Location: Cortez
Top Things to do in Cortez
Countries
Top 6 Things to do Good for Kids in Cortez, Colorado (CO)
The City of Cortez is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Montezuma County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 8,482 at the 2010 United States Census.
Restaurants in Cortez
1. Dolores River Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
The 105-mile stretch of the Dolores River and its surrounding 26,000-acre wilderness area is popular for a variety of outdoor activities.
Reviewed By jimmysranch1 - Dolores, United States
If you are looking for a place where the quiet beauty is unspoiled, the Dolores River Canyon will delight.
2. Hovenweep National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Located in Utah but near Cortez, this site has six ruin sites all built around 1200 AD. Hovenweep is 42 miles from Cortez, CO and approximately 48 from Blanding, UT
Reviewed By wre2018 - Tucson, United States
Hovenweep National Monument consists of some clusters of ancestral puebloan ruins close to the Utah-Colorado state line. A worthwhile stop if you are in the Four Corners area. You will notice architectural similarities with structures in nearby parks (Mesa Verde, Canyons of the Ancients, Chaco, etc.). There are towers, kivas, D-shaped buildings, some built with clearly defensive purposes in mind (to guard a spring, for example). Pets are permitted on the trails. The park headquarters is at the Square Towers Group (the best and longest trail is here, but only a limited portion of it is suitable for wheelchair-bound people). Other sections of the park worth going to are the Holly, Horseshoe, and Hackberry units--driving to these in a low-clearance vehicle will be a challenge, but can be done with care. Unfortunately, what there is to see are ruins of buildings and petroglyphs in places. To see artifacts (pottery, tools, woven items, etc.) removed from various archaeological sites in SE Utah and SW Colorado, you need to visit museums located elsewhere: Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding, UT and Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum in Dolores, CO. Both museums are quite interesting, and some of the items on display clearly used materials from distant places (e.g., in Mexico).
3. Cortez Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Cultural center that includes interpretive exhibits on Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), local history, works by local artists, and a gift shop featuring items made by local and native artisans. Free Native American dance performances Monday through Saturday evenings at 7 pm in the summer months.
Reviewed By Biztraveler11 - Los Angeles, United States
We heard Sam Sandoval speak here about his experience as a World War II Navajo Codetalker. It was an unbelievable experience and we appreciate them setting up such events. He signed his book for us and spent time after the lecture. He is one of only a very few Codetalkers left on earth and lives in nearby Shiprock, NM. Look around the museum area for local artist creations and see the nightly Indian Dances just outside the center.
4. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By WanderlusTravelers
For the total experience, I’d rate Canyon of the Ancients very highly. However, the history of the people in Canyon is that of those who occupied the area in Mesa Verde National Park. Having come from MVNP, I found the info and sights duplicative. The cultural center in Dolores is interesting. Takes 1-2 hours and there are 2 short films you can watch. As far as sights in Canyon, you mostly just have two options: Lowry Pueblo (very similar to MVNP), and a non-shaded hiking trail (Sand Canyon), where you can self-explore unrestored ruins. These two sights are separated by at least an hour drive.
5. Colorado Welcome Center-Cortez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
The Cortez Welcome Center is open! Come see us! Need some fresh air? This is the place to do it! Pick up brochures on hiking the Canyon of the Ancients, visiting Mesa Verde National Park or Hovenweep! We have great information for you to bike through Phil's World, and fish McPhee Reservoir or the Dolores River! Cortez is centrally located near the Four Corners, so it's a great place to stay while you venture out to other sights in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona! Our restaurants are open and the weather is great! The health and safety of our visitors is important to us, and we strive to ensure our Welcome Center is clean and that you feel comfortable visiting our facility.
Reviewed By Rdode1omaha - Omaha, United States
The film was excellent as was the multiple displays in the museum. Ranger was very helpful. Well worth the stop.
6. Canyon Trails Ranch Guided Horse Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
