| As a gateway town to Mesa Verde National Park, one of the worlds most complete preservations of Anasazi (or Ancestral Pueblo people) cliff dwellings, Cortez is steeped in a rich, archaeological history.At Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, you can participate in ongoing excavation work. In town, The Cortez Center works to support an increasingly diverse population though ongoing community forums and a public museum of Navajo, Pueblo, and Ute culture. The Anasazi Heritage Center will introduce you to the fascinating stone pueblo cities that these Native Americans are most famous for. Bufort Wayt Cultural Park, which houses working Native American families, is the best way to watch authentic craft demonstrations, sample native foods, listen to storytelling, and watch dancing on summer nights. The farmers market adjacent dance plaza is a great spot for buying locally grown goods.Just 12 miles north of Cortez is McPhee Reservoir, a large, watery playground suited for camping, boating, and fishing (mostly bass and bluegill). For more cast-and-reel adventures, find the Dolores River, an excellent trout stream that stretches 11 miles from the reservoir to Cortez. |
