4 Best Tourist Spots & Things to Do in Cortez, CO

Some of the hottest real estate markets in the nation are in the state of Colorado, from the big cities of Denver and Boulder down to rustic small towns such as Cortez. Known as a cozy, comfortable community, Cortez is a perfect destination for individuals and families from other parts of the country who are looking to experience a slice of the American West.

With a population of just under 9,000 residents, Cortez is in the southwest corner of the state. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Durango and about an hour and a half southwest of the popular skiing resort town of Telluride. The area surrounding Cortez experiences a dry climate year-round, with hot summers and winters that can get cold. But the low amount of precipitation allows people who have just bought Cortez CO real estate as well as visitors to participate in a wide range of outdoor recreation and activities all year long.

The scenery and natural landmarks surrounding Cortez contribute to the name of the area it calls home, Mesa Verde Country, and this is the primary driver of activities and attractions for the residents of Cortez and visitors. If you are thinking about moving to this special part of America, the friendly and experienced professionals at Stacked Real Estate will be happy to help you find your dream home.

The list of things to do in Cortez for residents and visitors alike includes a wide range of unique destinations and natural wonders which are close and conveniently reachable. If you and your family like the idea of visiting a one-of-a-kind destination where you can stand in as many states as possible, then head to the renowned Four Corners Monument. The Four Corners Monument is the junction where the states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico come together in a single point.

This distinguished spot is the only location in the country where four states come together, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to say that they have sat or stood in four states simultaneously. The Four Corners area is located only about 45 minutes to the southwest of Cortez by car, making Cortez a popular and convenient hub for tourists who can’t wait to visit this iconic location. The beautiful drive to Four Corners and the chance to stand in a truly special place is a perfect way for families who live in Cortez to make memories together.

Mesa Verde Country, which is home to the city of Cortez, features breathtaking scenery and views of natural wonders and landscapes. The very best way to appreciate these natural wonders and wild, open spaces is in one of the nation’s great national parks, which shares its name with the overall region, Mesa Verde National Park.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is located only about 10 miles to the east of Cortez, making for a quick and easy trip for residents and visitors. This national park was established over a century ago in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt and includes over 52,000 acres of land. Most notably, the park preserves a stunning 5,000 archeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited the area for over seven centuries, until about the year 1300 CE.

The Ancestral Puebloan people created vast towns and living structures underneath enormous cliffs, and the hundreds of these structures which have survived for centuries are among the most popular attractions that bring people to Mesa Verde National Park. Besides the numerous archeological sites and destinations, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the region’s most incredible landscapes and scenery, which are easy to admire from the park’s hiking and biking trails and main paved roads and lookout points.

When you visit Cortez, you can tour Mesa Verde National Park and check it off your list on your quest to see all of the nation’s national parks. Or, if you are thinking about buying one of the homes for sale in Cortez CO, you will have the fantastic opportunity to visit the park anytime you want. With the vast landscapes and huge range of scenery that remains gorgeous all year long, you will always have something new to look forward to when you visit Mesa Verde National Park.

One of the absolute best ways to see and appreciate the incredible scenery that surrounds Cortez is to hit some of the local biking and hiking trails that are close to town. Head over to Phil’s World Trail System, which is located just a few miles from the heart of Cortez. This set of trails features over 29 miles of riding, set within an incredible backdrop of canyons and hills. Suppose you feel like a smooth ride through more lush and green settings, then head north of Cortez to the Boggy Draw Loop, featuring over eight miles of trails through forested hillsides. The entire Mesa Verde Country region is home to over 600 miles of biking and hiking trails, so if you make the move to Cortez and love exploring the outdoors, you will never run out of exciting trails with gorgeous views.

If your idea of a perfect day includes hours spent on a USGA-sanctioned golf course, then you are in luck. Make a tee time at Conquistador Golf Course on the north side of Cortez for some of the most satisfying and relaxing golf in all of Colorado. This 18-hole, par-72 course features incredible views of the surrounding mountains and mesas from the lush fairways and greens. Plus, with an elevation of 6,200 feet, you’ll get a great workout.

You’ll find these attractions and more when you purchase Cortez Colorado real estate. When you’re ready to get into the market, let the wonderful agents at Stacked Real Estate assist in your quest for a dream home.