Activities In Westcliffe
and surrounding areas
Colorado Adventure At It's Finest
WESTCLIFFE
From this picturesque town sandwiched by the Wet and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, you can spot five 14,000-foot peaks, known as the Crestone Group.
The quiet area, home to 200 miles of hiking and biking trails and 54 alpine lakes, has an air of the undiscovered, and you’re likely to spot real cowboys and gals herding cattle on horseback.
Campgrounds in the San Isabel National Forest are easily accessible just west of town and are starting points for numerous outdoor adventures. Cross-country skiers, hikers, anglers, climbers, bird-watchers, boaters, and hunters will find something to inspire them. The Crestone Needle about 17 miles from Westcliffe attracts avid rock climbers, while the 30-mile Rainbow Trail follows the Sangre de Cristos and is a favorite with hikers and mountain bikers.
Adventuring In Westcliffe
The Town:
You'll feel like you've stepped back in time to the days of the wild west when you enter the town of Westcliffe, only 10 miles north, where you'll likely see the occasional Amish buggy.
Dining Out:
Westcliffe offers many excellent restaurants to eat at, from the Amish bakery to the many local restaurants and bars, the food is as wonderful as the people! Eat excellent food as you watch them cook on the open fire behind the bar @ Chappy's Bar & Grill.
52 Lakes:
You'll never be short of things to do with 52 lakes in the Sangre De Cristos to hike, horseback or ride ATV's to, and access to several 14ers right from South Colony Trailhead just minutes away.
The Dark Sky
The Scenery:
You'll never get tired of the area scenery in Westcliffe, especially with the fields of flowers and the snow-capped mountains with lush green fields abounding in early summer.
Since the mountain ranges shield Westcliffe and nearby Silver Cliff from light pollution in the region, the communities are the first in Colorado to be recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association for their exemplary stargazing opportunities. Join other Milky Way-spotting enthusiasts at Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe, which hosts star parties through the summer months.
Town Festivals:
There's always plenty of festivals in town to participate in if you're looking to enjoy a crowd. The annual bluegrass festival, an annual rodeo, and annual 4th of July car shows & fireworks are big local events.
How To Spend A Day In Westcliffe
Local Favorites
Visit their websites to see more
