Montezuma ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Montezuma, Colorado.
1. Mesa Verde National Park
ANCIENT CLIFF DWELLINGS
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Visitors can explore numerous archaeological sites including elaborate stone communities built into sheltered alcoves of canyon walls. The park offers ranger-guided tours, hiking trails, and a museum showcasing artifacts and the history of these ancient civilizations.
2. Cliff Palace
LARGEST CLIFF DWELLING
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America, located within Mesa Verde National Park. The impressive structure contains 150 rooms and 23 kivas that once housed approximately 100 people. Visitors can experience this architectural marvel through guided tours that explain the ingenuity and lifestyle of the Ancestral Puebloan people who built it around 1200 CE.
3. Canyons of the Ancients
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE TROVE
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument contains the highest density of archaeological sites in the United States with more than 6,000 ancient structures. The 176,000-acre monument offers visitors glimpses into the lives of Ancestral Puebloan and other Native American cultures through numerous ruins, kivas, and artifacts. The visitor center provides educational exhibits, interpretive programs, and information about hiking trails through this culturally rich landscape.
4. Lowry Pueblo
ANCIENT PUEBLO COMMUNITY
Lowry Pueblo is a well-preserved ancestral Puebloan settlement dating from 1060 to 1280 CE within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. This historic site features a 40-room pueblo structure built around a central plaza with eight ceremonial kivas, including a Great Kiva. Visitors can walk through the partially reconstructed ruins and learn about the sophisticated cultural and agricultural practices of the ancient inhabitants.
5. Arapahoe Basin
LEGENDARY SKI DESTINATION
Arapahoe Basin is a renowned ski area located near Montezuma offering some of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, often operating from October to June. The mountain features diverse terrain across 1,428 acres with 145 trails ranging from beginner slopes to challenging expert runs and acclaimed tree skiing. 'A-Basin' is known for its laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking alpine scenery, and the popular 'Beach' area where visitors tailgate and socialize at the base of the mountain.
6. Shiloh Steakhouse
CLASSIC WESTERN DINING
Shiloh Steakhouse is a popular dining establishment in Montezuma County offering premium cuts of beef and traditional American fare in a rustic Western atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks, prime rib, and fresh seafood accompanied by an extensive selection of wines and craft beers. Diners enjoy the warm, family-friendly environment with wooden decor, friendly service, and hearty portions that reflect the region's ranching heritage.
7. Stonefish Sushi & More
FRESH ASIAN FUSION
Stonefish Sushi & More brings unexpected culinary diversity to Montezuma County with its fresh, creative Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of traditional and innovative sushi rolls, sashimi platters, and Asian fusion dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. With its contemporary atmosphere, attentive service, and surprising location in rural Colorado, Stonefish provides a sophisticated dining option for locals and visitors exploring the Four Corners region.
8. WildEdge Brewing Collective
CRAFT BEER ARTISANS
WildEdge Brewing Collective is a community-focused craft brewery producing innovative, small-batch beers in the heart of Montezuma County. The taproom offers a rotating selection of handcrafted ales, lagers, and seasonal brews in a relaxed, industrial-chic setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy beer flights, full pours, and occasional live music while experiencing the local craft beer culture that has become an integral part of Colorado's identity.
9. Absolute Bakery & Cafe
ARTISANAL BAKED GOODS
Absolute Bakery & Cafe is a beloved local institution in the Montezuma County area known for its scratch-made pastries, breads, and hearty breakfast and lunch offerings. The cafe prides itself on using organic, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible to create both traditional and innovative menu items. With its warm, rustic atmosphere and reputation for exceptional baked goods, Absolute has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring southwestern Colorado.
10. Zuma Natural Foods
ORGANIC MARKET & EATERY
Zuma Natural Foods serves as both a natural grocery store and casual eatery offering organic, locally-sourced products to the Montezuma County community. The store features a wide selection of natural foods, supplements, bulk items, and craft products with an emphasis on supporting regional producers. Visitors can shop for specialty items or enjoy fresh smoothies, coffee, and light meals in the cafe section while experiencing the area's focus on sustainable living.
11. Hovenweep National Monument
ANCIENT TOWER RUINS
Hovenweep National Monument preserves six prehistoric villages on the Colorado-Utah border featuring unique tower complexes built by ancestral Puebloan people. The well-preserved stone structures, some standing up to four stories high, demonstrate sophisticated masonry techniques and astronomical alignments dating from 1200-1300 CE. Visitors can hike scenic trails connecting the various ruins while enjoying the remote, high-desert setting that has changed little since the ancient inhabitants departed over 700 years ago.
12. McPhee Reservoir
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
McPhee Reservoir is the second-largest body of water in Colorado, offering extensive recreational opportunities near Montezuma. The 4,470-acre lake provides excellent fishing for multiple species including bass, pike, and trout, along with boating, water skiing, and swimming options. Surrounded by scenic forestland and mountains, the reservoir features several campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Dolores River Brewery
RIVERSIDE CRAFT BEER
Dolores River Brewery is a charming microbrewery housed in a historic building along the scenic Dolores River just outside Montezuma. The establishment crafts a variety of small-batch beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, served alongside wood-fired pizzas and casual pub fare. With its rustic interior featuring exposed brick walls, local artwork, and a welcoming patio, the brewery provides a perfect spot to relax after exploring the region's outdoor attractions.
14. Anasazi Heritage Center
CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Anasazi Heritage Center serves as the main visitor center and museum for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, showcasing the rich archaeological heritage of the Four Corners region. The museum houses more than three million artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational displays that trace the 10,000-year human history of the area with special emphasis on Ancestral Puebloan culture. Visitors can explore two 12th-century archaeological sites on the museum grounds, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from elevated viewpoints.
15. Phil's World
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Phil's World is a nationally acclaimed mountain biking trail system near Montezuma featuring over 60 miles of flowing singletrack designed to delight riders of various skill levels. The network is known for its signature Rib Cage trail with swooping turns and rolling terrain that creates a roller-coaster-like experience through pinyon and juniper forests. Maintained by local volunteers, these well-marked trails offer spectacular desert views, technical challenges, and fast sections that have earned Phil's World recognition as one of Colorado's best mountain biking destinations.