What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Rib Cage
This single track is one of the smaller parts of the Phil's World trail system, but it's also perhaps the most fun. You might hear the delightful screams of riders here long before you get to it. Once you do, you'll see the rolling terrain and why it's so fun. Lap this trail as many times as you want so you can keep doing it again and again.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lemonhead
This in-and-out single track has an average grade of just 2% and maxes out at 9%. You'll go 259 feet up on the way in and then the same combing back down. You get to drop off several ledges and traverse a hillside before hitting fast cruising along the top of a mesa. Stop at the Cortez overlook for views of the city and the Totten Reservoir.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Stinking Springs
This single track is more of a technical ride than many trails around it. It's conveniently located right off the primary Phil's World Loop and close to Rib Cage, so you can take this loop and come right back to the main action. Ride through jumps, fast straights, and seriously banked turns. However, be ready for pinch flats on your bike, especially if you run tubed tires.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Abajo
This trail is a 102-foot climb, but the max grade is only 7%. Take this trail to reach the Abajo overlook, but be prepared to share the space. Frequent riders stop here for snacking and regrouping with the rest of their pack. Try to visit on a clear day for panoramic views of mountains in every direction, such as the La Sals, Abajo, La Platas, and Wilson groups.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Big Al Trail
If you want a hike instead of biking, then check this trail out 40 minutes northeast of Cortez. The trail might not take your breath away, but the views of Helmet Peak and Burro Mountain might. Late-summer hikes are a great time to see the fall foliage in this environment.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Beginner
Fishing and Boating
Denny Lake Park in Cortez has a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms beside the lake. Walk or hike the 1-mile trail that goes around the lake, stand on the shores to go fishing, or get your canoe in the water. Totten Lake is close to Cortez and attracts many waterbirds, given how rare water is in this region. Expect to see high concentrations of birds, but you might need a scope or binoculars to see them up close.
Climbing
If you want to do some bouldering, then Hawkins Preserve is where to look. This is a city-operated area with a number of uses, including Pueblo ruins. The primary bouldering path is along McElmo Creek, specifically a half-mile of sandstone escarpment along the north bank. You need a pass in order to go bouldering here, but it's very simple to get on site. The rim height ranges in different places and goes up to 30 feet. A multitude of different boulder sizes and positions keep this place versatile and interesting for a day on the rocks.
Wildlife Viewing
Most mammals in the area are bats and rodents, but larger mammals might include coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and mule deer. Common reptiles include sagebrush or side-blotched lizards, striped whipsnakes, gopher snakes, and midget faded rattlesnakes. Water spots are uncommon in the high desert, so waterbirds flock to them. If you spend time by water, you might see shorebirds, gulls, or even grebes.
Picnicking
Centennial Park has picnic tables, trash receptacles, restrooms, a playground, and even one electrical outlet. This ADA-accessible space has park shelters you can reserve in advance. Montezuma Park is one of the oldest parks in the city of Cortez. Located conveniently close to downtown, it's a great spot for a summer picnic, thanks to mature trees providing shade.
