Though Westcliffe has a charming and quaint Main Street to meander, there are a myriad of places to explore and enjoy. A memorable summer day trip might include spending time amongst wolves or alpacas, wandering a forested mountain trail or just gazing up at the inky night sky from anywhere in the valley.
A day trip to Westcliffe is incomplete without a visit to Mission: Wolf. Learn how they embrace sustainable practices on the 350-acre sanctuary they provide for unwanted captive-born wolves. The fascinating guided visits allow you to see and learn about wolves in their natural setting. To schedule a visit, go to their website at missionwolf.org.
A wonderful farm to explore on the valley floor is Willow Wind Farm—nestled on 85 acres with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristos. This working farm is owned by Annie Hunt who is devoted to providing a nurturing home for alpacas, llamas and Merino sheep. Her on-site and online shops offer alpaca and Merino yarn, and finished products like blankets, socks, and scarves made from these luxurious fibers. Reserve your spot for a visit during tour days at 2 pm and meet the herd up close. Reservations are required and should be made 24 hours in advance by calling Annie at 303-547-0910.
Trails in and around Westcliffe are ideal for hikers, bikers, walkers and horses. Horse lover Kirsten Laussat owns Georgia Ranch Trail Rides and offers a calm and relaxed ride on beautiful trails with peaceful and amazing views of nature. Kirsten is an experienced riding instructor and horse trainer. She is passionate about horses and spending time in nature with others who enjoy a spectacular outdoor experience on horseback. Arrange your riding experience at georgiaranch-trailrides.com.
For those who want to move quickly, Westcliffe Off-Road Adventures rents e-bikes, along with UTVs. Take a bike ride around town, to Lake DeWeese, the local cemeteries; there are miles of dirt roads to gravel ride. For another unique experience, explore the awe-inspiring landscape of Custer County in a jeep—Custer County Jeep Rentals offers single and multi-day rentals year-round.
Consider a morning ramble on the Rainbow Trail for whatever distance is comfortable to hike. At an average elevation of 9,000 feet, the Rainbow Trail careens through forests and green meadows and provides access to many peaks and alpine lakes in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.
Step back in time with a visit to the All Aboard Westcliffe Depot and the nearby Engine Museum that displays the unique railroad history and artifacts of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad which operated in the Wet Mountain Valley from 1901 to 1939. An all-volunteer group has worked since 1989 to restore the depot and add a museum that houses railroad artifacts, including a working section car. Free tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
Another favorite stop is the historic Silver Cliff Museum, built in 1879, and remodeled in 2021. View memorabilia and artifacts that depict the history of Silver Cliff mining, as well as the history of Custer County. The museum is free to visit and open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Just six miles north of Westcliffe on Hwy 69 is Beckwith Ranch. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ranch was established in 1869 by Edwin Beckwith who supplied beef to the valley’s miners. By 1880, Edwin and his brother Elton owned 3,000 acres of land with 200 horses and 8000 head of cattle. After changing hands several times, the ranch was remodeled and restored in 2000 and now hosts weddings and events. Open for tours Wednesday through Sunday 11 am to 4 pm or by appointment.
If you love lavender, plan a visit to Colorado Mountain Lavender. Known as the only high-elevation lavender farm in Colorado, you can wander amongst hundreds of English and French varietals in the fields before returning to the bountiful Farm Shop for a fragrant bouquet of lavender, culinary, bath, body care and food products and even lavender blackberry ice cream. The farm is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm for the summer.
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are an International Dark Sky Community and attract people from around the world to Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) where they can view the night skies through telescopes. Free public star parties are offered during the summer at SJO and these awe-inspiring events allow you to safely view the sun by day, see craters on the moon, or observe the night sky from powerful telescopes.
As you stroll along Main Street, note the informative “Planet Walk” signs. The first sign is by Cliff Lanes at the west end of Main Street and continues east on Main Street into Silver Cliff. Be sure to stop in at Cliff Lanes for a cold beverage or meal, a round of action-packed bowling, or to explore the fun arcade.
Main Street is a hub of activity as gallery and shop owners open their doors for ArtWalk on the 1st Saturday-June through October. Meet talented jewelers, and award-winning artists, and discover unique gift items in our mom-and-pop shops.
Spend your time day-tripping in the Wet Mountain Valley to make unforgettable memories. Take pleasure in our awe-inspiring mountains and trails, delight in our dazzling night skies, appreciate our charming towns, shops and people—but most of all, relax and enjoy yourself. You’re on mountain time—time to explore the Wet Mountain Valley.
By Jules Marie for Custer County Tourism
