Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6
The Four Corners Area
The major archaeological center
of the United States, the Four Corners
area—where the borders of Colorado,
New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet—is
surrounded by a vast complex of ancient
villages that dominated this entire region a
thousand years ago. Here among the red-
dish-brown rocks, abandoned canyons,
and flat mesas, you'll discover another
world, once ruled by the Ancestral
Puebloans (also known as Anasazi), and
today largely the domain of the Navajo,
but also home to the Hopi and Zuni
tribes.
Wander among the stunning forma-
tions of Monument Valley, where the
Navajo still tend their sheep and weave
their rugs, and then step back in time to
discover a civilization that vanished more
than 7 centuries ago, leaving behind more
questions than answers. The two best
places to explore this ancient culture are
Mesa Verde National Park and Chaco
Culture National Historic Park. Also,
along the Colorado-Utah border is one of
America's newest national monuments,
Canyon of the Ancients, created by presi-
dential proclamation in June of 2000.
This region is sparsely populated, and
you might not find your favorite chain
motel around every corner. That's assum-
ing you can even
find
a corner. Therefore
many travelers discover a place they like,
rent a room or campsite for a few days,
and take day trips. In this chapter, we give
you a gateway town for each state and also
mention places to stay throughout the
region.
1
CORTEZ: COLORADO'S FOUR CORNERS
GATEWAY
45 miles W of Durango; 203 miles S of Grand Junction
Most visitors to Cortez won't be spending much time in the city, but will use it as a home
base. This area is an important archaeological center, and Cortez is surrounded by a vast
complex of ancient villages that dominated the Four Corners region—where Colorado,
New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah's borders meet—1,000 years ago. Mesa Verde National
Park, 10 miles east, is certainly the most prominent nearby attraction, drawing hundreds
of thousands of visitors annually. In addition, archaeological sites such as those at Can-
yons of the Ancients and Hovenweep national monuments as well as Ute Mountain
Tribal Park are an easy drive from the city. Its elevation is 6,200 feet.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE
By Car
Cortez is located at the junction of north-south US 491
and east-west US 160.
As it enters Cortez from the east, US 160 crosses Dolores Road (CO 145, which goes
north to Telluride and Grand Junction), then runs due west through town for about 2
miles as Main Street. The city's main thoroughfare, Main Street intersects US 491
(Broadway) at the west end of town.
