by – MJ

Cortez, Colorado is home of the local Ute Indian tribe as well as the Navajo (navaho) or Dene (Deneyh) people .This ‘Four Corners’ region is rich with archaeology sites that were once home to a people, the Navajo call, ‘The Anasazi’ or ‘Ancient Enemy’ no one really knows what they called themselves since there was no written record. Most local tribes consider themselves decendents of the ‘Anasazi’ pueblo people.
It is called ‘The Four Corners’ because it is the only geographical location where 4 states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico) meet.

On your journey to Cotez from the Grand Canyon through Monument Valley you may encounter wild horses (there are about 100 that run wild in the park) as well as wild turkey, deer, antelope and elk.

Nature and the Outdoors

by – Ellen Nowakowski, Tour Manager, USA

After driving from the Grand Canyon and through Monument Valley earlier in the day, upon entering Cortez, you begin to see the drastic change and effect that the Rocky Mountains have on the landscape of Colorado and the neighboring states. The brown sandy landscapes of earlier traversed paths transitions into a small town backed by green (and often snow covered) mountains. Downtown Cortez has the feel of a traditional small American town.