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Cortez, Colorado | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Welcome to Cortez, CO
Nestled in the heart of the Four Corners region, Cortez is a charming town that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, outdoor adventure, and small-town hospitality. As the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez provides travel nurses with a serene environment, rich history, and easy access to some of the Southwest's most stunning landscapes.
💰 Cost of Living
Cortez boasts a cost of living approximately 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for travel nurses. Housing expenses are notably economical, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $640/month . Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, contributing to the town's overall affordability .Apartments.com
🌤️ Weather by Month
Cortez experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, offering over 260 days of sunshine annually. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 41°F | 13°F | ❄️ Cold and dry; occasional snow. |
February | 46°F | 18°F | 🌤️ Chilly with increasing sunshine. |
March | 56°F | 28°F | 🌼 Warming up; potential for spring blooms. |
April | 64°F | 33°F | 🌷 Mild with low humidity. |
May | 73°F | 41°F | ☀️ Pleasant temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities. |
June | 85°F | 49°F | 🔥 Warm and dry; start of summer. |
July | 89°F | 56°F | 🌦️ Hot with occasional thunderstorms. |
August | 86°F | 54°F | 🌦️ Warm with scattered showers. |
September | 78°F | 46°F | 🍂 Cooling down; beautiful fall colors. |
October | 66°F | 36°F | 🎃 Crisp air; first frost possible. |
November | 52°F | 24°F | 🍁 Cooler with increasing chance of snow. |
December | 41°F | 14°F | ❄️ Cold and dry; festive atmosphere. |
The wettest months are typically July and August, coinciding with the monsoon season, while the driest months are May and June .
🏡 Furnished Housing Options
Finding comfortable, furnished housing is essential for travel nurses. Here are some options in Cortez:
🛏️ 1-Bedroom Options
Cozy 1BR Apartment Near Downtown
Features: Fully furnished, utilities included, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.
Listing: Travel Nurse Housing - Cortez
Quiet 1BR Cottage Close to Hospital
Features: Private entrance, full kitchen, washer/dryer, fenced yard.
Listing: Zillow - Furnished Apartments in Cortez
🛏️ 2-Bedroom Options
Spacious 2BR Home with Mountain Views
Features: Fully furnished, garage, pet-friendly, utilities included.
Listing: Travel Nurse Housing - Cortez
Modern 2BR Apartment Near Shopping
Features: Updated appliances, Wi-Fi, utilities included, close to amenities.
Listing: Zillow - Furnished Apartments in Cortez
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
For those preferring hotel accommodations, Cortez offers several extended stay options:Apartments.com
Suburban Studios near Mesa Verde
Features: Fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, complimentary breakfast.
Website: Suburban Studios Cortez
Rodeway Inn Cortez
Features: Affordable rates, free continental breakfast, pet-friendly rooms.
Website: Rodeway Inn CortezChoice Hotels
Econo Lodge Cortez
Features: Budget-friendly, free Wi-Fi, convenient location near downtown.
Website: Econo Lodge Cortez
🚐 RV Parks
If you're traveling with an RV, Cortez has several parks to accommodate you:
Cortez RV Resort
Features: Full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, pet-friendly.
Website: Cortez RV Resort
Sundance RV Park
Features: High-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi, clean facilities, year-round availability.
Website: Sundance RV Park
La Mesa RV Park
Features: Proximity to Mesa Verde National Park, full hookups, shaded sites.
Website: [La Mesa RV
🎉 Fun Things to Do in Cortez, CO
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor lover, or just want to relax between shifts, Cortez has something for you!
🏛️ Mesa Verde National Park
Explore ancient cliff dwellings from the Ancestral Puebloans. Tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House are a must!
🥾 Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Home to the highest density of archeological sites in the U.S.—great for hiking, photography, and soaking up history.
🧀 Farmers Market & Local Eats
Held from June to October, the Cortez Farmers Market features local produce, art, and music. Don’t miss local green chili dishes and Navajo tacos!
Catch Native American dance performances, browse exhibits, and learn about local culture and wildlife.
🧘 Hawkins Preserve
Right in town—this peaceful area offers walking trails, rock formations, and beautiful views.
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Cortez is perfectly located for a weekend full of nature, culture, or quirky stops:
🏜️ Four Corners Monument – Stand in four states at once! Only 40 minutes away.
🏞️ Durango, CO – Just an hour away, this lively town offers historic train rides, hot springs, river rafting, and a charming downtown.
🌲 Mancos, CO – A quaint artsy village only 20 minutes away, known for art galleries and gateway access to Mesa Verde.
🏔️ Telluride, CO – A breathtaking 2-hour drive for world-class skiing, mountain views, and vibrant festivals.
⛺ Hovenweep National Monument – Just an hour away—see 800-year-old towers and ruins in a quiet, awe-inspiring desert setting.
🧭 Summary
Cortez, Colorado is a quiet gem for travel nurses who crave history, nature, and small-town vibes. Surrounded by archaeological wonders and breathtaking landscapes, this peaceful town offers adventure in every direction.
✅ Affordable and quiet
✅ Close to multiple national parks and monuments
✅ Great for RVers and nature lovers
✅ Easy access to weekend escapes like Telluride and Durango
✅ Rich in Native American and archaeological history
From ancient ruins to modern comfort, Cortez is the perfect place to unwind between shifts and explore the wonders of the Southwest 🌄🌿
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
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