Much more than Mesa Verde

Much more than Mesa Verde

July 26, 2000

:Montezuma County promotes itself as "Mesa Verde Country: The Archaeological Center of America." With Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park closed while hundreds of firefighters battle the Bircher Fire, what's a visitor to do?

Lots, according to the Mesa Verde Country Tourism Partners.

Archaeology buffs can visit Hovenweep National Monument west of Cortez, 562-4282.

Lowry Pueblo, with its great kiva, is free to the public northwest of Cortez.

Private guided tours into the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, 565-9653, are still available, although the canyon ruins are off-limits because of the fire.

For those who want more interpretation, the Anasazi Heritage Center Museum and its associated Escalante Ruin near Dolores, 882-4811, offer an in-depth introduction to the Ancestral Puebloan culture. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, 565-8227, offers day programs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Cortez Cultural Center, in downtown Cortez, 565-8227, offers exhibits, Indian dances and cultural programs daily.

Mesa Verde country has lots to offer beyond archaeology, and locals who meet disappointed visitors are being encouraged to point them toward McPhee Reservoir, the stagecoach rides in Mancos, horseback rides from various local outfitters, and the wealth of hiking, biking and fishing opportunities in the area.

For those who are staying a while, both Mancos Days and the Dolores Centennial Birthday Bash offer lots of local fun this weekend. The Montezuma County Fair, which has been moved to the American Legion grounds, will begin on Sunday and run through next week.

For more information about activities in the Four Corners, visit the Cortez Welcome Center at the corner of Main and Mildred, or call 565-3414.