Overview
Cortez is a small city in the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado. It is in the general vicinity of Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
2 sights · 2 places to eat · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cortez
Hawkins Preserve
Yucca House National Monument
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jan. (climate data from nearby Mesa Verde National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CEZ Cortez Municipal Airport, Cortez — 4 mi away. Directions
- DRO Durango La Plata County Airport, Durango — 47 mi away. Directions
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque — 194 mi away (major hub). Directions
The airport also has two rental car places:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Hawkins Preserve
- Lunch Gustavo's Mexican Restaurant and Bar
- Afternoon Yucca House National Monument
- Dinner Main Street Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The airport also has two rental car places:
- Budget Rental Cars operates out of Cortez airport. +1 970 564-9012
- Hertz Rental at Cortez airport. +1 970 565-2001 -- Daily 9AM-10:30PM.
Get around
Taxi service: Sunshine Rides. Call or text +1 970-777-7777.
See
- The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is near Cortez. A not-for-profit organization, 170-acre research center and "living classroom" dedicated to involving the public in the study of archaeology and native American cultures. Offers experiential education programs for students and adults.
Eat
Eat Gustavo's Mexican Restaurant and Bar
the basic Mexican offerings (most with a New Mexican twist) are acceptable and reasonably priced.
- Stonefish Sushi & More, 16 W. Main St. Amazing sushi and super friendly staff.
Eat Main Street Brewery
On the main strip, this pub has their own microbrews which are very good but go there for the awesome murals and their cheeseburgers. They raise their own beef and the result is just amazing.
Sleep
Stay Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites
Basic but acceptable lodging on the main drag through town.
Stay Days Inn
Stay Travelodge
Go next
- Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum and McPhee Reservoir
- Dolores has attractions including the Dolores River and The Galloping Goose Historical Museum
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- San Juan Scenic Skyway
- Durango has its attractions, including the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, which also operates the Ute Mountain Casino
- Four Corners Monument, located southwest of town on US-160, this is where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet at the same point. People like to get on their hands and knees so that they can touch all four states at once. Entry fee is $3. The monument closes at 5PM.
Nearby
Place Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum
It's recommended to go to the visitor center to orient yourself and check current conditions before heading to the national monument. Features archeological sites and exhibits on archeology, history, and Native American cultures.
Nearby
Mesa Verde National Park
Park · 25 listings · 9 mi away
Dolores
City / town · 2 listings · 10 mi away
Towaoc
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Mancos
City / town · 16 mi away
Hovenweep National Monument
Park · 2 listings · 27 mi away
Four Corners
Park · 2 listings · 35 mi away
Durango
City / town · 38 listings · 39 mi away
Farmington
City / town · 16 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
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