Things to do in Southwest Colorado- Mancos, Dolores, Cortez and Durango

Looking for things to do in the Mancos valley and surrounding areas this summer? Look no further. In this lovely corner of Colorado that we call home there are endless opportunities for fun wherever you look, whether that be outdoor recreational activities, like mountain biking or enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Here are just a few fun things to do near Mancos Colorado.

Enjoy some time in the sun at one of the local lakes.

Head towards Durango and check out Lake Nighthorse. Enjoy their new floating obstacle course, or get out for some boating or fishing!

For more information: https://co-durango.civicplus.com/lakenighthorse

Head towards Dolores and you’ll find Mcphee reservoir. Mcphee is the fifth largest lake in colorado. Here you will find great cliff jumping spots, as well as numerous popular fishing spots, a wide open lake great for boating activities and other things such as camping sites and hiking trails.  

Mcphee cliffs:

Other info for mcphee reservoir:     https://www.uncovercolorado.com/national-lands/mcphee-reservoir/ 

Looking for something a little closer to Mancos? Head up to Jackson lake. In the spring, summer and fall, fishermen, canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters enjoy the calm waters of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. 

For more information visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mancos/Pages/default.aspx 

Thinking of something more fast paced? Check out the Animas river for a rafting adventure!

Check out mild to wild for rafting information as well as other topics such as jeep tours and other adventurous activities: https://mild2wildrafting.com

Looking for other types of whitewater fun? Pick up tubes at a local store and enjoy some white water fun with your friends on either the Animas, or Dolores rivers.

Check out two popular tubing areas below.

Durango river (more fast paced) 

Dolores River tubing (more relaxed)

Looking for some adventurous mountain biking trails in the area? Head towards Cortez and check out more than twenty-five miles of single track trails ranging from beginner to expert level bike trails at Phil's world.

“Phil's World is known for two words, RIB CAGE! The most prominent feature of the area, Rib Cage is fast and fun, rolling terrain that will make you hoop and holler. You can lap this feature, but there is plenty of other fun to be had as well. Ledges and Stinking Spring trails are furthest from the trailhead, and offer a bit more challenging terrain, and also the best views.” https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/621788/phils-world 

Looking for some great hiking trails? Look no further than the beautiful trails surrounding mancos!

Head to Mesa Verde national park for some great hiking trails, as well as guided tours and camping opportunities.

Check out Mesa Verde hiking information at:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/hiking.htm 

Check out other things to do at Mesa Verde:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/things-to-do.htm 

Other popular hiking trails:

Sharkstooth trail…

For information head to:

https://www.mancostrails.org/sharkstooth-trail.html 

For directions head to: 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/sharkstooth-pass-trail 

     

       San Juan Bear creek loop…

For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/san-juan-bear-creek-loop 

Summit Hesperus mountain…

For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hesperus-mountain-peak-trail 

           Check out Little Hawaii in Telluride…

           For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/bear-creek-trail-5ef78f6--2 

Want to enjoy some time out with some friends at a local Business?

Enjoy a glass of world class wine, or check out upcoming events at Sutcliffe vineyards:

https://www.sutcliffewines.com 

Enjoy a meal with some friends at some of our lovely local restaurants…

Steamworks Brewing Company…

https://steamworksbrewing.com 

Absolute Bakery and Cafe

http://www.absolutebakery.com 

Grab a cup of coffee before your adventure…

Fahrenheit coffee roasters.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33536-d1913391-Reviews-Fahrenheit_Coffee-Mancos_Colorado.html 

Durango Joes.

https://durangojoes.com 

Do you miss the Mancos Newspaper?

 

If you have been in Mancos long, I'm sure you miss the newspaper.  I do!  Click here for info on what's happening in Mancos!  

Why Zillow Home Values Should Not Be Trusted.

One of the most common questions I get is, “how accurate are Zillow home value estimates?”

 The majority of the time, these Zillow home values a.k.a. “Zestimates” are NOT accurate. Zestimates are created by an automated system that cannot think for itself, or account for variations or unique characteristics that can alter the price.

 One of the factors impacting the Zillow Zestimate is the property’s assessed value from tax records. Rarely does assessed home value have a correlation to market value. Assessed values are used by the county to collect taxes.

Another data point that Zillow uses is the most recent selling price of a property. The market is changing so quickly and a sale price that is years old is no way to estimate the current value of a home.

Zillow estimates the values of over 100 million homes across the country. It would be impossible for them to predict the value of each home accurately. Zillow does not enter properties but relies on their system instead. They have no idea that you spent $50,000 renovating your kitchen and bathrooms. Zillow also doesn’t know if you have a $20,000 structural crack in your foundation, or if your roof needs replacement. They also have not idea if your home is in a desirable area. 

Zillow can be a useful tool, but it does not provide adequate accuracy on home prices to be used exclusively.  Want to know the accurate market value of your home? Call Carrie Summers with Colorado Ranch & Home Realty 970-759-2540.

Thinking of selling? Staging your home is crucial!

 

Thinking of selling?  Staging your home to look it’s best, can get you top dollar!

 Home staging is decorating with purpose to highlight your home’s best assets and help buyers imagine themselves moving in and living there.

 De-personalize the space

The biggest objective of home staging is to help the prospective buyers visualize the space as their own. Start by removing any personal photos, making sure to take down things hanging on your fridge as well as framed photos on walls and surfaces. Most of the closets need to be ½ empty. 

 Get rid of clutter

Clutter takes up space, and space is what sells. Make your home look bigger and more desirable by getting down to just the basics. You don’t have to permanently remove things, but you should pack them up and get them out of the house. This includes un-seasonal clothes, most of your decor, papers, games, and anything else that you don’t use on a daily basis. Buyers will be opening your closest to look at their storage potential, so take your time there, removing as many miscellaneous items as you can. 

 Clean!

A clean home suggests to buyers that the current owners took good care of the property. Clean everything from the baseboards, to the corners of your ceilings, and everything in between. Clean the inside of your refrigerator, and make sure you dust your blinds.

 Patch and repair

Take a magic eraser to any scuffs on the walls. Keep an eye out for areas that could use a little TLC, then spackle and caulk as necessary. You might need to do paint touch ups too.

 Let in that light!

Brighten up by letting as much light shine in the house as possible. Open the blinks on all of the windows, which will also make the rooms seem bigger.

 Freshen Up

A few potted plants can do wonders on making your home feel inviting. Space plants out strategically so they don’t overwhelm any one area. Another way to freshen up your home is to get rid of odors. Pets, kids, last night’s dinner, a damp bathroom, and many other conditions can make your home smell. An easy way to remove a home of odors is to bake cinnamon-coated apples, or cookies in the oven, or burning vanilla-scented candles. It’s best to avoid air fresheners as they can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive people. Lastly, don’t forget to take out the trash!  In the summer, crack a window for fresh air!

 We are here to help make the selling process effortless!  MancosHomes.com

Common Problems found in Home Inspections

 

1.    Water Intrusion

Water damage can be very tricky to deal with. Roofs are often the first spot for water to leak and travel downwards. Inspectors usually start in the attic when looking for water damage. Some of the signs of water damage include:

·         Cracks and holes. - Cracks or holes on the exterior walls are areas water can enter your home

·         Warped floors and damp carpets

·         Stained walls and ceilings - Even if the stain results from an old leak that has been repaired, inspectors will still check for mold buildup.

·         Peeling paint and wallpaper - This issue may be an indicator of a leak behind the walls

·         Musty odors - This can be an indication of mold buildup, often caused by leaks.

 

2. Faulty Wiring

·         If you see open junction boxes, mismatched amperage, or extension cords running everywhere when you view a home, these are bad signs.

·         Homes built between 1900 and 1950 often have outdated and inadequate fuse boxes. Unfortunately, that means the entire wiring needs to be replaced as it is not enough to keep up with today’s needs.

 

3. Foundation Flaws

·         Foundation problems arise in the form of sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, or even doors that swing in one direction when left ajar. Foundation cracks can be caused by a variety of serious issues.

4. General Problems

·         Poor home maintenance? How's the furnace?

       ·        Is repainting, or new flooring needed, or grout in bathroom is decaying?

 

5. Faulty Plumbing

        ·           Turn on every faucet, and check if drains are working properly.

        ·           Flush every toilet. Are they loose?

·         At each area look for inadequate water pressure, slow drains and signs of leaks. Open the cabinet under the sinks and check for leaks. If there is a kitchen or bathroom on the second   floor, check the ceiling below them for signs of water damage.

 

All of these problems can be costly to fix.  It is really important to do a thorough inspection!  For a list of trusted inspectors, give Carrie Summers with Colorado Ranch & Home Realty a call, 970-759-2540.