Built for the Southwest
High Desert Life Outdoors is an independent gear shop based in Cortez, Colorado just down the road from Mesa Verde. We’re known for our growing used and consignment program, which helps us keep prices fair, reduce waste, and offer a wider range of outdoor gear and apparel than most small shops. By partnering with our community and giving quality equipment a second life, we make it easier for more people to get outside and explore the high desert.
What We Stand For
At High Desert Life, Outdoor Gear & Exchange, we’re here to build a strong outdoor community and keep quality gear in circulation, not in the landfill. We offer dependable new and used equipment that supports adventure, sustainability, and responsible exploration. Giving gear a second life matters, and so does protecting the wild places we all rely on.
We also design and produce our own line of hats, tees, hoodies, and souvenirs right here in house, made to represent the desert, the lifestyle, and the people who live it. When you shop with us, you’re supporting local creativity and the outdoor spaces we care about.
How are you livin’ your high life?
Hi, I'm Jeff
After nearly a decade in the corporate grind, I knew it was time for something different, something that reconnected me to the outdoors, my community, and a life that made sense. In 2015, that spark turned into High Desert Life Outdoors, and it has been one hell of a ride ever since.
What started as a small outdoor retail shop has evolved over the years, especially after we introduced consignment two years in. That part of the business means a lot to us, not just because it helps people access quality gear at fair prices, but because it supports a sustainability message we truly believe in.
Before this chapter, my path ran through the world of food and wine. I spent several years at Mesa Verde National Park as the Food and Beverage Director, where our restaurant, The Metate Room, earned top honors from Wine Spectator and The Denver Post. During that time, I also earned my Level 2 Sommelier Certification and worked in wine sales throughout Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, and right here at home in Cortez and Dolores.
My wife, Heather, and I moved to this corner of Colorado in 1999 from Flagstaff. We are both originally from Tempe, Arizona, and we have loved calling this place home ever since. When I am not at the shop, you will usually find me on the river, mountain biking Boggy Draw, exploring Phil’s World, or chasing trout with a fly rod. I am happiest outside, whether that means hiking Bears Ears, wandering Canyons of the Ancients, or spending time high in the San Juans.
Running High Desert Life is not about getting rich (ha). It is about being part of something bigger. I love being part of a community that supports local causes, values the outdoors, and cares deeply about protecting the incredible backyard we all share.
Meet Lola!
Meet Lola, our four-year-old Goldendoodle and official Chief Greeter here at High Desert Life Outdoors. Born just outside of Vernal, Utah, Lola brings a whole lot of personality, and the occasional bark, to the shop every day. She loves people, especially kids, and makes it her mission to ensure everyone who walks through the door feels right at home.
When she’s not greeting customers, you’ll find her chasing a ball, tagging along on bike rides, or wandering the trails on family hikes. The highlight of her day is heading to work. She knows exactly where we’re going, and her excitement is hard to miss.
Lola’s energy, friendliness, and pure joy are a daily reminder of why we do what we do: to enjoy the outdoors and the community that comes with it.
Visit the Shop
Stop by High Desert Life Outdoors in Cortez to shop new and used gear, drop off consignment items, or get local trail recommendations from folks who know the Southwest. Whether you’re gearing up for Mesa Verde or just passing through town, we’d love to see you.