About the Area
Downtown Mancos at sunset. Photo by Monique Wylde Williams
A fall view off of hwy 145 between nearby Rico and Telluride.
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Gathering at the Harmony Barn in Mancos, Colorado, is as special as the area that surrounds it. At 7600 feet and situated at the foot of Menefee Mountain with views of Hersperus Peak and the La Plata Mountains, participants will find plenty of reasons to relax, be inspired, and to celebrate. The land is a mix of high desert and alpine. Pinyon, Juniper, Oak and Douglas fir trees, dominate the landscape.
Mancos, Colorado: Art, Adventure & History Mancos is a small, western town, steeped in history and surrounded by amazing views. One of the unique features of the Mancos Valley is the over two hundred or so artists and artisans that live here. The town has a thriving creative district with many art galleries, a cidery, brewpub and live music many nights of the week. The area is also known for its outdoor activities which include river sports, hiking, mountain biking and more. Known as the Gateway to Mesa Verde, people come from around the world to see ancient ruins and learn about Native culture, both past and present.
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Getting to Mancos (It's Worth It!)
The Harmony Barn is located just four miles east of Mancos, 25 miles west of Durango, and 20 miles east of Cortez, Colorado. There are airports in both Durango (large planes) and Cortez (small 8 seat planes), that have flights to the Denver Area. Some people might choose to fly into the Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico airports and rent a car and drive to the Mancos area which is about a four hour drive from each city. One could also fly into Grand Junction, rent a car and drive to the Mancos area via Moab, Utah (four hours away) which also takes you by nearby Canyonlands in Utah. Or you could drive south from Grand Junction through some of the most stunning areas of Colorado that passes by Telluride and over Lizard Head Pass. The most economical airports to fly into would be Albuquerque, Durango, Cortez and Denver. Driving from Denver is about a 6 -7 hour drive, depending on speed and number of stops. Driving from Denver The Durango/Mancos area and the Harmony Barn are easily found using mapping apps. Although there are different routes from Denver, we have found the most direct route is: 285 west out of Denver, through Saguache, left on 112 towards Del Norte, 160 West out of Del Norte, through South Fork, over Wolf Creek Pass and into Pagosa Springs. Continue on westbound 160 to Durango (you will make a somewhat awkward left in Durango to continue on westbound 160 towards Mancos. From Durango drive about 20 miles on 160 till you get to mile marker XXX, then the turn to the barn is a little further up on the left at Road J.8. You will go under an arch that says Elk Pointe (and there is an elk sculpture there). Take the second drive on the left (the first left is a new rough road that has just been cut) where there is another elk sculpture and you will see the black Harmony Barn up the road on the left. If you are headed to Mancos, just keep going on 160 till you reach the town which is about four additional miles from the turn off on J.8). |
Click on photo to visit the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Nearby Summit Lake.
Mesa Verde National Park. Click on image learn more.
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