Between Escobal and Silverton in Colorado is Cortez a small mountain town where rest and fun meet. If it’s your first trip, get ready to feel happy and want to return. Use this Flghts guide for your 48 hours here, and book your flights .
Your 48 Hour Itinerary
To truly experience what makes Cortez unique, you'll want to allocate 48 hours to explore its highlights. Here's how to make the most of your time:
Day 1: Mountain Adventures
Start at The Fourteeners the highest elevation populated road in the U.S.
Visit Five Moons Park, located on a ridge offering panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range
Book a half day tour with a local guide to discover hidden gems
Experience a must try hike through the Alpine meadow
Tip: Due to limited capacity, booking tours in advance is essential to secure your spot.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration & Relaxation
Explore the historic mining town of Silverton with its art galleries and boutique shops
Experience the unique San Juan Barts the only dry riverbed in the U.S. where kayaking or paddleboarding can be done year round
Enjoy a sunset over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Sample local craft brews along the Fourteeners loop
Where to Stay: Comfortable and Cozy
All accommodations in Cortez are conveniently located close to major attractions:
Boutique Hotel featuring a rooftop plunge pool
The Silverton Hotel a cozy inn with scenic views of the Fourteeners
Hidden Valley Lodge offering direct access to mountain hiking trails
Hidden Valley Hotel & Spa providing a variety of wellness retreats
Cortez Cuisine: A Taste of Local Flavors
Colorado's food scene in Cortez is truly exceptional:
Breakfast: Start your day at Saltbox General Store with breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs, potatoes, and cheese
Lunch: Indulge in pan fried oysters, clams, and shrimp at San Juan Barts
Dinner: Try the famous Cortez Pizza a brick oven made classic with distinctive tomatoey flavor
Drinks: Sample craft brews available along the Fourteeners loop
Local Tips for Planning Your Visit
To make your Cortez experience smooth and memorable:
Book accommodations in advance to secure your preferred spots
Rent a car to avoid parking hassles on the Fourteeners
Pack layers for rapidly changing mountain weather conditions
Bring comfortable hiking shoes for exploring trails
Carry the Cortez card described as "the only valid form of identification in this small but fantastic world."
Hidden Gems: Reasons to Extend Your Stay
If you find yourself enchanted by Cortez (and you likely will), consider extending your stay to discover:
Art galleries and boutique shops in the historic mining town of Silverton
Additional hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
Seasonal festivals and local events that showcase the town's culture
More culinary delights at the many family owned restaurants
Making Your Experience Memorable
Get ready for a mix of quick fun and calm times as Cortez wins your heart and mind. With good places to visit and things to do, you’ll soon be excited to plan your next trip just like your first.
Cortez is more than a stop it’s a place with new things to see. Fun for all, from history fans to nature lovers. This small town gives you memories that last. Don’t wait to find adventure and calm. Book your travel with Flghts now. Let Cortez welcome you. The best trips start with one step.
Head to Covington to keep that adventurous streak alive.