The canyonlands of southeastern Utah have long been a cultural crossroads—Paleoindian and Archaic people lived in the area at least 11,000 years ago, subsisting on hunting and the gathering of plants. Later peoples, the Anasazi and the Fremont, farmed corn along the canyon bottoms and built homes on the mesa tops, pecking and painting rock art on boulders and sandstone canyon walls along the way. When the Ute Indians came into the area, they again used the land for hunting and gathering. Ranching and mining drew white settlers into the area in the late 1800s and today’s explorers are the outdoor enthusiasts that come to this area to seek solitude and scenic beauty. 

Other links for visitors

Anasazi Heritage Center
Cortez Cultural Center
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Dolores River Information
Mesa Verde National Park
San Juan Skyway
Trail of the Ancients
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Visit Mesa Verde

For information on Cortez please visit the Chamber's website at www.cortezchamber.org.