IS THIS YOUR
FIRST TIME?

  • It’s pronounced Main-Kiss.
  • You’re at 7000ft. Stay hydrated.
  • It’s almost all dirt roads. Your car WILL get dirty.
  • Remember what attracted you here. Keep it that way.
  • Be kind & curious.
  • Embrace the slow pace.

Things To Do

  1. Mesa Verde National Park

    Pretend you’re Indiana Jones while exploring the ancient archaeological sites of the Anasazi people. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand different species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.

  2. Mancos State Park

    Because why would you be inside when you could be outside? This park includes a mature ponderosa pine forest, picturesque lake, year-round trout fishing and plenty of trails for beginner / intermediate hikers.

  3. Artisans of Mancos

    Bring a little Mancos home with you. Take a stroll down Grand Avenue and discover handcrafted local items that include jewelry, paintings, photography, wood art, furniture, pottery and much more.

  4. Chicken Creek

    FYI: we’ve never actually seen any chickens here. Explore this beautiful wooded trail system in all seasons with maintained trails for hiking, biking, or cross country skiing along a meandering creek and beautiful towering pines.

  5. West Mancos Hiking Trail system

    Show everyone how tough you are on Sharkstooth Peak, or take it easy on Big Al Trail. No matter your skill level, there’s a trail for you here.

  6. Phil’s World Bike TraiL

    Get your rear in gear with 60 Miles of classic single track mountain biking, intermixed with segments of challenging slickrock. Ranging from beginner to intermediate – choose your own adventure and take in the stunning views of Sleeping Ute, La Plata, and Mesa Verde Mountains.

  7. Mesa Verde Stables

    Giddy up, y’all! Mesa Verde Stables allows anyone above the age of six to experience the joys and thrills of horseback riding in a safe and therapeutic environment. Trot to your hearts content with the breathtaking scenery of the Mancos Valley as your backdrop.

  8. Canyons of the Ancients / Sand Canyon

    Talk nerdy to me. The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum focus on Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region. It’s also headquarters for visitors traveling to the National Monument

  9. Conquistador Golf Course

    Where Mesa Verde Meets the Green. Conquistador Golf Club in Cortez is a hidden gem of the Four Corners area, with small undulating greens and panoramic views of the La Plata Mountains, Mesa Verde and the Ute Mountain

  10. Dotty Wampus Chocolate Factory

    Disappear into the magical cottage and chocolate tasting that is Dotty Wampus, set at the base of Mesa Verde this is an immersive tasting tour of world class chocolate making and magical happenings. 

PLACES TO EAT

Towns and Parks
to Explore

  • Telluride

    drive time is 1:30 hours

  • Durango

    drive time is 30 minutes

  • Purgatory Ski Area

    drive time is 1 hour

  • Moab

    drive time is 2:15 hours

  • Canyonlands National Park

    drive time is 2:45 hours

  • Arches National Park

    drive time is 2:30 hours