Silver Cliff is a historical former silver-mining boomtown founded in the late 1870s in the Wet Mountain Valley. This community is known today for its small-town atmosphere, spectacular mountain views and commitment to preserving dark night skies. Silver Cliff shares its identity with the neighboring town of Westcliffe and has an economy based on ranching, agriculture and tourism.
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Taking in crisp mountain air and glowing fall leaves
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Dena Woods
Small-town calm and snowcapped horizons stretching for miles
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Bob Reed
Mining heritage and small-town history at the Silver Cliff Museum
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Scott Dankof
Dreamy drive through the valley along Hwy. 96 at sunrise
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Bob Reed
Starlit nights and new discoveries in Silver Cliff
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Harun Mehmedinović
Wide-open valley and autumn serenity
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Lisa Bivins
Passing by the town cemetery under cloudy skies
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Scott Dankof
Warm lights and quiet evenings in the valley
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Scott Dankof
Looking out over the Wet Mountain Valley and distant peaks
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Debbie Adams
Milky Way magic across Silver Cliff’s dark skies
Visit Wet Mountain Valley courtesy of Scott Dankof
At an elevation of 7,982 feet and southwest of Pueblo, the Frontier Pathway scenic and historic byway is a spectacular driving route. Along it, travelers can expect landscapes ranging from green meadows to snow-capped mountains, along with historical structures ranging from mining remnants to Victorian-era houses. An out-of-the-ordinary site is Bishop Castle, about 28 miles southeast of Silver Cliff.
History
The town of Silver Cliff was formed in the late 1870s to house the miners of its namesake, the Silver Cliff Mining District, which encompassed dozens of mining claims. The town was incorporated in 1879 and had 5,040 residents by the 1880 census — making it the third most populous town in Colorado after Denver and Leadville.
Silver Cliff was the Custer County seat from 1886 to 1928 when the seat moved to nearby Westcliffe. The town is much smaller now with a population of a few hundred residents.
Step into the past at the Silver Cliff Museum located in the historical Silver Cliff Town Hall and Fire House on the Frontier Pathway scenic and historic byway. The building, constructed in 1879, still stands on its original site and was listed on the State Historic Register in 1997. The Silver Cliff Museum currently houses memorabilia and artifacts that depict the history of Silver Cliff Mining and Custer County.
Things to Do
The Wet Mountain Valley is a beacon for anyone seeking the Colorado of yesteryear, where expansive ranches ruled the day and dark skies ruled the night. The town is surrounded by the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers access to the San Isabel National Forest, the Frontier Pathway scenic and historic byway and numerous hiking trails, including the famous Rainbow Trail, making it an ideal location for anyone who wants to venture into Colorado’s great outdoors.
The area is perhaps best known as one of the top places in Colorado to stargaze. The stars in the Wet Mountain Valley are so incredible, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff earned Colorado’s first designation as an International Dark Sky Community in 2015. The community continues to serve as a leader in Colorado’s Dark Sky initiative.
The Silver Cliff Cemetery was established in the early 1880s and is located about 0.5 miles south of State Highway 96 on Mill Street. The cemetery is known for the eerie dancing blue lights reportedly seen there, which even gained mention in the August 1969 National Geographic magazine.
Silver Cliff Restaurants & Places to Eat
Westcliffe offers most of the dining establishments in the area, but you can find a few eateries in Silver Cliff.
- At Tony’s Mountain Pizza, families and friends gather to enjoy their long-celebrated Italian favorites — from hand-tossed pizzas and golden calzones to crisp garden salads and classic pastas — all prepared fresh daily in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
- For a more refined experience, step into Tony’s Steak & Tavern, where the ambiance is rich, the service attentive and the cuisine is exceptional. Savor thick, perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seasonal fish, and, at lunchtime, some of Colorado’s finest burgers and chicken sandwiches — all prepared with care and premium ingredients.
- Dutch Pantry & Deli is a well-stocked Amish grocery store. They serve handcrafted burger combo meals and chicken-strip baskets, along with deli sandwiches made with their own homemade bread, fresh-cut deli meat and cheeses. Come in early on Friday mornings to get their freshly made doughnuts or fry pies, along with a cup of hot coffee.
- At Imperio Azteca, come and treat your taste buds to delicious authentic Mexican food served by friendly staff. It’s affordable with large portions and a variety of flavored margaritas.
- At the Silver Cliff Mountain Inn, “aka Willie’s Place,” enjoy a variety of homestyle, Southern-based meals for breakfast or lunch. With generous portions and affordable prices, you won’t leave hungry.
Places to Stay & Hotels in Silver Cliff
You’ll find a number of lodging options throughout nearby Westcliffe, ranging from those conveniently located in town with modest accommodations, vacation rentals in unique homes surrounded by nature or camping under the stars. Regardless of which you choose, you’re bound to find an option that’ll make your stay a comfortable respite during which you can unplug and unwind.
In south-central Colorado, Silver Cliff is perfectly situated for all kinds of day trips to sites including the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the Royal Gorge Region, Lake Pueblo State Park and Monarch Mountain ski area.
As a rural community, Silver Cliff does have limited resources, but if you set your mindset to “relaxation” mode and consider the Wet Mountain Valley a place to unwind, be kind, unplug and be patient, you’ll find yourself enjoying every minute spent. Take that extra time to breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the enchanting views.
Silver Cliff is proud to Care for Colorado, and thanks you for keeping the valley clean, pristine and beautiful.
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