Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 970-533-7397; 123 W Grand Ave; 10am-2am)
Established in 1903, one of Colorado's oldest
continuously operating bars is still going strong. Think divey old saloon. The mounted an-
imal heads keep watch as you shoot pool.
Information
Mancos Valley Visitors Center
( 702-533-7434;
www.mancosvalley.com
;
101 E Bauer St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Historic displays and a walking-tour map are available at the visitor center. It also has in-
formation on outdoor activities and local ranches that offer horseback rides and Western-
style overnight trips.
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Cortez
POP 8450 / ELEV 6201FT
Cortez fails to beguile, but its location 10 miles west of Mesa Verde National Park makes
it a logical base, and the surrounding area holds quiet appeal. Mountain bikers will covet
the hundreds of great singletrack rides nearby.
Typical of small-town Colorado, Cortez is lined with strip malls containing fast food,
trinket and rifle shops with far-off mountain vistas to complete the picture. But the down-
town seems to be revitalizing: three great restaurants on just one city block proves it. The
surrounding desert is also a pleasure, with surprises like archaeological sites and the occa-
sional desert winery.
Sights
Cortez Cultural Center
MUSEUM
( 702-565-1151;
www.cortezculturalcenter.org
;
25 N Market St; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat May-Oct, to 5pm Nov-
Apr; )
Exhibits on the Ancestral Puebloans, as well as visiting art displays, make
this museum worthy of a visit if you have a few hours to spare. Summer evening pro-
grams feature Native American dances on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm, fol-
lowed at 8pm by cultural programs that often feature Native American storytellers.
WINERY
Guy Drew Vineyard
