Elevation:6,201'
Population: 7,977
Average Midsummer Temperature: 88 / 53 degrees

When you drive into Cortez you have reached the "Heart of Southwest Colorado" and entered into Mesa Verde Country. The setting for Cortez features the La Plata Mountains to the east, the Great Sage Plain, and the Sleeping Ute Mountain on the western vista. Cortez dates from 1886,
but the area's occupied history goes back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by cliff dwellings in the nearby national park and the multitude of other archaeological sites on the valley floor. Long after the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned their homes around 1300 A.D., members of the Ute Tribe entered the area. Ute Territory changed dramatically at the end of the 19th century, when a mining rush brought European settlers to the area. The miners were followed by loggers, farmers and ranchers.

Cortez Chamber of Commerce: (970) 565-3414

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center’s Day Programs are held every Wednesday and Thursday from June through August. The one-day archae-ology experience is perfect for individuals or families. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, you will get an introduction to the history of the Ancestral Pueblo Indians who inhabited the spectacular Four Corners area hundreds of years ago. The package includes hands-on artifact activities and tours.

Call (970) 565-8975 or visit www.crowcanyon.org

Mesa Verde National Park

The early inhabitants of Southwest Colorado had to meet many challenges to live in this high desert environment, and Mesa Verde (“green table”) is an excellent way to learn about these early people. Trained tour guides help visitors to the park gain insight into the experiences and dwellings of these early people. The sites are not all grouped in any one particular locale, so allow time to drive from one site to another. Not all the sites can be adequately seen in one day. Call (970) 529-4465 or visit www.nps.gov/meve

Getting there
The park's entrance lies approximately midway between Cortez and Mancos on Highway 160. The Far View Visitor Center is 15 miles from the park entrance. Allow at least 45 minutes driving time from Durango. Allow 1½ hours to the Visitors' Center.

Dancers perform during the Indian Arts Show.

left: Examining arrows at the Arts & Crafts Fiesta. right: Teens show sheep at the Montezuma County Fair.

A bronc rider hangs on during the Ute Mountain Ute rodeo.

Special Events

Mid-May through Labor Day –
Native American Dances and Storyteller
Programs at the Cortez Cultural Center

May 27-30 – Horsepower Pow Wow Car Show. Block party, street dance, contests, cruise night, poker run, food and other
fun events

May 27-June 5 – Indian Arts Show

June 3 and 6 – Ute Mountain Bear
Dance and Pow Wow

June 9-11 – Ute Mountain Ute
Round-up and Rodeo

June 11-12 – Arts & Crafts Fiesta

July 4 – Fourth of July celebration

July 16 – Krazy Daze/Celebration Cortez. Downtown merchants go "krazy," with special events, sidewalk sales, food and games for kids.

July 31-Aug. 7: Montezuma County Fair.
A genuine county fair, with animals, exhibits, special events, food, and judging.

Sept. 16-18: Antique Truck Show in Aztec's Riverside Park. A great chance to see trucks from the1800s-1980.

“Black Shawl” outdoor drama

May 27- Aug. 13 at the Cortez Cultural Center An oral history of the relationship between the elderly and wise Black Shawl and a half-Navajo and half-Paiute girl raised by white settlers.

The Cortez Cultural Center also has exhibits on Southwest pioneers, Ancestral Puebloans, Ute Mountain Utes, Navajos and Basketmakers. Summer programs include Navajo code talkers, flute players and dancers. Call (970) 565-1151 or visit www.cortezculturalcenter.org