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

When you drive into Cortez, Colorado, you have reached the "Heart of Southwest Colorado" and have 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.

Sleeping Ute Mountain (arms crossed in center)

Cortez dates from 1886, but the area's occupied history goes back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the cliff dwellings in the 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 soon followed by loggers, farmers and ranchers.

The landscape was long dominated by dryland farms, but the completion of the Dolores Project and McPhee Reservoir brought irrigation water to the area, and alfalfa hay is now grown side by side with pinto beans. Cortez is the center of a growing summer tourism trade, with Indian dances, concerts in the park, sports events and a variety of other activities.

Cortez Summer Events

Cortez Chamber of Commerce
970-565-3414

Children try a hands-on exhibit at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

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

June 10 & 11 – 76th Annual Ute Mountain Round-up and Rodeo

June 13 – 23rd Annual Arts & Crafts Fiesta

June 18 – 2nd Annual Dancing in the Moonlight

July 2 – All Indian Rodeo

July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration

The "must-see" attraction: Mesa Verde National Park

The Balcony House at Chapin Mesa

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. The examples of their inspiring structures at Mesa Verde National Park leave visitors with a sense of fascination and curiosity. 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 be prepared and allow time to get from one site to another. Not all the sites can be adequately seen in one day. Some of the ranger-led tours to consider taking to these breathtaking dwellings include: Balcony House Tour, Long House Tour and Cliff Palace Tour.

The park is open every day. Park information is available by calling (970) 529-4465 or visit the park's Web site at www.nps.gov/meve.

More fun things to do while you're in Cortez

Ancient Indian pottery

Conquistador Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course with a complete practice facility and snack bar. It is located at 2018 North Dolores Road. For fees, cart information and tee times, call 970-565-9208. And here's great news for you golfers – no reservations are required Monday through Thursday.

Cortez Municipal Swimming Pool is an outdoor pool located at 803 East Montezuma Ave. For specific information about facility amenities, admission and designated swim times, call 970-565-7877.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center – 23390 Road K Cortez, CO 81321, (970)565-8975 or (800)422-8975. One-day archaeological programs are available (reservations only) on Wednesdays and Thursdays in June, July, and August. Crow Canyon's staff of professional archaeologists will give you new insights about the ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) culture through hands-on activities, laboratory tour, and a guided visit to a working excavation site. Lunch is included. Adults: $50. Children (10-17): $25. Not recommended for children under 10. Please make your reservation one week in advance, as space is limited. Tours of Crow Canyon's 170-acre campus are led by volunteers; casual (drop-in) visitors should call ahead to confirm availability. www.crowcanyon.org.