Cortez, Colorado is a small city in the Four Corners region of the state. It sits near Mesa Verde National Park and is surrounded by dry mesas, open farmland, and mountain views. Cortez is about 45 miles from Durango and is a useful base for exploring ancient cliff dwellings, local trails, and the wider landscape of southwest Colorado.
Location Map of Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado
About Map: The map shows the location of Cortez in Montezuma County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Cortez Map, Colorado
About Cortez Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Cortez in Montezuma County, Colorado. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Cortez Located?
Cortez is a city located in Montezuma County, Colorado, the United States. It is the county seat of Montezuma County and lies about 45 miles west of Durango and roughly 50 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. Cortez is located at approximately 37.3489° North latitude and 108.5859° West longitude. The city covers about 6.03 square miles (15.62 sq km) and had 8,766 residents in the 2020 Census. The surrounding landscape includes high desert mesas, open farmland, sandstone formations, and distant mountain ranges. Cortez was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1902. The city developed as an agricultural and trading center for the surrounding region. Its location near Mesa Verde makes it an important gateway to ancient Pueblo archaeological sites. The city is also close to the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation and the Four Corners area, where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet.
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Cortez City Facts
| City | Cortez |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Montezuma County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southwestern Colorado / Four Corners |
| Incorporated | 1902 |
| Founded | 1880s |
| Total Area | 6.03 sq mi (15.62 sq km) |
| Land Area | 6.03 sq mi (15.62 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 6,190 ft (1,887 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 8,900 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 8,766 |
| Population Density | About 1,454 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST); Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) |
| ZIP Code | 81321 |
| Area Code | 970 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 160, U.S. Route 491, Colorado State Highway 145 |
| Public Transit | Montezuma-Cortez Transit |
| Major Attractions | Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Cortez Cultural Center, Ute Mountain Tribal Park |
| Official Website | https://www.cortezco.gov/ |
Distance from Cortez, CO to Nearby Cities
- Mancos, CO – 30 miles (48 km)
- Dove Creek, CO – 30 miles (48 km)
- Dolores, CO – 15 miles (24 km)
- Durango, CO – 45 miles (72 km)
- Telluride, CO – 75 miles (121 km)
- Montrose, CO – 115 miles (185 km)
- Pagosa Springs, CO – 120 miles (193 km)
- Ouray, CO – 105 miles (169 km)
- Moab, UT – 110 miles (177 km)
- Farmington, NM – 65 miles (105 km)
- Gallup, NM – 130 miles (209 km)
- Flagstaff, AZ – 220 miles (354 km)
- Grand Junction, CO – 190 miles (306 km)
- Albuquerque, NM – 245 miles (394 km)
- Santa Fe, NM – 250 miles (402 km)
- Denver, CO – 380 miles (612 km)
Top Attractions in Cortez
- Mesa Verde National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site known for ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings, mesa-top villages, and archaeological sites.
- Cortez Cultural Center – Local museum and cultural center with exhibits about regional history, archaeology, and Native American heritage.
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Large protected landscape containing thousands of archaeological sites from ancient Pueblo cultures.
- Ute Mountain Tribal Park – Tribal park featuring ancient cliff dwellings, rock art, and guided tours through a rugged desert landscape.
- Hovenweep National Monument – Nearby archaeological site with ancient stone towers and Pueblo structures along the Colorado-Utah border.
- McPhee Reservoir – Large reservoir west of Cortez offering boating, fishing, camping, and scenic views.
- Escalante Pueblo – Archaeological site near Dolores preserving the remains of an ancient Pueblo community.
- Dolores River – Scenic river near Cortez used for fishing, boating, rafting, and outdoor recreation.
Airports Near Cortez
- Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) – 6 miles
- Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) – 50 miles
- Farmington Regional Airport (FMN) – 70 miles
- Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) – 90 miles
- Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 120 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Cortez website and local government records.
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