Winter Activities in Mesa Verde Country Offer Therapeutic Outdoor Adventure This Season

Cortez, Colo. –During a holiday season that involves fewer festivities and more social distancing, outdoor activities offer a safe and fun way to connect with nature and friends. Mesa Verde Country in Southwest Colorado welcomes visitors and their social bubbles to get out in the sunshine and fresh air of the Four Corners region. Moderate winter temperatures in this unique location provide opportunities to soak up nature amid the beautiful backdrop of Southwest Colorado. Biking, skiing, hiking and horseback riding are a few of the experiences that can be enjoyed while safely distancing.

 When visiting, please remember to physical distance, cover your coughs and maintain good hand hygiene. If you aren’t feeling well, please reschedule your trip. Since things are ever-changing with coronavirus restrictions, please visit www.mesaverdecountry.com to check out the latest restrictions before visiting.

 Fat Biking

For those who have not given fat biking a try, Mesa Verde Country is a great place for adventure that turns mountain biking into an all-season sport.Phil’s World boasts 60 miles of well-kept trails and mountain views for both new and experienced riders. Visitors can rent bikes at Kokopelli Bike & Board in Cortez, which also offers full mechanic services for needed personal bicycle maintenance.

 Snow Sports

Mesa Verde Country invites visitors to experience the special peace found while standing amid a snow-covered landscape – or opt to pump up the adrenaline. The neighboring slopes of Telluride, Hesperus and Purgatory are available to skiers who live for shredding the gnar. For those diving into this year’s invitation to get out of their comfort zone, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are worthy pursuits.

 Hiking & Horseback Riding

Cozying up to a horse is the cowboy’s way to social distance while exploring the trails and wilds of nature in Mesa Verde Country. There are several riding stables in the area offering riding experiences. Rimrock Outfitters in Mancos also offers winter sleigh rides; BYO hot cocoa! For nature-lovers more comfortable with stallions at distance, wild horses can be spied in Mesa Verde National Park. The area’s ancient archaeological sites are another inspiring spot to explore on foot.  

Après Activity

After a day outdoors, the brews, wines and ciders in Mesa Verde Country are a well-earned warm-up.The area is home to several 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. For wine enthusiasts, Sutcliffe Vineyards serves up world-class wine in its estate vineyard’s tasting room in Cortez. The are plenty of food options to consider from farm-to-table and locally grown to fresh and sustainable cuisine. Most restaurants are offering in-person dining as well as take-out.

Lodging

To rest up before the next adventure, the area has many options ranging from cozy cabins and RV parks to Airstreams and yurts. Guest ranches, bed-and-breakfasts, and retro motels add to the list of places for a good night’s sleep in Mesa Verde Country.

To learn more about winter adventure in Mesa Verde Country, go to www.mesaverdecountry.com to begin planning your 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 Visitor Center & Museum, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Cortez Cultural Center. Mountain biking enthusiasts have recognized Mesa Verde Country as one of the next great mountain biking destinations.

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Contacts

Christy Nielson, Ore Communications, 206-399-1914, [email protected]?

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-531-2336, [email protected]