AREA ATTRACTIONS

Reservations: 1-800-698-0603
970-533-7592
 bookings@willowtailsprings.com

The comment we hear the most from our guests is a version of,
"Tell people to stay longer.  We had no idea how much there was to do and see in this area, and, of course, we need plenty of time to boat, fish, hike and rest at Willowtail Springs."

Some people go out to an area attraction almost every day.
Some come for two weeks and their car never leaves the driveway.

We give you here a list of many of the most visited and popular sites in the area.
Remember that in the Southwest, many of your most treasured sites and experiences may be in surprise places not often found on a tour map.  We will also give you our own personalized advice on what to see and do, which may not be on the more publicized lists.

 We have flyers and maps for you when you arrive if you need them.
 Here is an overview of the rich choices that are available to you during your stay in the Southwest.

"AREA ATTRACTIONS"

Mesa Verde National Park (10 minutes from entrance
The spectacular giant of Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) Ruins
One of the 10 Wonders of the World and most visited sites in the area
Guests can visit for a day or more depending on their interest level

Ute Mountain Tribal Park (30 minutes away)
Ute Mountain Indian owned and operated private park. 
Larger than Mesa Verde National Park
Guided only, full day or half day with a native Ute guide
Our guests love this

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train
Another giant of thrilling views and river gorges
Comment: Think about arranging to take the train one way and the bus the other

San Juan Skyway Loop
Gorgeous, can be enjoyed as a full day trip or part of a day
Drive along the Dolores River, thru mining towns and over three mountain passes

 Ouray, Little Switzerland (2 1/2 hours)
Hot Springs
Ice Climbing Park
Bon Ton Restaurant, Italian
Buena Tempo Mexican Restaurant

Ridgeway (2 1/2 hours)
Orvis Hot Springs
Sandys Sunshine Kitchen, Breakfast and Lunch, Fabulous
Adobe Inn, Mexican, 5 star, Great!!!!

 Silverton (2 hours)
Mining Tours
Blue Grass Festival
Four Wheel and Jeep thrills

Telluride (1 1/2 hours)
Bridal Falls
Many festivals, Film, Blues and Brews, Blue Grass and others
Hongas Restaurant, Asian, fresh & yummy!

"OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST"

Colorado Welcome Center, Cortez (20 minutes), wealth of information about the area

Cortez Cultural Center, Indian Dances

Hovenweep National Monument (1 1/2 hours)

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument (30 minutes) especially lovely late afternoon

Lowery Pueblo

Anasazi Heritage Museum (20 minutes) Wonderful!

Sand Canyon [back entrance of Canyon of the Ancients] 45 minutes

Dolores Canyon Overlook (1 1/2 hours) Spectacular and unexpected

Goodwin Point, out of the way but worth the work

Crow Canyon Archeological Center (40 minutes)
Become an archeologist for the day or the week.

Four Corners National Monument
Touch 4 states at once!

Canyonlands National Park, Utah (1 1/2 - 2 hours)

 Moab, Utah (2 1/2 hours)
Arches National Park

 Bluff, Utah (2 hours)
Comb Ridge

 Valley of the Gods, Utah (2 hours & 15 minutes)

 Mexican Hat, Utah (2 1/2 hours)
Point of departure or take-out, San Juan River Trips

 Monument Valley (2 1/2 hours)

"HORSEBACK RIDING"

Rimrock Outfitters
A favorite with our guests, go up in the mountains and have dinner cooked and hear cowboy songs!
Rustler's Roost
Also very good

Mancos Stagecoach
Great fun
 

"FISHING AND BOATING"

Besides the large mouthed bass at Willowtail Springs, there are many fabulous fly fishing areas very close by.  Go by yourself or with one of the wonderful guides in Durango or Cortez.
 
McPhee Reservoir
The second largest body of water in Colorado, has both warm water and cold water fishing.
Naraguinnepp
Navajo Lake
Dolores River
Animas River
San Juan River

"BIKING"
You are in one of the Mountain Biking centers of the country.
The trails and choices are unlimited.
Bring your own bike or rent one in Cortez or Durango when you arrive.
Boggy Draw, Dolores
Durango, tons of off-road trails

"CROSS COUNTRY SKIING"
Chicken Creek, Mancos

"GOLF"
Conquistador, Cortez
Dalton Ranch, Durango
Durango Mountain Resort
Pinion Hills, Farmington, New Mexico, World class

"RIVER RAFTING"
Mountain Waters Rafting, Durango
Mild to Wild, Durango
Flexible Flyers, Durango
Durango Rivertrippers, Durango

"HIKING"
Limitless!

"EVENTS"

Balloon Festival, September 26-28,2008

Mesa Verde Country Wine Fest and Gallery Tour, August 22-24, 2008

Mancos Mush,  Dog sled races   February 14-15, 2009

Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival, May

Indian Arts and Western Culture Festival, May
 

Willowtail Springs
P.O. Box 89 · Mancos, Colorado 81328

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