Montezuma County, Administrative division in southwestern Colorado, United States.
Montezuma County is an administrative division in southwestern Colorado with varied terrain spanning desert regions, mountains, and valleys. The San Juan Mountains form a prominent ridge that shapes the visual character of much of the landscape.
The county was established in 1889 after being carved from La Plata County. Its name comes from the Aztec emperor Montezuma II, given by early settlers who drew on broader historical references.
The Ute Mountain Ute Nation shapes daily life and cultural practices throughout the region, while archaeological sites scattered across the landscape display visible remains of ancient Puebloan communities.
Cortez serves as the county seat with government offices at 109 West Main Street handling administration, health, and law enforcement services. The area's size means visitors should allow time for travel between different sections of the county.
Mesa Verde National Park sits within the county and preserves cliff dwellings that show how ancient people built homes directly into rock faces. These structures reveal construction techniques and room layouts from centuries ago.
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Mesa Verde National Park
16.6 km
Four Corners Monument
54.8 km
Ute Mountain
17 km
Hesperus Mountain
46.7 km
McPhee Reservoir
26.6 km
Mancos State Park
30 km
Lowry Pueblo
39.2 km
Anasazi Heritage Center
15.9 km
Chimney Rock
31 km
Mesa Verde Administrative District
19.9 km
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
19.9 km
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum
15.9 km
Wrightsman House
27.4 km
House of Many Windows
23 km
Balcony House
23.2 km
Old Cortez High School
1.7 km
Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company Flume No. 6
8.6 km
Montezuma Valley National Bank and Store Building
1.7 km
Mancos Theatre
27.5 km
Bauer Bank Block
27.5 km
Mancos High School
27.2 km
Square Tower House
21.6 km
Spruce Tree House
20 km
Long House
18 km
Kodak House
19.1 km
Oak Tree House
22.5 km
Sun Temple
22.4 km
Hemenway House
24 km
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