Cortez, CO is in the extreme southwestern corner of the state of Colorado. It is located between Mesa Verde National Park (ten miles to the east) and Hovenweep National Monument (25 miles to the west).

Cortez is very easy to get around through the town. Highway 160 makes an arc through the main part of town. Most all businesses are located on this highway.

The weekend of September 11-12, 2004 was sunny bright and warm (upper 80's) days. An art festival was held in the park west of the Colorado Visitor Center. The artwork was a variety of southwestern U.S. flavor. Food, paintings, jewelry, pottery, t-shirts and more were part of the show. I was really, really tempted to purchase one of the paintings. However, it was 42 x 64 inches and would not fit in the car.

Cortez was a great place to spend three days, one of them dedicated to catching up with the laundry and just relax and enjoy the surroundings.