Cortez, Colorado is a charming, small outdoor hub with a walkable historic downtown, easy access to Mesa Verde National Park, miles of mountain biking and hiking, and a steady stream of local cafés, breweries and short-term rental options—comfortable and interesting for multi-week stays rather than feeling isolated.
Within about an hour you can be in Durango for more dining, nightlife and transit options or Farmington, NM for bigger-box shopping and medical services, so you get remote outdoor immersion with nearby urban conveniences.