Mesa Verde Country: The West’s Next Great Mountain Biking Destination
Editor’s Note: Mesa Verde Country is hosting a mountain biking press trip June 2-6, 2020. To learn more, please contact Christy Nielson at [email protected].
Cortez, Colo. – Mountain biking enthusiasts seeking the next great destination for their sport need look no further than Mesa Verde Country in Southwest Colorado. From single tracks to challenging climbs in the San Juan Mountains, Mesa Verde Country offers more than 600 miles of trails that traverse slick rock, old-growth forest and even ancient ruins.
Spring, summer and fall are the best times to ride, but winter fat tire biking makes Mesa Verde Country a year-round mountain biking destination. The higher elevations of the mesas and mountain trails offer incredible views, as well as relief from mid-summer heat for those who choose to come during warm weather months.
Favorite trails include Sand Canyon Trail in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – possibly the only place in the world that riders can tackle single track and slick rock while riding past ancient cliff dwellings. Phil’s World Trail System boasts 60 miles of mind-blowing trails, and is located just six miles from Cortez. It has the perfect mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails and is quickly becoming one of Colorado’s most popular mountain biking spots (but without the crowds!). Boggy Draw is another favorite that’s located near Dolores. The Boggy Draw Loop is fairly mellow and nine-miles long – perfect for family riding. To work up a real sweat, check out the 13-mile Bean Canyon Loop.
For après bike, enjoy local flavors sipping on the brews, wines and ciders in Mesa Verde Country. The area boasts five craft breweries – Dolores River Brewery, Main Street Brewery, Coyote J. Brewing Company, Mancos Brewing Company and the WildEdge Brewery in Cortez, which also features cider. Fenceline Cider | Outliers Cellars also has a taproom in downtown Mancos featuring ciders made from local apples. If wine is more your speed, check out Guy Drew Vineyards and Sutcliffe Vineyards.
There is no shortage of amazing food to help fuel your next ride. The area has cuisine covered from farm-to-table and locally grown to fresh and sustainable cuisine. The Farm Bistro and Stonefish Sushi & More are in Cortez, while Absolute Bakery & Cafe and Olio are in Mancos.
To rest up for the next singletrack adventure, Mesa Verde Country has many options that range from cozy cabins and RV parks to Airstreams and yurts. Guest ranches, bed-and-breakfasts, and retro motels round out the options for a good night’s sleep.
To learn more about mountain biking in Mesa Verde Country, watch this video or go to MesaVerdeCountry.com to begin planning your next trip.
About Mesa Verde Country (www.mesaverdecountry.com)
Mesa Verde Country is in southwest Colorado near the entrance to the magnificent Mesa Verde National Park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos provide accommodations, dining, outdoor fun and visitor services. Named the “Number One Historic Monument in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime-The World's Greatest Destinations” by National Geographic, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the nation’s first World Heritage sites and the largest archaeological preserve in the country. Two national byways pass through Mesa Verde Country. In addition to the National Park, Mesa Verde Country is loaded with other archaeological attractions: Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, the Anasazi Heritage Center and the Cortez Cultural Center. Mountain biking enthusiasts have recognized Mesa Verde Country as one of the next great mountain biking destinations.
Contacts
Christy Nielson, Ore Communications, 206-399-1914, [email protected]
Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-531-2336, [email protected]