DFP Leaderboard: City

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Frontier Pathways scenic byway in Westcliffe, Colorado

Lake Isabel in Westcliffe, Colorado

International Dark Sky Community, Westcliffe, Colorado

Beckwith Ranch Westcliffe, Colorado

The Wet Mountain Valley in Westcliffe, Colorado

Main Street in Westcliffe, Colorado

Rainbow Trail in Westcliffe, Colorado

Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe, Colorado

Sangre de Cristo Mountains sunset in Westcliffe, Colorado

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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 wranglers herding cattle on horseback.
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 DarkSky International for their exemplary stargazing opportunities. Join other Milky Way-spotting enthusiasts at <a href="https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/">Smokey Jack Observatory</a> in Westcliffe, which hosts star parties through the summer months.
Campgrounds in the <a href="/pueblo/pike-san-isabel-national-forests-cimarron-comanche-national-grasslands">San Isabel National Forest</a> 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.
Take a peek at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/westcliffe/history-heritage/history-museums/all-aboard-westcliffe-0">All Aboard Westcliffe</a>, a museum devoted to the area's railroad history, and stop for a performance or movie at the <a href="https://jonestheater.com/">Historic Jones Theater</a>. An out-of-the-ordinary site is <a href="http://www.bishopcastle.org/">Bishop Castle</a>, about 28 miles southeast of Westcliffe. Resident Jim Bishop built this free and visitor-ready medieval masterpiece by hand. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/14-quirky-roadside-attractions-colorado">Learn more about quirky roadside attractions in Colorado</a>
In town, more than 10 restaurants and a number of <a href="https://visitwetmountainvalley.com/lodging/">lodging facilities</a> ranging from B&amp;Bs to rustic lodges are eager to please. Snag a table at the rustic <a href="https://www.colorado.com/motel/alpine-lodge-restaurant">Alpine Lodge</a> to dine amid wraparound show-stopping views of the vast Wet Valley.
In south-central Colorado, Westcliffe is perfectly situated for all kinds of day trips to sites including the <a href="/mosca/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a>, the <a href="/royal-gorge-region-channel">Royal Gorge Region</a>, <a href="/pueblo/lake-pueblo-state-park">Lake Pueblo State Park</a> and <a href="/salida/monarch-mountain">Monarch Mountain</a> ski area.
For more to see and do in the area, read a <a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/taste-pueblo-1-day-itinerary">1 Day in Pueblo itinerary</a>

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DFP 4-Pack: City

Westcliffe Accommodations

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Falcon

Fountain

Chipita Park

Cotopaxi

Silver Cliff

Howard

Fort Carson

Lake George

Cascade

Monument

Victor

Monarch

Manitou Springs

Divide

Nathrop

Westcliffe

Larkspur

Florence

Palmer Lake

Colorado City

Woodland Park

Cañon City

Pueblo West

Deckers

Penrose

Poncha Springs

Cripple Creek

Green Mountain Falls

Peyton

Salida

Colorado Springs

Twin Lakes

Pueblo

Pitkin

Buena Vista

Default Other Cities in Region Component

Farm & Ranch Stays, Vacation Condos/Homes

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State Parks, Stargazing

15 Incredible Places to Stargaze in Colorado

Campgrounds/RV Sites, Tours

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Sweet Colorado Road-Trip Stops

National Monuments, National Parks

Starry Nights: A Guide to Colorado’s International Dark Sky Places

Scenic & Historic Byways, Historic Places & Districts

Colorado Scenic Byway: Frontier Pathways

Hot Springs, Yoga & Fitness

Plan a Colorado Experience Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Certified Creative Districts, Distilleries

Best Things to Do in Colorado

Accommodations

Glamping in Colorado: Camping with Beds & Other Perks

Horseback Riding, Hiking

Hidden Colorado Gem: Venable & Comanche Trails Loop

99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: Part 3, The Hidden Gems

Cabins/Cottages/Yurts, Vacation Condos/Homes

Red A Chalet

Family Attractions, Mines & Gold Panning

Discover Majestic Pikes Peak Wonders

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Hwy. 96 between Wetmore and Westcliffe 