The San Juan Mountain Association, the Montezuma County lodger's tax and Chamber of Commerce membership dues make the Mancos Valley Visitor Center possible.

This commitment of resources for the Visitor Center helps to create a partnership that allows for distribution of information about our spectacular area to visitors while providing valuable information about our businesses.

In the summer, there is a large focus on visitors, but the VC is here for locals too. Every year, the VC restocks its shelves with maps, books and pocket guides to take along, as you enjoy our mountains, forests and canyons. SJMA provides the VC with most of its printed resources about wildflowers, birds, hiking trails, and even children's books and toys. There is also a collection of books by local historian, Darrel Ellis, and author Louis L'Amour.

The VC also has the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card. The cards cost $3 per person for one year or $12 per person for 5 years. If you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing - if you like to enjoy the outdoors but don't have a hunting or fishing license, the CORSAR is valuable and affordable. It's a way to prepare for the unexpected and ensures that someone will be there to help you without expense. Even if you don't use the search and rescue services, it is a way to support Colorado search and rescue volunteers and their team effort to help others.

There are hiking adventures waiting for you in the Valley. Mesa Verde National Park has trails open for hiking. Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing was cut short, but you still have options. Stop at the Visitor/Research Center at Mesa Verde and get maps and details. While you can't yet visit Cliff Palace or Balcony House, the loop is open, and you can walk to the Cliff Palace overlook. The Terrace Café is open at Spruce Tree and ready with hot beverages or a warm snack. It can be brisk this time of year - take a jacket and layer up so that you can shed clothing as it warms up.

Other hiking options include Sand Canyon and Utah. Temperatures are cooler and allow for a more comfortable hiking experience. Remember the Mancos Visitor Center has information to help with your hiking adventures. We are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.