12th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival

Enjoy Greater Sandhill Cranes during Labor Day weekend in the beautiful setting of Northwest Colorado! The 12th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival takes place August 31 – September 3, 2023 in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig, Colorado. The festival presents favorite crane, bird, and nature activities including guided crane viewing and bird walks, a demonstration with live raptors, bird art exhibits, workshops, documentary films, and expert speakers. The 2023 keynote speaker is Dr. Rich Beilfuss, president and CEO of the International Crane Foundation. Other featured speakers include Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation; Steve Burrows, acclaimed author and writer of birder, murder, mystery novels; and CCCC’s Executive Director, Erin Gelling. Crane experts Sandra Noll & Erv Nichols lead guided crane viewings and present a “Cranes 101” talk. Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine (with assistance from Andrew Floyd) leads guided bird walks and offers a special presentation during the community picnic. Nature’s Educators showcases live raptors up close during a special presentation. The complete schedule will be available July 1 at www.coloradocranes.org. Send questions to info@coloradocranes.org.