Area Adventures
The Top Five (as rated by our guests)
Brown Trout in private lake at Willowtail Springs 
Local History / Archeology
Mesa Verde National Park
(10 minutes to entrance)
The spectacular giant of Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) Ruins
– one of the 10 Wonders of the World and most visited sites in the area. The entrance to this World Heritage Site is only 10 minutes from Willowtail Springs. Visit for a day or more depending on your interest level.
Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park
(45 minutes)
Ute Mountain Tribal Park is owned and operated by the Ute Tribe.
Larger than Mesa Verde National Park
, full day or half-day tours are available with a native Ute guide. Guests are always amazed and thrilled by their experience here.
Crow Canyon Archeological Center
(40 minutes)
Become an archeologist for the day or the week.
Hovenweep National Monument
(1 1/2 hours)
Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
(30 minutes)
Especially lovely late afternoon
Sand Canyon, back entrance of Canyon of the Ancients
(45 minutes)
Anasazi Heritage Center
(30 minutes)
Museum of Ancestral Puebloan Culture. Two 12th Century archeology sites. Revolving Exhibits. Park and much more. Wonderful!
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This is another giant attraction of endless thrilling views and river gorges.
Comment: Think seriously about arranging to take the train one way and the bus or van and a jeep tour or river rafting upon return. One has two views and double the thrills with any of these alternatives.
Scenic Day Drives
San Juan Skyway Loop
Gorgeous, an enjoyable full day adventure. Drive along the Dolores River, thru mining towns and over three mountain passes. Take a picnic to enjoy while overlooking some of the most exquisite vistas in Colorado. Stop and explore the following historic towns along the way:
Ouray, "Little Switzerland"
(2 1/2 hours)
Hot springs
, ice climbing park,
Bon Ton Restaurant,
Buena Tempo Mexican Restaurant
Ridgway
(2 1/2 hours)
Orvis Hot Springs,
Sandy's Sunshine Kitchen, the fabulous
Adobe Inn (5 Star Mexican, Great!!!!)
Silverton
(2 hours)
Mining tours, Blue Grass Festival, four wheel and Jeep thrills
Telluride
(1 1/2 hours)
Bridal Falls, many festivals: Film, Blues and Brews, Bluegrass and others. Hongas Restaurant (Asian, fresh & yummy!)
Four Corners National Monument
Touch 4 states at once!
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
(1 1/2 - 2 hours)
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
(2 1/2 hours)
Comb Ridge, Bluff, Utah
(2 hours)
Hike for hours or days
Valley of the Gods, Utah
(2 1/4 hours )
Explore limitless hidden canyons, waterways and waterfalls
Mexican Hat, Utah
(2 1/2 hours)
Point of departure or take-out, San Juan River Trips, magnificent and varied landscapes
Monument Valley
(2 1/2 hours)
Fishing & Boating
Besides the rainbow trout, brown trout and largemouthed bass at Willowtail Springs, there are many fabulous fly fishing areas as well as casting very close by. Go by yourself or with one of the wonderful guides in Durango or Cortez.
McPhee Reservoir
The second largest body of water in Colorado, has both warm water and cold water fishing, swimming and boating
.
Naraguinnepp Reservoir
Take a boat or a fishing rod or just a picnic
Bicycling
You are in one of the Mountain Biking centers of the country. The trails and choices are unlimited.
Bring your own bike or rent one in Cortez or Durango when you arrive. Click here to learn more.
Boggy Draw, Dolores
Durango, tons of off-road trails
Horseback Riding
Rimrock Outfitters
A favorite with our guests, go up in the mountains and have dinner cooked and hear cowboy songs!
Rustler's Roost
Also very good
Golf
Conquistador, Cortez
Dalton Ranch, Durango
Durango Mountain Resort
Piñon Hills, Farmington, New Mexico
Click here for more.
Hiking
Limitless! A couple of good options:
Dolores Canyon Overlook (1 1/2 hours)
Ponderosa forest entrance ending in deep SW canyons of pinion and juniper. This one is an unexpected and spectacular surprise.
Transfer Campground (20 minutes)
Be in the mountains in a heartbeat for viewing, long hiking trails down the river bottoms and the mountain ridges or easy strolls through aspen and oak. Keep driving and hike Shark’s Tooth Mountain.
Goodman Point
Short hike from the car. Partially excavated site. Spectacular views. Overlooks Canyon of the Ancients.
River Rafting
Mountain Waters Rafting, Durango
Mild to Wild, Durango
Flexible Flyers, Durango
Durango Rivertrippers, Durango
Jeep Tours
Skiing
We are midway between Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort and Telluride.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
Hesperus
(20 minutes from Mancos)
Chicken Creek, Mancos (Cross Country)
Other Resources/Points of Interest
Colorado Welcome Center, Cortez (20 minutes)
A wealth of information about the area
Cortez Cultural Center
Native American Dances
Yearly Birding Festival [VERY popular]
Art Shows and Gift Shop
Museums
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