Mountain View Lodge guidebook
Sightseeing
Mesa Verde is an amazing look at the history of the native people who lived here over 1,000 years ago. You will want to take a tour of their spectacular cliff dwellings.
18 locals recommend
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is an amazing look at the history of the native people who lived here over 1,000 years ago. You will want to take a tour of their spectacular cliff dwellings.
This is a wonderful place to visit to see some great views, a native pueblo, experience a nice hike, and visit an informative museum. We take our friends here when they come to visit.
43 locals recommend
Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum
27501 CO-184This is a wonderful place to visit to see some great views, a native pueblo, experience a nice hike, and visit an informative museum. We take our friends here when they come to visit.
Where else can you stand in four states at the same time. It is also a great place to get souvenirs of your visit to SW Colorado.
36 locals recommend
Four Corners Monument
597 NM-597Where else can you stand in four states at the same time. It is also a great place to get souvenirs of your visit to SW Colorado.
Crow Canyon offers a free tour on Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10 am from June to September. You will get a new appreciation and understanding of archaeology and it will enrich your visit to Mesa Verde and other sites.
7 locals recommend
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
23390 C R KCrow Canyon offers a free tour on Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10 am from June to September. You will get a new appreciation and understanding of archaeology and it will enrich your visit to Mesa Verde and other sites.
Hiking/Biking
This is a very popular biking trail. If you enjoy mountain biking then don't miss this opportunity.
48 locals recommend
Phil's World Bike Trail
9450 Rd 30.1This is a very popular biking trail. If you enjoy mountain biking then don't miss this opportunity.
Telluride has some great waterfalls, hiking, and 4x4 roads through the mountains. There is also a free gondola ride up the mountain. It is definitely worth the visit.
148 locals recommend
TelluRiders
Telluride has some great waterfalls, hiking, and 4x4 roads through the mountains. There is also a free gondola ride up the mountain. It is definitely worth the visit.
Skiing
We really enjoyed going to Purgatory to teach two of our kids how to ski.
150 locals recommend
Purgatory Sports
93 Skier PlWe really enjoyed going to Purgatory to teach two of our kids how to ski.
This is a popular ski area for many locals and many people from outside the area.
124 locals recommend
Telluride Ski Resort
565 Mountain Village BlvdThis is a popular ski area for many locals and many people from outside the area.
Food scene
Here are some great options for restaurants in the local area.
The Farm Bistro
34 W Main StThis a popular restaurant in Cortez that serves wonderful food.
This is my wife's favorite restaurant in Cortez. It is good and plentiful Mexican food.
21 locals recommend
La Casita de Cortez
332 E Main StThis is my wife's favorite restaurant in Cortez. It is good and plentiful Mexican food.
Thai Cortez & Sushi
1430 E Main StTasty Thai cuisine. Other guests have enjoyed eating here.
Burger Boy Drive In
400 E Main StFor those who want an old fashioned drive in experience.
Shiloh Steak House
5 S Veach StIf you enjoy steak then give this one a try.
Dolores River Brewery
100 4th StThis is a popular local brewery.
Taste of India
1013 E Main StTasty Indian food, and they even do take out.
Loungin' Lizard
2 W Main StEclectic fare with a hip, contemporary vibe.
Mi Mexico
801e East Main StreetPleasant, friendly service with good eats.
Stonefish Sushi & More
16 W Main StHealthy Japanese options to tempt the palate.
Traveler advice
Ways to save
National Park annual pass can save you money.
An annual pass is good for one year at any national park. Check it out if you are going to more than one park this year. There are 3 other national parks within 2 hours of Mesa Verde.
Ways to save
Mesa Verde free entrance days
Check out Mesa Verde's website to take advantage of free entrance days at the park.
Book before you go
Mesa Verde National Park tours
You will need tickets for most of the cliff dwelling tours in the park. You can get them online but have to pick them up in person at the Visitor Center. There are some safety concerns that you will want to be aware of before you go.
Traveling with kids
Mesa Verde tours with kids
Read the safety guidelines for taking children on the tours of the cliff dwellings. There are large ladders that need to be climbed. Also be sure to take plenty of water for everyone, it can get very hot and it is a high elevation. Food is not allowed in the cliff dwellings.
What to pack
Elevation sickness
Be aware of elevation sickness when traveling through Colorado. If you are not acclimated to high elevations you could become ill. Cortez is 6,000 ft. Other towns and sights are even higher. Drink a lot of water to help your body adjust.
What to pack
Mountain travel
When traveling through the Rocky Mountains you could experience all kinds of weather from extreme temperatures and temperature swings, to sun, wind, rain, lightning, and even snow. Always be prepared for changes in weather. Jackets and warm clothes come in handy. Have extra water and food available as well.