Historic Cortez lodging on an archaeological preserve
in McElmo Canyon, bordering
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Kelly Place is both an outdoor educational center and unique bed and breakfast located in the
heart of the Four Corners, just 10 miles west of Cortez, Colorado, nestled between the red-rock
canyons and majestic Sleeping Ute Mountain. In the 1960's, George and Sue Kelly, horticulturists
from the Denver area, built the current lodge as their retirement home and created an "oasis on
the edge of the desert" with orchards, gardens and courtyards among ancient
Indian ruins.
Your hosts, Marc Yaxley and Jerene Waite, wish to share this oasis and provide an enjoyable and
educational experience for all their guests.
There are over 25 documented prehistoric Indian sites on the 40-acre estate. Guests may follow a
self-guided tour to any of these. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, with the highest
density of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") sites, borders Kelly Place to the north. Guests
may choose to hike into the sculpted red-rock canyons and mesas located just out our back door.
Situated just 20 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, 20 miles from Hovenweep National Monument
and located adjacent to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Kelly Place can be your retreat
away from it all. Come spend the night, have breakfast, and go hiking at the finest Cortez lodging
you'll find! Why stay in a Cortez hotel or motel when you can have space to spread your wings!
