Cortez is the city and county seat of Montezuma County in the US state of
Colorado. The city is a popular spot for travellers due to its central
location among surrounding attractions such as Monument Valley, Mesa Verde
National Park, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and the Four Corners. In addition,
there are several prehistoric sites in the Cortez area that are listed in
the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Cortez is one of the
richest archaeological centres in the country.
Things to do in Cortez, Colorado
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Located along Mancos River, Ute Mountain Tribal Park is around 125, 000
acres of land which is a part of Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reserve.
Multitudes of cliff dwellings, surface sites, petroglyphs, and wall
paintings of Ancestral Puebloan and Ute cultures are on display in the
park. Local tour guides offer information about the people, history, and
culture of the park lands.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is popular by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes. The
valley is located on the Arizona-Utah border near the Four Corners
areaTourists can drive through the park on a 17-mile dirt road. Parts of
the valley, such as Hunts Mesa and Mystery valley are accessible only by
guided tour.
Mesa Verde National Park
Created by President Theodore Roosevelt, Mesa Verde National Park is UNESCO
World Heritage site protecting some of the best preserved Ancestral Pueblon
archaeological sites in the United States. The park occupies around 52,485
acres. Some of the key sites at Mesa Verde National Park are Balcony House,
Cliff Palace, and Long House.
Best Time to Visit Cortez, Colorado
Weather-wise, the best time to book flights to Cortez is from March to May
and then from September to October. It is the time when the climate is
cooler than the other months of the year and thus is apt for sightseeing.
Airports in Cortez, Colorado
Cortez is served by Cortez Municipal Airport. The airport is located around
3 miles southwest of Cortez. Cortez Municipal Airport offers Cortez flights
to the destinations including Denver, Phoenix, and Show
Low.