Located eight miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, many consider Cortez the cultural center of Mesa Verde Country.

With more than 600 acres of parks, trails, and open space there's plenty of room to play. To the north, you’ll find Carpenter Natural Area with 176 acres and easy access to trails. To the south, enjoy the 122 acre Hawkins Preserve where you can hike, bike, rock climb and star-gaze from the slick rock trails to the canyon edge overlooking McElmo Creek. There are even excavated archaeological sites in the preserve.

The ideal jumping-off point for many adventures, Cortez has a wide variety of lodging, shopping and dining opportunities including local breweries and wineries.  A weekly Farmer’s Market features the agricultural heritage and organic foods which you'll find at many restaurants in the region. Several exceptional galleries, museums, and trading posts reflect the culture and creativity of the Southwest. Cortez remains the trading center of the Four Corners region and has been for more than 2,000 years with artistry passed down through generations to create a community which celebrates the traditions of the past and a collective vision for the future. Visit the Cortez Cultural Center to see what makes this area so special.