Located between Durango and Cortez along Highway 160, Mancos, Colorado, is a small but friendly town with more to do than you might imagine. For tourists visiting Mesa Verde National Park, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing top the list of things to do. You can also fish in the nearby Mancos State Park.
But you don’t have to get outside of town to have fun. If you’re visiting Mancos and looking for a place to stay, check out the Mesa Verde Motel, a recently renovated Boutique Motel. Start your day at the motel’s coffee bar and then head into town to enjoy what Mancos has to offer.
Quick Links
Discover Mancos, Colorado
Mancos so inspired Western writer Louis L’Amour that he wrote many of his novels in this historic Western town, but you don’t have to be famous to be captivated by Mancos. Stroll through town to see the many historical buildings, visit shops and galleries, dine at any of the many restaurants, and enjoy cider made from locally sourced apples.
Annual Events in Mancos
If you’re traveling in the Four Corners Region, be sure to make Mancos a stop on your trip. You might want to time your visit to take part in some of the town’s annual events. The Mesa Verde Motel makes the perfect base camp for your Mancos, Colorado, activities.
Mancos Art Market
This event takes place in November and gives artists and makers a chance to display and sell their original art or other creative items. Also known locally as Mancos Artist Sunday, it draws a big crowd. In addition to art and other creative objects, attendees can enjoy live music, food, and beverages. It’s a great way to get in some holiday shopping too.
Mancos BurroFest
Because burros have been a source of inspiration for artists since ancient times and have significantly contributed to the mining heritage of Colorado, the Mancos Creative District hosts BurroFest each June. The annual event highlights the skills of both burros and artists. It features an obstacle course, a costume contest, and the opportunity for artists to paint or draw live burro models. Attendees can meet the burros and their owners, watch live demonstrations, view artist’s renditions of participating burros, and enjoy live music. Of course, like most Mancos events, you can count on lots of food, too.
Mancos Days
This annual event takes place in July and features several fun activities for locals and visitors. Typically, you can expect a kiddie parade, the Friends of the Library annual book sale, softball, and baseball tournaments, a teen movie night, a pancake breakfast, and wiffle ball, volleyball, and cornhole tournaments. During this event, the Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct a flag ceremony.
A highlight of the event is the coronation of the Mancos Colorado Days Pioneer Queen. This tradition honors a woman from the community who is a long-time resident of Mancos. She is selected by the Ladies Auxiliary and a quilt made in her honor is raffled off during the celebration. As if all this wasn’t enough, visitors can enjoy live music and plenty of food vendors will be on site.
Mesa Verde Motel is a far out place for human people, providing boutique lodging accommodation near Mesa Verde National Park.
191 W. Railroad Ave
Mancos, Colorado 81328
970-533-7741
Story sponsored by the Mesa Verde Motel
Mancos Farmers Market
Starting in June and going through the summer, the Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to picking up local produce, you can buy the creations of local artists, sample food truck offerings, and enjoy live music. What a fun way to spend an evening in beautiful Mancos!
Mancos Valley Brewfest
In late August, the Mancos Brewery holds its annual Brewfest, with other local breweries, cideries, and winemakers showcasing their products. With Live music, good food, and proceeds going towards a local charity, it’s the best way to wind down the summer.
Nearby Activities
Mesa Verde National Park
Mancos is fewer than 10 miles from this famous attraction. You can visit the cliff dwellings, hike on some of the area trails, or take a driving tour. Find out what makes Mesa Verde National Park worth a visit.
Mountain Biking Trails Galore
The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde Bike Race is held annually in nearby Cortez at the world-famous Phil’s World Trail System. Other mountain biking trails near Mancos are Boggy Draw and Chicken Creek. There are plenty of beginner trails at both of these locations.
Hiking Trails
Many of those mountain biking trails also accommodate hikers, and the Aqueduct Trail System has multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking. West Mancos trail system has trails for all levels with incredible vistas and flora and fauna.
Skiing
Enjoy cross-country skiing in the Mancos-Chicken Creek Area, Madden Peak Road, and the Railroad Trail. Purgatory Ski resort is only 55 minutes from Mancos and Telluride ski resort is only 1hr 20 minutes. Mancos provides access to both without the hefty price tag for accommodation and restaurants.
Whatever takes you to Mancos, the Mesa Verde Motel is a great place to stay as you check out the many activities in and around town. Relax and unwind at their onsite bar and lounge after a day spent enjoying an annual event, visiting historical sites, or exploring the nearby biking and hiking trails.
