Join a private farm workshop in Cortez to learn traditional canning and food preservation. Create your own seasoned preserves and embrace Colorado’s farming heritage.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Cortez lies near ancient Native American sites, enriching the area's agricultural heritage with centuries of farming traditions.
Conservation
Wild West Excursions emphasizes sustainable farming practices and uses locally sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact.
Wild West Excursions
Join a private farm workshop in Cortez to learn traditional canning and food preservation. Create your own seasoned preserves and embrace Colorado’s farming heritage.
Wild West Excursions is a Cortez, Colorado outfitter specializing in guided outdoor and cultural experiences in Southwest Colorado. The company offers a focused selection of small-group trips: a 4-hour Guided Fishing Excursion at McPhee Lake, a hands-on Farm Foods & Processing workshop on canning and food preservation, and a customized Mesa Verde National Park Tour in an open-air format with a personal expert guide.
Each trip combines local knowledge, scenic settings, and practical instruction. On the Guided Fishing Excursion guests receive fishing gear, a serene setting on McPhee Lake, and a lakeside lunch with views of Mesa Verde and Ute Mountain. The Farm Foods & Processing workshop teaches water bath canning techniques, flavoring and spice options, and practical preservation skills using farm-fresh produce. The Mesa Verde National Park Tour focuses on seasonal highlights and cultural landscapes with a fully guided itinerary suited to guests’ interests.
Wild West Excursions emphasizes respectful access to public lands and cultural sites, clear trip descriptions, and small group sizes for personalized attention. The business communicates meeting points and what to bring so guests arrive prepared. Local guides prioritize safety, environmental stewardship, and leave-no-trace practices while helping visitors capture memorable photographs and learn regional history and ecology.
For travelers seeking immersive, educational outings near Cortez, Wild West Excursions provides crafted experiences that showcase McPhee Lake, Mesa Verde, and traditional farm food preservation in a straightforward, reliable format. Reservations are coordinated from Cortez and trip logistics are clearly communicated before departure. Customer questions receive prompt responses always.
Base Location
Cortez, Colorado
Gateway to McPhee and Mesa Verde
Tours Offered
3 Trips
Fishing, Canning, Mesa Verde Tour
Fishing Duration
4 hours
Guided McPhee Lake excursion length
Small Groups
Personal Attention
Small-group experiences for tailored guidance
Reserve a spot for guided fishing, hands-on canning, or a personalized Mesa Verde tour — small groups and clear pre-trip details.
Arrive with Comfortable Clothing
Wear weather-appropriate, casual attire that can handle a hands-on workshop setting.
Bring a Container for Your Preserves
While jars are provided, bringing a dedicated container helps transport your creations safely home.
Stay Hydrated
Workshops can last several hours, so bring water to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Prepare for Outdoor Conditions
Some steps occur outdoors; bring sun protection and be ready for variable weather in Cortez.
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect your feet during workshop activities both indoors and outdoors.
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Shield yourself from strong sun exposure during outdoor portions of the workshop.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the workshop with your own water supply.
Container or Tote Bag
Help carry your preserves safely home after the workshop.