Why Cortez?

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Cortez Colorado Information

Cortez was founded in 1886 and named after Hernando Cortez, a 16th century Spanish explorer. Originally, Mitchell Springs, it was moved nine miles north to the current location and renamed Cortez. History, home, community, neighbors, geographic diversity, seamless seasons, affordability, safety, and quality of life are some of the broad brush strokes that paint colorful Cortez, Colorado. Orange sunsets in the high southwest deserts to the west, golden rolling waves in the farmlands to the north, chilling blue-green mountain ranges to the east, and ancient rising plateaus to the south are the backdrops for this nestled community. A blue sky umbrella covers this diverse community in a way that is unlike any other.

Culture, shopping, outdoor activities, dining, and a slower pace of life are in bountiful supply. National parks, cultural centers, music in the park, Native American dances, color festivals, arts and crafts, multiple vineyards and wine tasting, the parade of lights, rodeos, carnivals, a casino, car shows, countless miles of trails, farmers’ market, major ski resorts, the Dolores River Valley, and local lakes provide unlimited exploration and outdoor opportunities. These items do not even begin to scratch the surface of why you too will smile when you call Rodeo and Cortez home.

The Navajos originally referred to the area as “Tsaya-toh,” which means rock-water. The surrounding area boasts one of the highest concentrations of archeological sites in the nation. The Anasazi Heritage Center, Mesa Verde National Park, and Crow Canyon Archeological Center, and Hovenweep National Monument only name a few. Additionally, Cortez represents a greenbelt with one of the greatest per capita park systems in rural Colorado boasting three major parks, countless pocket parks, an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and new full service recreation center, all within two blocks distance of Rodeo. City water, McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores Water Conservancy, and Montezuma Valley Irrigation provide the necessary infrastructure to maintain all area greenscapes. where you can leave your car at home.