Durango
Durango Co would probably work best. While Cortez is closer and has lots of lodging and restaurants, it may be that Durango has more nighttime activities. It really depends on what you want to do. If Mesa Verde is going to be more than a 1 day visit than Cortez would be your best bet. What many people don't realize is the amount of time needed to visit Mesa Verde, once you pay at the gate there is still a 20 Mile drive to get to the main parts of the park. The absolutely stunning views while driving into the park are beautiful and there are plenty of places to pull over and take pictures. What you need to understand is that the 20 mile drive is at 30 miles an hour and on the sides of mountains so there are lots of curves, really a lot! This drive can take about an hour depending on other drivers and how many times you pull over to enjoy the scenery. Once into the main parts of the park set aside time to enjoy all that amazing 'histoy'. There are accommodations available in the park.
Durango is probably the best location for social life and accommodations.. It's a winter ski resort destination..Cortez CO is the closest town, but really doesn't have much going on. Close points of interest include the Four Corners,, views of Shiprock on the Navajo Nation,,, and you are about 2 hours from Moab Ut and all the activities there.. Don't go in mid summer if you can help it.. temperatures in get well over a hundred degrees in mid-summer. If you like the ancient ruins type stuff there are more close by in Blanding UT and the Hovenweep monument.
Durango Colorado. Shopping, entertainment, great food, fun little town!
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