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.

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.

An out-of-the-ordinary site is Bishop’s Castle, about 28 miles southeast of Westcliffe. Resident Jim Bishop has been building this free and visitor-ready medieval masterpiece by hand since 1969. In town, more than 10 restaurants and a number of lodging facilities ranging from B&Bs to rustic lodges are eager to please.

Westcliffe, in Custer County, is perfectly situated for all kinds of day trips to sites including the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Royal Gorge, Lake Pueblo State Park and Monarch Mountain ski area.