Mancos, Colorado - our closest town
         4 miles southeast of Sundance Bear Lodge

Welcome to Mancos – founded in 1894 in the heart of the Mancos river valley between Mesa Verde and the La Plata mountains. Mancos enjoys spectacular scenery and four seasons.

In the Mancos Valley in the 1870s, the community's historic roots were ranching, farming and timber. Ranching became the dominant economic force in the area as Mancos fed the miners around the 4 Corners.. Even today cattle drives through the middle of town are a regular part of the spring and fall tradition.

The Wetherill families were ranchers who helped settle the Mancos Valley, set up trading posts, and stepped into history when they explored the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. Locals acknowledge the Wetherills were out rounding up stray cows, when they found these "lost" cities! Turns out they weren't lost - the local tribes knew all about them - just didn't have any reason to tell the cowboys.  Oh well, it was another era called the Wild West. But the promotion, touring and publicity the Wetherills did resulted in the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park in 1906. Mancos has trademarked the slogan "Gateway to Mesa Verde."

Enjoy a day in Mancos – take a walk through a town of historic buildings. The artists' co-op is in the old Bauer Bank Building, and the Bauer House is a historic Victorian that has served many purposes over the decades. Wonderful art galleries now dot the town - bronzes, painting, weaving, wood turning, photography, pottery, iron forging, the list goes on.  Visit Mancos State Park, a short 5 miles out of town where you can devote a day to catching Rocky Mountain Rainbow Trout (Jackson Gulch Reservoir) and explore miles of the San Juan National Forest. Rangers typically host campground programs at the park in the summer. In winter, cross country ski at Chicken Creek Cross Country Ski Area. In summer enjoy a horseback ride with a local outfitter in the high country, or take a stagecoach ride down Weber Canyon!

Events of note in Mancos are the spring dog sled races, the Follies at the Millwood, the July Renaissance Fair and Mancos Days, the fall Balloon Fest and early December's Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration.