Mancos
City Profile

Elevation:7,030'
Population: 1,119
Average Midsummer Temperature: 85 / 53 degrees

The Mancos Valley continues a 140+ year tradition as a center of ranching at the edge of the San Juan Mountains and the national forest, as well as serving as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. Watch for cowboys herding cattle on horseback, log cabins, ranch houses and peaceful hills and fields. In addition to the archaeological resources of Mesa Verde, Mancos is convenient to guest ranches, hiking and mountain climbing, fishing and big-game hunting.
The La Plata Mountains above Mancos offer remnants of their historic past in the form of silver mines and mills. The town retains its pioneer flavor with a traditional business district and historic homes, stagecoach rides, while also featuring such amenities as modern lodging and top-notch eateries.

Mancos Chamber of Commerce: (970) 533-7434

Fall colors aloft

Sept. 23, 24, 25 – The Fall Festival in Boyle Park includes a pancake breakfast; vendors, booths, live music, horse rides; and balloons.

Saddle up, dude

From the Lake Mancos Ranch, located at 8,000 feet looking out on the La Plata Range of the San Juan Mountains, you can ride some of the most beautiful horse trails in Colorado. Drink in the mountain air at this dude ranch as you wind your way along pine-topped ridges under a clear blue sky, or ride your way through aspen forests by streams. Call (970) 533-1190

Journey in to the Old West

Bartels' Mancos Valley Stage Line – Take an authentic stagecoach trip into scenic Weber Canyon and you'll know you've experienced a bit of the real West. Drivers will give you a history of the stagecoach in the American West – the types of coaches used, how coaches were developed for specific purposes; and the importance of the stage line in the settlement of the Old West's frontier towns. Lunch or steak dinner rides are offered, and reservations are required.

Call (970) 533-9857 or visit: www.thestagecoach.com

Meet some scaly critters

Reptile Reserve – Explore and study reptiles in their natural environment, safely and comfortably. See alligators, rattlesnakes, giant turtles, iguanas, snakes, and much more on a fun tour through this reserve. Call (970) 533-7532