# Cortez

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.

## Get in

* 37.303056-108.6280561 Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ ) (south of town off US 160/US 491), ☏ +1 800 554-5111. Has flights from Denver and Phoenix with Boutique Air. There are also seasonal flights to Telluride. (updated Apr 2020)
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.

## 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.
* 37.33412-108.593551 Hawkins Preserve. (updated Feb 2018)
* 37.2503-108.6862 Yucca House National Monument, ☏ +1 970 529-4465. Free. (updated Sep 2018)

## Eat

* Gustavo's Mexican Restaurant and Bar, 125 E. Main St, ☏ +1 970-565-4633. M-Th until 8PM, F-Su until 8:30PM. 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.
* 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

* Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites, 535 E. Main St, ☏ +1 970 565-3778. Basic but acceptable lodging on the main drag through town.
* Baymont by Wyndham Cortez, 2279 Hawkins St, ☏ +1 970-516-7031.
* Days Inn, 430 State Hwy 145.
* Econo Lodge, 2020 E. Main St, ☏ +1 970 565-3474.
* Holiday Inn Express - Cortez, 2121 E. Main, ☏ +1 970-565-6000.
* Travelodge, 1120 E Main St.
* Quality Inn near Mesa Verde, 1120 East Main, ☏ +1 970-880-9700.

## Nearby

* 37.3706-1091 Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, ☏ +1 970 882-5600. An array of Native American archeological sites.
** 37.47621-108.5458822 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.

## 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.