Colorado’s leading wolverine expert, presented plans to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, indicating that the state could host between 100 to 120 wolverines in the future.

Cuchara Opens

For the first time in 25 years, Cuchara Mountain's Chairlift 4 is operational, taking skiers and snowboarders to the top of the hill. The reopening is the result of efforts by volunteers from the Cuchara Foundation in Huerfano County, aiming to expand the park's acreage in the future.

Fort Carson Soldiers Charged for Poaching

Two active-duty Fort Carson soldiers, Army Sgt. Jacob Curtis Keyser and Army Staff Sgt. Juan Salcedo, have been charged with poaching five mule deer on Fort Carson and state land. The charges are misdemeanors, with fines totaling over $27,000 and potential hunting and fishing suspensions.

We encourage the community to participate in these events and stay informed about the environmental developments in our region.