Winter
Winters in Mesa Verde Country® are pure magic, with bright sunshine, days
that warm into the 40s, sun that warms red-rock canyons for hiking, and cold,
clear nights.
- Downhill ski — Telluride Ski Resort and Durango Mountain Resort are
fewer than 75 miles from Cortez in the heart of Mesa Verde Country®.
- Cross-country ski, snowshoe — Choose from untracked powder or close
to 100 miles of groomed trails. Backcountry skiers flock to the San Juan Hut
System, a trail with five huts linking three towns.
- Hike, explore, rejuvenate — Experience the quiet and serenity of Mesa
Verde after a fresh snow.
- Join in the fun at the Mancos Mush Sled Dog Races in February each
year.
Spring
Green spreads up the mountainsides and into the canyons, wild flowers burst
into bloom, and bird song fills the air.
- Bird — Try birding in the variety of ecosystems that offer glimpses
of spring migrants and year-round residents.
- Raft — Dolores River trips can range from easy tours to running the
rapids at the height of the spring snowmelt.
- Hike — Take a wildflower hike in McElmo Canyon or Mesa Verde National Park.
- Kite — Take advantage of a multitude of parks - and spring breezes
- in Cortez.
- Dine outdoors — With spring comes patio dining in restaurants throughout
the area.
Summer
Hot, sunny days cool to starlit evenings. Elevation changes from 4,000 to
14,000 feet let you control your own climate.
- Hike — Check out wildflowers and wildlife in the 2-million acre San
Juan National Forest.
- Go green — Indulge in local harvests at farmers' markets throughout
the area.
- Fish — Try your hand in the Gold Medal fly-fishing waters of the Dolores
River.
- Ski — Water, that is, on McPhee Lake.
- Step back in time — Tour the 800-year-old cliff dwellings at Mesa
Verde National Park. Don't miss Long House!
- Ride 'em, cowboy — Ride the authentic Mancos Valley Stage Line and
sample real cowboy grub.
Fall
Autumn announces its arrival with brilliant gold quaking aspen leaves on the
hillsides and in the valleys — and no crowds.
- Drive — ake in the spectacular fall colors along the famous San Juan
Skyway, often called the "Most beautiful drive in America." Motorcyclists
will find some of Colorado's most scenic riding in Mesa Verde Country®.
- Hunt — Local outfitters and guides lead the way to trophy deer and
elk.
- Eat, drink, and be merry — Visit a local winery or microbrewery and
add in local food fare from farmers' markets.
- Get out — Outdoors is the place to be, with warm temperatures, clear
skies, and dry air making for some of the best hikes, bike rides, horseback
rides, and golf.
For information on these and other family-friendly Mesa Verde Country®
destinations and events, call 800-530-2998 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.
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