EXPLORE THE HISTORY & BEAUTY OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO
Mesa Verde, one of the largest archaeological preserves in the country, is voted one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime – The World’s Greatest Destinations” by National Geographic. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, wine connoisseur, or agritourist, one of our Mesa Verde tours is sure to be the perfect fit for you!
SOUTHWEST COLORADO TOURS – AGRITOURISM, WINERIES, HIKING & MORE!
There are endless things to do in this historic area of Colorado. Not only can you hike, bike, fish and participate in other outdoor activities, you can also visit the many museums, art galleries, vineyards, and farm-to-table cuisines. Attend American Indian dances at the Cortez Cultural Center. Enjoy a relaxing holiday in Mesa Verde and learn about the country’s interesting past.
AN OVERVIEW OF MESA VERDE TOURS
One of the best ways to explore a new city is by taking a guided tour. Mesa Verde has such an immense and rich history that a guided tour would help you learn a lot more about this city. Some of the best tours offered in Mesa Verde are:
700 YEARS TOUR
Operating between May to October, the 700 Years Tour takes you through a chronological journey of the Ancestral Puebloans architectural, cultural, horticultural, and religious dimensions. On this four-hour tour, you will see the earliest recorded Pithouse villages (600 A.D.) to the 13th century Pueblo cliff dwellings. Led by NAI certified guides, tourists will travel on motor coaches and take a few short walks on trails.
WINERY TOURS
Mesa Verde is home to some of Colorado’s award-winning local wineries. Sutcliffe Vineyard has 36 organically farmed acres producing high-quality Merlots and Chardonnays. Take part in the journey, from harvesting of the grapes to the bottling of wines, on their exciting and insightful tours.
Yellow Car Country Wines, is located in Cortez—Visit Their tasting Room.
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK TOURS
The Mesa Verde National Park which is located eight miles from Cortez – the cultural center of Mesa Verde – also has many other guided tours to places that can only be accessed by taking a ranger. Some of those tours are:
- Cliff Palace – largest cliff dwelling
- Balcony House – adventurous cliff dwelling
- Cliff Palace – twilight tours
- Long House – in-depth tour
- Trail of the Ancient – 114-mile scenic byway near Cortez
You can find more information on all Mesa Verde tours the Mesa Verde National Park website.
SOUTHWEST COLORADO CANYONS ALLIANCE
These local experts provide guided tours of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and beyond. Join a guide to learn all about the Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeology, the plantlife and wildlife of the monument, and tips to travel with respect and care for the landscape and artifacts.
The SCCA offers a wide variety of tours of different lengths. These include interpretive hikes from half a day to a full day, petroglyph tours, guided visits to ancient pueblos, and even family activities for children as young as 5 years old.
Learn more about the impact of the SCCA on protecting our “back yard,” and take a tour to learn more about all the treasures that our neighborhood holds.
CORTEZ TOURS
Locally owned and operated, Cortez Tours is a guided walking tour company focusing on the history, geology, and culture of the Cortez area. Offering daily walking tours in and around Cortez, Colorado, Cortez Tours aims to teach guests about the area and get them out adventuring on their own!
Discover the beauty of Colorado on one of the many excursions, all under two hours! Wake up with a sunrise tour, learn about ancient and modern farming practices on a farm tour, or stroll through the historic downtown at sunset on a ghost tour. Cortez Tours can also tailor tours to your groups’ specific needs, including parties, larger groups, or accessibility needs.
WILD WEST EXCURSIONS
Southwest Colorado isn’t just a landscape – it’s a feeling. Wild West Excursions takes you beyond sightseeing, crafting immersive adventures that connect you to the heart and soul of this extraordinary region.
Imagine yourself riding through breathtaking high country meadows, or learning the secrets of foraging and wildcrafting with an expert guide. Our local cowboys and ranchers become your personal storytellers, sharing their deep knowledge of the land and its rich history. Want to get your hands dirty? Craft your own preserves in a hands-on canning workshop, or savor the taste of farm-to-table freshness as you explore working farms and ranches.
