The Atlas Obscura Guide To Cortez

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Cortez, Colorado

Updated January 12, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Cortez

‘Creations from Mufflers’

Cortez, Colorado

'Creations from Mufflers'

A whimsical roadside community of little metal people.

Yucca House

Cortez, Colorado

Yucca House

Most of this “research national monument” still lies buried beneath the earth.

Are we missing something unusual?

Escalante Pueblo.

Dolores, Colorado

Canyons of the Ancients

A breathtaking array of ancient Pueblo structures and artifacts counterintuitively preserved by neglect.

9 miles from Cortez

Fresh snow accentuates a warm ancient Puebloan city.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park

The ancient dwellings of the Puebloans, located in the cliffs of majestic mesas.

12 miles from Cortez

Dolores, Colorado

Memorial Rock

A boulder so big and tough, they had to turn it into a landmark.

18 miles from Cortez

Ute Mountain Chimney Rock

Towaoc, Colorado

Ute Mountain Tribal Park

Ute tour guides have been sharing the ancient dwellings and rock art inside this large park with visitors for more than 40 years.

19 miles from Cortez

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Explore Cortez, Colorado

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