Cortez

Cortez is a small city in the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado. It is in the general vicinity of Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Get in

Cortez Municipal Airport (IATA: CEZ), 37.303056°, -108.628056°, +1 800 554-5111. Has flights from Denver and Phoenix with Boutique Air. There are also seasonal flights to Telluride. 2020-04-19 The airport also has two rental car places:
Budget Rental Cars operates out of Cortez airport. +1 970 564-9012
Hertz Rental at Cortez airport. +1 970 565-2001 -- Daily 9AM-10:30PM.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is near Cortez. A not-for-profit organization, 170-acre research center and "living classroom" dedicated to involving the public in the study of archaeology and native American cultures. Offers experiential education programs for students and adults.
Hawkins Preserve, 37.33412°, -108.59355°. 2018-02-17
Yucca House National Monument, 37.2503°, -108.686°, +1 970 529-4465. Free 2018-09-16

Francisca's Fine Mexican Food, 125 E. Main St, +1 970 565-4093. M-Th until 8PM, F-Su until 8:30PM. "Fine" may overstate it, but the basic Mexican offerings (most with a New Mexican twist) are acceptable and reasonably priced.

Main Street Brewery. On the main strip, this pub has their own microbrews which are very good but go there for the awesome murals and their cheeseburgers. They raise their own beef and the result is just amazing.

Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites, 535 E. Main St, +1 970 565-3778. Basic but acceptable lodging on the main drag through town.
Comfort Inn, 2321 E. Main, +1 970 565-3400.
Days Inn.
Econo Lodge, 2020 E. Main St, +1 970 565-3474.
Holiday Inn Express - Cortez, 2121 E. Main, +1 81321 800-626-5652.
Travelodge.
Rodeway Inn, 1120 East Main, +1 970 565-3761.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, 37.3706°, -109°, +1 970 882-5600. An array of Native American archeological sites.
- Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, 37.476210°, -108.545882°. It's recommended to go to the visitor center to orient yourself and check current conditions before heading to the national monument. Features archeological sites and exhibits on archeology, history, and Native American cultures.

Anasazi Heritage Center and McPhee Reservoir
Mesa Verde National Park
Hovenweep National Monument
San Juan Scenic Skyway
Durango has its attractions, including the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, which also operates the Ute Mountain Casino
Four Corners National Monument, located southwest of town on US-160, this is where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet at the same point. People like to get on their hands and knees so that they can touch all four states at once. Entry fee is $3. The monument closes at 5PM.