Explore Fall & Winter in Mesa Verde Country

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With four seasons of activities, Mesa Verde Country is a year-round destination. Since Cortez, Dolores and other towns in the Four Corners area enjoy warmer temperatures in the fall than the rest of the state, it's a great time to take in the region's sights. The quieter winter season is another excellent time to visit, when trails and attractions are still open for business but experience fewer visitors.

Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day
1
photo by jerry sintz photo
Activity
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, BLM
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum contains a 3.5 million-item research collection. Exhibits interpret the history and culture of…
Lunch
Enterprise Bar & Grill
When you have mighty Telluride for a neighbor, you need something pretty cool to be noticed. High in the San Juan Mountain Range, in a town…
Activity
Dolores Outfitters
We are an outdoor sporting goods store that is also a gas station/convenience store. We do carry diesel and ethanol free 86 and 91 octane fuel for…
Insider's Tip
Go Off-Roading

Rent a Jeep or side-by-side vehicle from Dolores Outfitters to explore the area's off-road trails. They can also offer advice on all of the best routes.

Dinner
Stonefish Sushi & More
Delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri and other specialties. Open for lunch and dinner; happy hour Tuesday through Friday at 4:30pm.
Activity
Dolores River Brewery
Every community should have a comfortable place to hang out with somebody!
Insider's Tip
Test Your Knowledge

Dolores River Brewery hosts trivia night on Thursday evenings.

Lodging
Critter Mountain Ranch
Critter Mountain Ranch is a working Alpaca Ranch surrounded by pinion, juniper, and gamble oak. The 1600-square-foot ranch house is on 40 acres with…
Day
2
Breakfast
Dolores Food Market
Shop Dolores Food Market, your Gourmet Convenience Store with local flair. Discover the Unexpected Gourmet selection of fresh produce, custom cut…
Activity
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, BLM
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum contains a 3.5 million-item research collection. Exhibits interpret the history and culture of…
Activity
Notah Dineh Trading Co
American Indian rugs, jewelry, pottery and an extensive display of historic American Indian art and artifacts.
Dinner
The Farm Bistro
The Farm Bistro is a casual yet elegant farm to table restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Cortez, Colorado. The lunch and dinner menus…
Activity
Sunflower Theatre
The Sunflower Theatre presents performing arts, musical, cinematic, and educational events to enrich the cultural experience of a diverse rural…
Lodging
Baymont Inn & Suites Cortez
Located off Highway 160 in scenic Southwest Colorado. Take in the sweeping views of La Plata, the Blue Mountains, and Mesa Verde Ridge from your room…
Day
3
Breakfast
Beny's Diner
Beny's Diner in Cortez has been serving breakfast and lunch for 13 years. All of our food is homemade, including the hash browns.
Activity
Tai Chi Lessons at Willowtail Springs

Lee Cloy has 40 years of experience in many types of martial arts, with emphasis on Tai Chi for the last 25 years. As a Master of these arts, and through the combination of his own skills in several styles, Lee’s Tai Chi has evolved into a unique form. He places focus on bringing about healing and regeneration in both body and spirit.

Lunch
Absolute Bakery & Cafe
Dedicated to the art of food, the Absolute Bakery & Cafe prepares food from scratch, using only the finest of organic and local ingredients. It's no…
Activity
Mesa Verde National Park
We want to welcome you as our guest to the nation's richest archeological preserve, where amazing cliff dwellings and more than 4,000 ancient…
Dinner
Mancos Brewing Company
Mancos Brewing Company provides great beer in a relaxed setting . Come in and sit down, order a beer (or a glass of wine) and a bite of food.  We…
Activity
Mancos Creative District
Facilitated by a vibrant community of more than 150 artists, the growing downtown
Lodging
Willowtail Springs Lakeside Cabins
Willowtail Springs has a gallery on site featuring a variety of paintings, sculpture and hand cast paper, mixed media, drawings, pastels and other…