3 Days
3 Days in Mesa Verde Country
The towns of Cortez, Dolores and Mancos showcase southwest Colorado's cultural riches and natural splendor and are excellent home bases for exploring the ancient treasures of Mesa Verde National Park.
Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local
There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.
Day 1
activity
Balcony House Tour at Mesa Verde National Park
The one-hour Balcony House tour is one of the most intimate yet adventurous tours at Mesa Verde. A visit to Balcony House will challenge your fear of…
lunch
Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
Patio Dining at its best! Stop at Spruce Tree Terrace Café, located in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, for favorite American classics and Southwest…
activity
Mesa Verde Museum
The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Puebloan life. There are also many exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, a chronology of Ancestral…
dinner
Metate Room
Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area…
activity
Cliff Palace Twilight Tour
Enjoy an intimate, leisurely encounter with Mesa Verde’s largest cliff dwelling. Dramatic sunset lighting will appeal to both amateur and professional…
lodging
Mesa Verde - Far View Lodge
Far View Lodge is the only lodging inside Mesa Verde NP. Breathtaking views, award winning cuisine, guided tours of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, invigorating…
Day 2
breakfast
Far View Terrace Cafe
Casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials including…
Insider's Tip
Hit the Road
Drive to Mancos, a charming small town with a thriving artisan community less than 10 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park.
activity
Mancos Creative District
Facilitated by a vibrant community of more than 150 artists, the growing downtown has eight galleries, a historic opera house and countless locally…
Insider's Tip
Take a Class
Mancos School of the West offers classes and workshops taught by artistic masters in mediums ranging from iron work to mosaic, photography to fibers, set against the splendid backdrop of the beautiful and historic Mancos Valley.
lunch
Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters
Grab fresh-brewed coffee, smoothies, specialty frozen-espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.
activity
Trail Ride with Mesa Verde Stables
Immerse yourself in the cowboy culture of Mancos, Colorado at Mesa Verde Stables. Our experienced guides can take you on any riding adventure that your…
dinner
Mancos Brewing Company
Mancos Brewing Company provides great beer in a relaxed setting . Come in and sit down, order a beer (or a glass of wine) and a bite of food. We…
activity
Fenceline Cider
Sown along the Colorado Plateau, Fenceline is dedicated to reviving America's cider tradition, working with historic local orchards to build quality…
Insider's Tip
Catch Live Tunes
Mancos Brewing Company hosts live music on select weekend evenings. Check their events calendar for details.
lodging
Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
Cabins, RV sites, bar and grill, WIFI, bathhouse, catering, laundry, banquet room, volleyball, horseshoe pits, & towering pine trees. Nearby fishing…
Day 3
breakfast
Beny's Diner
Beny's Diner in Cortez has been serving breakfast and lunch for 13 years. All of our food is homemade, including the hash browns.
activity
Cortez Cultural Center
Programs will include Native American music and flute-playing, art, and other opportunities for in-depth appreciation of Southwestern cultures.
lunch
Loungin' Lizard
We are a family friendly restaurant and bar with a chalk board menu that changes often with something for everyone.
activity
Mancos State Park
Just off the beautiful San Juan Skyway, this park is one of Southwest Colorado's hot spots for fishing, boating, and camping. Features 32 campsites,…
dinner
Dolores River Brewery
Every community should have a comfortable place to hang out with somebody!
activity
Tai Chi with Lee
Willowtail Springs, a 60-acre ecological retreat, offers tai chi classes. The serene setting is the pride and joy of Peggy and Lee Cloy, who have poured…
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