Cortez has been a Colorado secret for some time now. Known mostly for ancient Native American dwellings at Mesa Verde,the wealth of hiking, mountain biking, cycling, and climbing is less talked about. Mountain biking in particular has flourished in Cortez, thanks to a dedicated community of cyclists. Likewise, hikers have worked on creating an excellent network of trails that highlight both the history and the adventure of the land.
Trail runners have found the dry, clean air in Cortez the perfect place to train (the 6,000 ft. elevation is also a draw for athletes). This is far from being just a gateway to several national parks; Cortez has a great deal of adventure right in town. Combining local outdoors sports with historical tours make this one of the best places to spend a long weekend in Colorado.
