Mancos State Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's plenty to do there, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenery is simply gorgeous, with alpine meadows, forests, and views of the nearby Mesa Verde National Park. wildlife is abundant as well, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. In the evening, stargazing is a must - the clear skies offer incredible views of the Milky way. The park also has a playground and a swimming beach. If you're looking for a place to relax, Mancos State Park is the perfect spot. 

The history of Mancos State Park dates back to the late 19th century when homesteaders began settling in the area. The first permanent residents were ranchers who used the land for grazing cattle. In 1909, the U.S. Forest Service purchased the land in order to protect it from development. The area was officially designate as a state park in 1955 and has been providing visitors with recreational opportunities ever since. The park covers a total of 1,711 acres and includes the 48-acre Jackson Lake. The park is situated at an elevation of 8,000 feet . 

The best time to visit Mancos State Park is in the summer. The days are warm and the nights are cool, making it a great time to hike, fish, and camp. There are also plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained, including ranger-led programs, hayrides, and stargazing.

1. Plan your visit in advance. While the park is open year-round, some activities are only available during certain seasons. For example, camping is only permitted from May through September.
2. Bring your own supplies. The park does not have a visitor center or gift shop, so be sure to bring everything you need for your visit, including water, food, and sunscreen.
3. Stay on designated trails. off-trail travel is not permitted in order to protect the fragile ecosystems within the park.
4. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies, including firewood and a shovel.
5.  campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Never leave your fire unattended.
    

1. The park is known to have been a dwelling place for Ancestral Puebloans. They lived in the Four Corners area in ancient times from AD 1 to 1300. It was also later controlled by the Spanish for 200 years from the 17th to the 19th century.

2. The park also has a wide variety of birds, such as eagles, hawks, and owls. 

3. The park also has a group camping area and two picnic areas. 

4. The park sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet, making it one of the highest state parks in Colorado.

5. The park is named after the nearby town of Mancos, which was founded in 1864.

Visitors should plan on spending at least a full day exploring Mancos State Park in order to experience all that it has to offer. However, those who are short on time can still enjoy the beauty of the park by taking a short hike or visiting one of the historic sites.

To reach the park, take Highway 160 west from Cortez for about 9 miles. Then turn left onto County Road G and continue for about 6 miles. The park entrance will be on the right.
 

The entrance fee for Mancos State Park is $7 per vehicle, per day. 

The park is open all year round, and offers a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has a Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the winter months, the Visitor Center hours are reduced to 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.