Cortez / Mesa Verde KOA

Mesa Verde Country

Mesa Verde Country is diverse -- offering nine national parks and monuments, mountains, mesas and national forests, recreation, relaxation and American Indian arts and crafts. One of the pleasant surprises you will discover in Mesa Verde Country is the diversity of culture. In addition to the ancient Anasazi civilization and contemporary Ute, Navajo and Hopi Indians, the region is alive with the passion and spirit of the old west ranchers, miners and cowboys. www.mesaverdecountry.com

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is filled with fascinating secrets and ancient cliff dwellings. Over 4,000 people thrived on these plateaus between 600 and 1300 AD. They built stone villages on the mesa tops and constructed massive cliff dwellings in the steep canyon walls. The elaborate stonework, delicate artifacts and amazing petroglyphs are a man made wonder. Climb through these ancient ruins and walk in the footsteps of the American Indians.

Ute Mountain Tribal Park

A personal experience for visitors in the ruins of the Anaxazi, south of Mesa Verde. The Ute Indian guides, interpret the archaeology of the park and host all tours. you will enjoy a mystical feeling of an ancient time.

Four corners

The only place in the United States where four states meet. It is a “must stop” to take pictures of each other while standing in four states.

Canyonlands

Canyonlands is a magical collection of sinuous red rock canyons dissected by intermittent stream beds and washes. It’s a great place to explore, whether hiking, backpacking, mountain biking or by jeep. You’ll find Anasazi ruins, natural arches and breathtaking vistas. In the spring or fall, Canyonlands is even more breathtaking with the changing seasons. There are two entrances to Canyonlands; the first at Newspaper Rock (an ancient message board of the Anasazi), the second north of Moab at the awe inspiring Island in the Sky area. www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm.html

Monument valley

Drive west into John Wayne country and visit the majestic and mysterious rock formations that form the Valley of the Navajo. The geology is fascinating and will make your trip even more interesting. A film crew in the valley is still a common sight. www.monumentvalley.com

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument is west of Cortez at the Colorado Utah border. The ruins at Hovenweep are over 700 years old. There are two routes to Hovenweep, south through the red rock beauty of McElmo canyon or north on Highway 666 to Pleasant View. Lowry ruin, west of Pleasant View, known for its great kiva and painted wall, is a fascinating bonus on this trip to the past. www.nps.gov/hove

Heritage center

The southwest's state-of-the-art museum. It is a large research and artifact facility for the study and interpretation of the Anasazi culture. Touch the past by grinding corn, weave a loom, use microscopes and touch real artifacts. Visit the Escalante and Dominguez Pueblos. www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.htm

Cortez cultural center and Indian dances

Visit the Indian museum and watch the free Indian dances. The Indians perform from Memorial Day to Labor Day. www.cortezculturalcenter.org

Crow canyon archaeological center

This center is committed to creating a greater understanding of the prehistoric Anasazi people, who once occupied Mesa Verde and the surrounding region. At Crow Canyon visitors excavate and analyze artifacts. Become and Archaeologist for a day. www.crowcanyon.org