Listed in order from nearest driving distance to furthest, these are some not to miss charming towns worth exploring.

• Cortez is a home-rule municipality and the county seat of Montezuma County, located in the scenic "High Desert" of the Four Corners region. Known as the "Archaeological Center of America," it serves as the primary gateway to Mesa Verde National Park and other significant Ancestral Puebloan sites.

• Mancos is a historic mountain town in Montezuma County, Colorado, often called the "Gateway to Mesa Verde"due to its proximity to the national park. Sitting at an elevation of 7,028 feet, it blends a rugged "Old West" heritage with a thriving modern arts community.

• Dolores, Colorado is a charming statutory town in Montezuma County, known for its rich history and outdoor recreation. It sits in a canyon at an elevation of 6,936 feet, with the Dolores Riverrunning through it.

• Durango, Colorado – Just over an hour from Sage Canyon, Durango is a college town nestled at the feet of the San Juans. In all seasons it provides a gateway to everything outdoors in some of the most gorgeous mountains Colorado has to offer.

• Telluride, Colorado – Two hours from Sage Canyon, Telluride is quite possibly the most picturesque ski town you could imagine. It’s situated at the end of a beautiful box canyon in the shadows of high-alpine peaks. It feels part European and part Wild West. The drive alone can make this day-trip worth it at any time of year. Telluride is also home to several music and entertainment events throughout the year including the Telluride Film Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

• Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez – About 40 minutes from Sage Canyon, the national park has beautiful, ancient cliff dwellings and other archeological sites. Guided tours that allow you to walk among the dwellings are available for purchase at the park’s visitor center and well worth making the time for.

• Four Corners Monument – 50 minutes from Sage Canyon is the only place in the U.S. where you can stand in four states at the same time. The Navajo Nation manages the small monument.

• Phil’s World, Cortez – Part trail system, part natural bike park, Phil’s World is an entertaining network of mountain bike trails that people come from all over the country to ride. Drop by Kokopelli Bike & Board in town for more info

• Hovenweep National Monument, Colorado/Utah Border, just leaving McElmo Canyon, Cortez – A network of prehistoric village ruins. Among other ruins, the monument contains several stone towers precariously balanced on and around large boulders at the rim of the canyon.

• Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Cortez – Lesser-known than Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients is geographically larger and estimated to have the highest density of archeologically-significant sites in the U.S. The monument’s land borders Sage Canyon to the north. The easiest access to some of the architectural ruins is at Sand Canyon, just down Road G from the Cliff House. But there are many other significant sites and recreation areas in the patchwork network of land that makes up the monument. A fantastic starting point is the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, just north of Cortez.

• Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Cortez – Recognized by National Geographic, The Ute Mountain Tribal Park borders Mesa Verde National Park and offers its own set of beautiful cliff dwellings and archeological ruins in an even more remote setting. The park may only be toured with a Ute guide. www.mesaverdecountry.com / www.utemountaintribalpark.info/

• Canyon Trails Ranch, McElmo Canyon, Cortez – Guided trail horse rides through the Canyons of the Ancients.

• Four Corners Guides, Four Corners region (based in Mancos) – Guided bikepacking, packrafting, and bikerafting adventures to remote regions of the Four Corners. Their trips are usually multi-day—but they offer a few 1-2 day trips you might want to consider during or after your stay with us.

• Monument Valley Tribal Park, Utah/Arizona – An overwhelmingly-beautiful landscape of tall pinnacles of red rock, buttes, and mesas. Countless old Westerns were filmed here or reference the area. The park visitor center is about 2 hours west, leaving down Road G and the drive alone is worth it.

• Sand Canyon – Sand Canyon is the main, public hiking access to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. It is located just a few miles west down Road G and is easy to find. There are miles of hiking and mountain biking trails there that will take you past ruins and beautiful rock formations. Again, bring water, wear good shoes, and know your limits.

• Phil’s World, Cortez – Part trail system, part natural bike park, Phil’s World is an entertaining network of mountain bike trails that people come from all over the country to ride. Drop by Kokopelli Bike & Board in town for more info (kokopellibike.com). www.blm.gov/visit/phils-world

• Four Corners Guides, Four Corners region (based in Mancos) – Guided bikepacking, packrafting, and bikerafting adventures to remote regions of the Four Corners. Their trips are usually multi-day—but they offer a few 1-2 day trips you might want to consider during or after your stay with us. fourcornersguides.com

• Bluf, Utah – If you head directly West down Road G from Sage Canyon, You’ll reach Bluff in about an hour. The winding drive through McElmo Canyon is its own worthwhile event. Bluff itself is very small, but serves as a jumping off point for a lot of Southern Utah: Combs Ridge, Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa, Bears Ears National Monument, and Monument Valley are all close-by. bluffutah.org

• Monument Valley Tribal Park, Utah/Arizona – An overwhelmingly-beautiful landscape of tall pinnacles of red rock, buttes, and mesas. Countless old Westerns were filmed here or reference the area. The park visitor center is about 2 hours west, leaving down Road G and the drive alone is worth it.

• Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores – Dunton is a meticulously restored 19th century ghost town turned mineral hot springs tucked deep in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. The best way to see it is to book a lunch and soak for the afternoon.

Cortez

• Sutcliffe Vineyards, McElmo Canyon, Cortez – Set in the ancient desert of Southwest Colorado, Sutcliffe Vineyards is an oasis of history, quality, and craftsmanship. Few dare to cultivate the vine insd this harsh wilderness, yet Sutcliffe Vineyards has garnered much acclaim, including multiple 90 point reviews and being named one of the top 500 producers in the U.S. Schedule a wine tasting!

• WildEdge Brewing Collective, Cortez – Between the ever changing tap list of house made beers, the rotating hard cider tap featuring Colorado produced ciders, and a variety of local wines, everyone can find something to enjoy in their open and welcoming tap room. Their food menu is small, but good

• Mesa Cafe, Cortez – During the day, the WildEdge Brewing Collective turns into a sweet, local coffee and pastry shop.

Mancos

• The Boathouse, Mancos – The Boathouse is a small restaurant and wine bar, right in the heart of Mancos, serving dinner Thursday - Sunday using local ingredients.

• M Bar & Coffee, Mancos – Locally-roasted coffee and pastries during the day, cocktails at night. Located at the back of the Mesa Verde Motel in Mancos.

• Fenceline Cider, Mancos – Sown along the Colorado Plateau, Fenceline Cider and Wine is dedicated to reviving America’s cider tradition, working with historic local orchards to build quality cider from the soil up.

• Mancos Brewing Company, Mancos – Local beer and good food, including wood-fired pizza, on the east end of town.

Dolores

• Dolores River Brewery, Dolores – Great, local beer, fantastic pizza and live music in the summer. Their pizza is fantastic, but only offered a few nights a week. Other great, local food vendors are available on other nights. Be sure to check their website.

Cortez

• The Farm Bistro, Cortez – Creative, local cuisine such as yak burgers & relleno pie in a rustic-chic space with a lounge. 970-565-3834

• Pueblo Seed & Food Company, Cortez - Open Fridays 12-6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. Small, beautiful facility that features organic seeds, artisan foods, whole grain baked goods, and fresh, homemade cooking inspired by New Mexican cuisine.

• Stonefish Sushi, Cortez – Sushi and more.

• The Loungin’ Lizard, Cortez – Homemade comfort food in downtown Cortez with a large patio out back and a full bard.

• Thai Cortez – Authentic Thai food on Main St. 970-564-3151

Mancos

• The Boathouse, Mancos – The Boathouse is a small restaurant and wine bar, right in the heart of Mancos, serving dinner Thursday - Sunday using local ingredients.

• Moon Dog Cafe and Bakery, Mancos – Known for their baked goods and delicious breakfasts, Moon Dog is a hopping cafe in the Mancos Art District. Get there early on a weekend to avoid a wait.

• Zuma Natural Foods & General Store, Mancos – A small natural foods-focused grocer with a takeout sandwich shop.

Cortez

• Notah-Dineh Trading Company and Museum, Cortez – Specializes in unique Native American art including handmade Navajo rugs, kachinas, sandpaintings, cradle boards, moccasins, beadwork, sculpture, beaded baskets, original artwork, and 14K and sterling silver jewelry.

Mancos

• Artisans of Mancos Gallery, Mancos – The Artisans of Mancos is an artist owned and managed cooperative. Up to 20 fine artists not only display their art, but share in the daily operations of the Gallery.

• Hand in Hand Shop, Mancos – Books and bottles of wine.