MESA VERDE COUNTRY®: Mancos: Where the Old West Meets the New West

Mancos, Colorado

Mancos was founded in 1894, in the heart of the beautiful Mancos Valley. Located at 7,000 feet between the La Plata Mountains and Mesa Verde, Mancos has always enjoyed spectacular scenery and four seasons.

The community's historic roots go back to the ranching, farming and timber industries that began in the Mancos Valley in the 1870s. In time, ranching became the dominant economic force in the area, and that still holds true today. Cattle drives through the middle of town are a regular part of the spring and fall tradition, and a Farmer's Market is held every Thursday afternoon late spring to early fall.

The Mancos Valley is the home of the Wetherill family. The Wetherills helped settle the Mancos Valley, set up a number of trading posts and are credited with some of the earliest explorations of the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. That "rediscovery" triggered a series of events and explorations that eventually led to the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park in 1906.

After the Denver, Rio Grande & Southern Railway came through town in 1891 Mancos' role as the staging point for archaeological expeditions to Mesa Verde became obvious: it was the last stop on the railroad before Mesa Verde so it was a logical place to rest and purchase supplies before riding by horseback up to the park.

Today Mancos offers the traveler history, breathing space, and outdoor adventure. Start with the Mancos Visitor's Center located on Main Street in the historic Bauer House. The Visitor's Center has information about accommodations, recreational and traditional western activities, including more information about the Wetherill Family and the Louie L'Amour legacy.

Located just six miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos is a great location to stage your own expedition. Stay at one of Mancos' family-owned inns, B & B's, or motels where personal customer service and comfort still can be found. Or camp at Mancos State Park, or one of the other many campgrounds throughout the San Juan National Forest.

From Mancos you can explore the fantastic cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, or spend a day in Durango and ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ski under the full moon at Chicken Creek Cross Country Ski Area, or spend a day catching those legendary Rocky Mountain Rainbow Trout at Mancos State Park (Jackson Gulch Reservoir). Hook up with a local outfitter for a trail ride and campfire dinner in the high country, or take a stagecoach ride down Weber Canyon! If dining in town is more your style, Mancos has several great restaurants to choose from, offering a wide variety of choices including pizza, prime rib, Mexican fare and great baked goods. You'll often find live music happening at several of these locations.

Visit the Mancos Valley Chamber website at www.mancosvalley.com Visit the website for the Town of Mancos at www.mancoscolorado.com
Area Map and Driving Directions to Mancos, Colorado	Maps & service

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