The town of CORTEZ , in the far southwest corner of Colorado, consists basically of one long curve of highway (US-160), roughly 25 miles up from the Four Corners Monument that marks the meeting place of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Its primary function is as an overnight stop for visi-tors to Mesa Verde National Park, heading to or from the canyonlands of northern Arizona. Nothing in town commands much attention, though the giant Sleeping Ute Mountain to the southwest, visible from all over, makes a dramatic backdrop, looking uncannily like a warrior god asleep with his arms folded across his chest.

The visitor center at 928 E Main St (daily 8am-6pm; tel 970/565-4048 or 1-800/253-1616) has information on the entire state. Motels include the clean and basic Aneth Lodge , 645 E Main St (tel 970/565-3453 or 1-877/263-8454; $50-75), and the bland but reliable Budget Host Inn , 2040 E Main St (tel 970/565-3738; $50-75). Dry Dock Restaurant , 200 W Main St (tel 970/564-9404), dishes up great seafood in its pleasant garden, while Main Street Brewery , 21 E Main St (tel 970/564-9112), serves bar food. Francisca's , 125 E Main St (tel 970/565-4093), is the best place in town for authentic Mexican food, and is often packed.

Cortez

• Cortez

Colorado cities


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