Montezuma County: Canyons, Mesa Verde, and Scenic Views

Montezuma County showcases a landscape of wide-open plains, deep canyons, and striking elevations. In the south-central part of the county, Mesa Verde National Park sits on a sloping plateau cut by long, deep canyons. Wind and water erosion have divided the park into a series of canyons and mesas. Elevations range from about 6,000 feet on the canyon floors to 8,572 feet at Park Point. On the west side of Montezuma County, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument occupies most of the area. Thousands of cultural sites are spread across 176,000 acres there; their remains reflect connections between people and the land dating back more than 12,000 years.

Views and Trails in Mesa Verde

At 8,572 feet (2,612 m), Park Point is the highest point in Mesa Verde National Park. A short, steep, paved trail leads to 360-degree views of the Four Corners region. Point Lookout Trail offers a different perspective: steep switchbacks climb from Morefield Canyon, with views from the top of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains, as well as the Mancos and Montezuma valleys. Soda Canyon Trail adds a third highlight. This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop offers the only views of Balcony House. If views are your top priority, the three destinations differ clearly: Park Point opens up a panoramic vista, Point Lookout focuses on mountains and valleys, and Soda Canyon Trail leads to the only views of Balcony House.

Trails, Rock, and Open Landscapes

Seventy-six percent of Montezuma County is public land, and numerous hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHV trails add to its outdoor offerings. Within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Phil’s World offers a designated mountain biking trail network. Climbing, rappelling, and bouldering are permitted in designated areas of the Mockingbird Mesa Recreation Management Area. At Hawkins Preserve, activities include climbing, bouldering, hiking, and mountain biking; there is also an ADA-accessible trail.

The roads also vary: the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway is 114 miles long, paved, and passes through large parts of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Some roads in the monument are unpaved; a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be required in wet or icy conditions. This restriction is especially relevant when planning trips in such conditions.

Water and Regional Experiences

At McPhee Reservoir, motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, camping, and non-motorized trails are available. On the Upper Dolores sections from Bear Creek to West Dolores and from West Dolores to the town, kayaking, packrafting, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing are possible. This means there are options for different types of boating at the reservoir, as well as several types of paddling on the specified river sections.

The Montezuma County Fairgrounds hosts the Four States Ag Expo, the Montezuma County 4-H Fair, rodeos, exhibitions, livestock clinics, and other regional events. If you’re planning around a particular event, check the dates in advance. Sutcliffe Vineyards regularly hosts public and members-only events, including wine and food pairing events. The galleries and restrooms at the Montezuma Heritage Museum are wheelchair accessible. Yucca House National Monument is an ancestral archaeological site in Montezuma County.

When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to set a clear priority: do you want views and culture, biking and climbing, or water activities to shape your stay? Focus your search on the outings you want to make central to your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Cortez, Mancos, Dolores and Mesa Verde National Park

More destinations: Teller County, Delta, Pitkin and Washington County.

Return to the main travel guide: Colorado.