If you are planning a trip to Cortez, Colorado there are so many exciting things to do to fill your day with. From visiting Mesa Verde National Park, to hiking in the San Juans, or mountain biking at Phil's World, there. are endless activities to explore! Still, you might need something to do with your evenings (or mornings). Here is a list of the top 10 things to do around Cortez if you need to kill just a few hours!
Axe Throwing at Blondies Trophy Room
Axe throwing can be relaxing...so I've heard! And Blondies is a secret gem of Cortez with remarkably good food! You'll always find something interesting at this local bar (although not very kid-friendly after 8 PM)! And if you happen to stroll by on a Thursday night, you can join in a rousing round of karaoke! You can find hours and more information about Blondies at: https://www.facebook.com/Blondiestrophyroom/
Live Music or Trivia at WildEdge
Wildedge Brewing Collective is a local favorite in Cortez with good, local beer and excellent American-pub food. This is a great place to go to learn about local culture, and often hosts live musicians (local of course!) on Fridays and Saturdays and trivia on Tuesdays. Learn more at: https://www.wildedgebrewing.com/
Native Dances at the Cortez Cultural Center
The Cortez Cultural Center hosts Native dancers most nights from June through August. Located in the heart of downtown Cortez, the outdoor amphitheater is a great space to learn about culture and support local artists. You can learn more about the dances at: https://cortezculturalcenter.org/native-american-dances
Watch a Movie or a Show at the Sunflower Theater
For a small, rural town Cortez has a surprisingly active arts scene. The Sunflower Theater shows movies or live plays often. Check out what's happening at: https://sunflowertheatre.org/
Shop at the Local Boutiques on Main & Market Streets
The City of Cortez has an impressive amount of locally owned shops. From clothing at Love on a Hanger, Patina Trail, The Station, or Say Yes to local art galleries like Turquoise Raven and the Zu, Main Street will not disappoint! Merriweather Home + Market and Notah Dineh celebrate local artisans and High Desert Life has a range of outdoor inspired gifts and apparel.
Find all the murals in downtown Cortez
Southwest Colorado has a long history of artistic talent, and Cortez is no exception. With over 20 murals in the downtown area, you can spend an afternoon exploring the hidden artwork of this small City. You can check out a map of the murals and more information at: https://shopcortez.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/crea-mural-brochure-tour-cortez-oct-2023.pdf. Cortez Tours also leads a public art tour on Fridays. Tickets can be purchased for as little as $5 at: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/corteztours/
Take Tour with Cortez Tours
If you need to fill a couple hours at the beginning or end of your day - and you enjoy learning about history and local culture - definitely sign up for a tour with Cortez Tours (www.corteztours.com). The Sunrise Tour is perfect for early risers and the Wild West Ghost Tour is perfect for an after-dinner thrill! (Both tours are dog & kid friendly!)
Visit the Pipe People on Road P
A weird and wonderful museum of sorts is accessible on County Road P. A delightfully weird array of Western characters fashioned out of metal pipe awaits the curious visitor. You can learn more at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/creations-from-mufflers
Sip Wine at the Zu Gallery
The Zu Gallery is a local wine bar and art gallery that has events almost every night. Check out more information at: https://zugallery.com/
Rent a Paddle Board or Kayak and explore McPhee Reservoir
The McPhee Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water in Colorado, and a popular place for boating. While swimming is frowned upon, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards at Dolores River Outfitters (https://www.doloresoutfitters.com/) and spend a sunny day on the "lake." Put-ins for your small crafts are only a short drive from the retail store.
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