City Profile

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

Welcome to "Where the West Still Lives." 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. 

Modern-day cattle drive

The first white men to see the Mesa Verde ruins had ridden to the top of the mesa from their ranch in the Mancos Valley in search of stray cattle. Imagine how they must have felt, not knowing what they were seeing or if anyone was still inhabiting the sites. Their discovery and subsequent explorations ushered in an era of tourism that continues into the 21st century.

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 Summer Fun

Stagecoach rides offer Old West journey

Rimrock Outfitters – 12175 CR 44, (located between Durango and Mesa Verde), (970) 533-7588. Enjoy horseback rides from 1 hour to all day, from breakfast to hearty steak dinner rides. Overnight pack trips available. Wagon rides. Wedding carriage for rent. Call for all summer activities. Open seven days a week. Closed Sunday mornings.

Reptile Reserve – Located on Hwy 160 between Mancos and the entrance to Mesa Verde. Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays. Get your photo taken with a live snake. See alligators, live rattlesnakes, giant turtles, iguanas and much more. Educational tours by snake handler for Ron Howard movie. Admission $5.00 adults, $3.00 children 11 and under, children 3 & under are FREE. Call (970)533-7532 for more information or to arrange a group or school tour.

Bartels Wagon and Stagecoach Museum – 4550 C.R. 41 (970) 533-9857, 1-800-365-3530. Collection of wagons, coaches and carriages. All ages can learn about authentic stagecoach travel as it was 100 years ago. Open May - September, 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mancos Pioneer Museum – 171 Railroad Avenue in the Mancos Valley Visitor Center. (970) 533-7434. The history of Mancos for over 100 years. Mining and farming implements, old quilts, history of Mesa Verde and pioneer families of the Mancos Valley and photo archives. Open May 24 through October, 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. No admission charge.