Festivals, archaeology & local culture create memorable adventures in Cortez
The thriving, tree-shaded town of Cortez is ringed by mountains, mesas and miles of rolling sage plains.
A short drive in any direction will deliver you to fabulous areas of learning and discovery. Cortez, known as the archaeological center of America, is home to Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Cortez offers an impressive array of parks, trails, natural areas, and preserves — 294 acres of them — including a Disc Golf Course and an outdoor pool with a 125 foot double loop water slide. The beautiful Cortez Recreation Center has something for every age group, with pools, a climbing wall, racquetball courts, and a fitness area.
Cortez has a wide variety of lodging, shopping and dining opportunities including local breweries and wineries. A weekly Farmer's Market features locally produced organic vegetables, fruits, honey, baked goods and live music. Several exceptional galleries and trading posts reflect the culture and creativity of the southwest. And for a real Wild West Experience every June, don't miss the Ute Mountain Round-up Rodeo at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Cortez is the ideal jumping-off point for many adventures in the Four Corners area. Stay a while in Cortez and create your own adventure.
Top Cortez Events
- Experience the rich and diverse natural habitats of the area that attract birds and birdwatchers every spring for the Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival in May.
- Celebrate American Indian culture and the area's unique archaeology with the annual Indian Arts and Culture Festival held Memorial Day Weekend.
- Cowboy up for full-fledged western rodeo action, live band dances, carnival rides and midway at the Ute Mountain Roundup in June.
- Pair Colorado wines with gourmet food and outdoor fun in August at the Mesa Verde Country® Food, Wine and Art Festival.
What You Need to Know About Cortez:
- Visit Mesa Verde National Park, located only 10 minutes from the City of Cortez.
- Wander historic downtown Cortez with buildings dating from the 1890s to 1930s, and learn about the history of the town with the Crossroads Culture Walk brochure.
- Enjoy the Cortez Cultural Center, a forum for arts, education, and Native cultures. On summer evenings the Center hosts excellent, free programs featuring American Indian dances.
- Drive southwest of Cortez into lush, green McElmo Canyon, home to a growing wine industry and some of the finest orchards in the nation.
- From Cortez travel the Trail of the Ancients — the only National Scenic Byway dedicated solely to archaeology.
- Arrange your tee time at Conquistador Golf Course, our championship 18-hole course with sand traps, water hazards, practice driving range, a putting green and stunning panoramic scenery.