The status of the greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida) was studied in the Piceance Basin Wildlife Management Area of northwestern Colorado from February to May 1976. Greater sandhill cranes were observed to determine if they danced, staged or nested in the Piceance Basin. Habitat factors considered were water, feeding meadows, nesting cover, minimal disturbances, along with the conflicts of proposed oil shale developments. Although one whooping and five sandhill crane sightings were recorded during the spring of 1976, no cranes remained in the area longer than three days. No evidence of cranes dancing, staging, or nesting was found. Results indicate that cranes utilize Piceance Basin during migration as a rest stop and feeding area to avoid nocturnal flying and/or oncoming storm fronts.