Cortez Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque southwestern region of Colorado, Cortez is a charming town that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush valleys, and mesmerizing desert landscapes, Cortez is the gateway to some of the most breathtaking national parks and ancient archaeological sites in the United States.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Mesa Verde National Park is an absolute must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, showcasing the incredible architectural prowess of the Ancestral Puebloans. Explore the ancient ruins, hike through the rugged canyons, and marvel at the intricate rock art that tells the stories of a bygone era.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes that surround Cortez. The nearby Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping amidst rugged canyons and towering sandstone formations. The park is also home to countless archaeological sites, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Native American cultures that once thrived in the region.

Adventure seekers will find their paradise in Cortez, with a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting trip down the Dolores River, go horseback riding through the scenic landscapes, or take a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway, a designated All-American Road that winds through the majestic San Juan Mountains.

After a day of exploration, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture of Cortez. Discover the town's rich Native American heritage at the Cortez Cultural Center, where you can enjoy traditional dances, art exhibits, and educational programs. Indulge in the flavors of the region at one of the many local restaurants, where you can savor delicious Southwestern cuisine infused with Native American influences.

Alternative names: Population: 8.7 thous.Area: 6.24 mi²Elevation: 6188 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°20'56"N, 108°34'55"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Cortez Top Attractions

Cortez Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cortez offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company Flume No. 6, Montezuma Valley National Bank and Store Building, Cortez City Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Archaeology tours • Tours • Archaeological site
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is a 170-acre research center and "living classroom" located in southwestern Colorado, US, which offers experiential education programs for students and adults.
37°20'52"N • 108°30'10"W
Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company Flume No. 6
Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company Flume No. 6, near Cortez, Colorado, was built in 1921. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
Neoclassical architecture
Montezuma Valley National Bank and Store Building
The Montezuma Valley National Bank and Store Building, at 2-8 Main St. in Cortez, Colorado, was built in 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. It was built by the Durango firm Stroehle & Lemmon, with stonework by local stonemason Peter Baxtrom and his son A.H. Baxtrom.

37°20'56"N • 108°34'59"W
Cortez City Hall
City hall
37°20'58"N • 108°35'3"W
Ertel Funeral Home
The Ertel Funeral Home, at 42 N. Market St. in Cortez, Colorado, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. It was designed by Denver architect Walter H. Simon, and "is an interesting interpretation of the Mission style that incorporates Pueblo Revival elements." It was built in 1936.
Neighbourhood
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1
The Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 is a public school district in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States, based in Cortez, Colorado, United States.

Day trips

Cortez – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cortez, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cliff Palace (Mesa Verde National Park), Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (Dolores), Four Corners Monument (Teec Nos Pos).

14 milesSE
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park
Nestled within the rugged landscape of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Cliff Palace stands as a testament to the ingenuity and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the region. This archaeological treasure, one of the most significant in the...
9 miN
History museum, Natural history museum, Museum
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, Dolores
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Dolores, Colorado, the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum serves as a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the region. This museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Ancestral Puebloans...
35 milesSW
Memorial, Monuments and statues, Park
Four Corners Monument, Teec Nos Pos
The Four Corners Monument is a unique historical landmark situated in the desert of the American Southwest, within the Navajo Nation. It is the only point in the United States shared by four states: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
39 milesE
Nature and wildlife, Museum, Specialty museum
Fish Hatchery, Durango
The Durango Fish Hatchery is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife cold water fish production facility located near the Animas River in Durango, Colorado. The hatchery staff raise rainbow, brown, Snake River and native cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
47 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Wilson, Lizard Head Wilderness
Mount Wilson is the highest summit of the San Miguel Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent 14,252-foot fourteener is located in the Lizard Head Wilderness of San Juan National Forest, 10.6 miles north by east of the Town of Rico in Dolores County, Colorado, United States.