| About the Area
 Cortez
Located in the Southwest Colorado, the beautiful city of Cortez is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and streams. Cortez has an average of 300+ days of sunshine with an average high temp of 85°F and an average low of 42°F. Cortez receives an average annual rainfall of 13”. Over 9,000 people reside in the city of Cortez and over 25,000 people live throughout Montezuma County.
Along with the climate, the recreational activities in Cortez make this city an ideal place to live. Cortez has over 160 acres of parks, which include a public swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a BMX track, skatepark, and several ponds and picnic areas. The City has also begun construction of a $7.5 million recreation facility. Not included in the160 acres is a city owned 18-hole golf course. Whether it is summer or winter, you will find plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to keep you busy.
The city of Cortez is bound with history. Nine miles east of Cortez is Mesa Verde National Park, where Ancient Puebloans lived over 1,000 years ago. Also located near Cortez are the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Anasazi Heritage Center, and the Crow Canyon Archeological Center. There are also many other archeological sites around the area open to the public.
 Dolores
Dolores is a quaint old railroad town located 12 miles north of Cortez in the Southwest portion of Colorado. The population of Dolores is about 1,000, and their average high/low temperature are 75°/0°F. There is plenty to do in this small community. The Dolores River runs right through town and offers people the chance to fish, kayak, and swim during the summer months. The McPhee reservoir borders Dolores to the west and is the perfect place to go boating or camping. There are also plenty of other locations to hike, bike, and hunt. Dolores has an abundance of eye-catching scenery for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy at any time during the year.
 Durango
Fifty-two miles east of Cortez is the city of Durango. Durango is the biggest city in the Four Corners area with a population of about 16,000. Durango’s average temperatures are a high of 83°F and a low of 25°F. The city of Durango receives about 20” of precipitation a year.
Durango has 32 city parks that offer many amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, skateboard park, fishing, bike and foot trails, and open space. The Animas River runs through the town and provides a great place to kayak or white-water raft. Durango also has a recreational center, which includes a lap and recreational pool, gym, fitness center, and more. The Parks and Recreation Department operates Chapman Hill ski area and its ice/roller skating rink.
 Mancos
Mancos is located about sixteen miles east of Cortez in the Mancos Valley. Historically, Mancos was a center for cattle and lumber shipping in the late 1800’s with help from the Rio Grand Southern Railroad. History and tradition are rich in this small town. There are many old buildings and plenty of shopping on the historic main street. Mancos is near Mesa Verde National Park and Hesperus Ski Area. There are plenty of places to fish, bike, ski, and hunt big game. “Mancos Days” is an annual event held in July where people gather from all around to dance, shop, and eat. Mancos is home to just over 860 people.
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