Monday, June 27, 2022

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