Westcliffe

Westcliffe is a picturesque town in Custer County, nestled between the Wet Mountains to the east and the Sangre de Cristo Range to the west, and filled with wide-open skies in the Wet Mountain Valley.

Find more things to do in Westcliffe and the Wet Mountain Valley

A year-round, rural destination located in south-central Colorado, the Wet Mountain Valley may be the state’s most beautiful and unspoiled mountain valley. It is a place where you can’t help but see the vastness of nature.

Westcliffe has an air of the undiscovered with a slower rhythm than many other places in the state. The town offers outdoor recreation and peaceful relaxation, as well as a healthy dose of small-town charm. Music festivals, art shows and markets keep the events calendar lively without overwhelming crowds. In Westcliffe, you can still get to know your neighbors, step outside to take in the mountain views and enjoy the tranquility that comes with simpler living.

History

Westcliffe boasts a rich history. Native Americans, explorers and homesteaders once traveled over the Wet Mountains and into Custer County via a trail marking the intersection of several different territories. That trail is now a spectacular driving route — the Frontier Pathway scenic and historic byway. The two highways making up this scenic drive take you past historical sites and pay homage to the region’s long and varied past.

For a taste of local history, the restored Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Depot at All Aboard Westcliffe features exhibits that tell the story of the valley’s railroad past while the historical Beckwith Ranch highlights the area’s rich ranching heritage. Enjoy live theater or a movie at the Historic Jones Theater or — for an out-of-the-ordinary site — make way to Bishop Castle, set along the Frontier Pathway on CO-165, about 28 miles southeast of Westcliffe.

Things to Do

Westcliffe-Silver Cliff is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community — the first in Colorado, in fact! — meaning its starlit nights are some of the clearest you will find anywhere in the Rockies. Look up on a clear, moonless night marvel at how much the dark sky sparkles!

The area is home to miles of uncrowded hiking trails and gravel riding roads, with alpine lakes and challenging peaks. Outdoors lovers will find endless opportunities for scenic drives and gentle hikes in the San Isabel National Forest, which borders the town. Hikers, backpackers, anglers, climbers, birders, hunters, snowshoers and backcountry skiers will all find something to inspire them.

Explore the Sangre de Cristo mountains and take a ramble on the Rainbow Trail. At an average elevation of 9,000 feet, the trail offers 100-plus miles of beautiful hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking adventures. Several nearby 14,000-foot peaks will pose a challenge for skilled mountaineers, while alpine lakes provide the perfect setting for fishing or relaxing in the sunshine.

In town, you can slow down to meander along Main Street. Enjoy the small-town charm of our quaint shops, restaurants and art galleries — all within walking distance of a few blocks and flanked with stunning mountain views.

As a rural community, Westcliffe 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. 

Westcliffe is proud to Care for Colorado, and thanks you for keeping the valley clean, pristine and beautiful — so it’s just as lovely each time you return. 

Find more things to do in Westcliffe, Colorado and the Wet Mountain Valley

Westcliffe Restaurants & Places to Eat

Eat like a local at these establishments, or pursue all of Westcliffe’s restaurant scene. 

• Bootleggers Bistro is a favorite local hangout with salads, hot and cold sandwiches and a full bar. A relaxed and comfortable setting with outdoor dining, and three large screen TV’s to watch your favorite team.
• búho market is a late night little market that’s located within The Stellar Inn. Find local products, specialty snacks and food, rentable kits, and other surprises.
• Candy’s Coffee has been serving up handcrafted brews and delicious foods for more than 25 years. Their passion for coffee is matched only by their love for community. They strive to create a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can come together to savor the simple joys of life.
• Chappy’s Wood-Fired Grill delights with flame-cooked steaks and burgers sourced from fresh Custer County beef. The taste and juiciness of their burgers speak for themselves. Don’t skip the fresh-cut fries!
• Constellation is a cozy bar with a full dinner menu and craft cocktails served in a warm, rustic atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. This is a spot in which small-town charm meets big-city flavor.
• hidden peak tiki lounge is where island spirit meets mountain soul — serving creative Tiki-bar cocktails in a relaxed, unforgettable atmosphere.
• Patio on Main Crêperie is open seasonally from May through September and specializes in made-to-order sweet and savory crepes that use fresh, local ingredients — best enjoyed on their cozy patio. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options are all available.
• Peregrine Coffee Roasters has been part of Westcliffe’s daily rhythm for nearly a decade — roasting specialty coffee locally and serving handcrafted drinks that surprise and delight. They blend a modern edge with timeless café warmth — a place that’s as creative and exciting as it is welcoming, without the pretense common in coffee culture today.
• Rancher's Roost Café offers hearty, homestyle meals in a warm, family-friendly setting. Delicious food, friendly service and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains make Rancher's Roost Café a local favorite.
• At the Silver Cliff Mountain Inn, aka “Willie’s Place,” you can enjoy a variety of homestyle, Southern-based meals for breakfast or lunch. They’re known for their generous portions and affordable prices.
• Be sure to stop by Stage Stop for delicious breakfast items and baked pastries, as well as espresso or freshly squeezed OJ. Come back later for a gourmet sundae made with their special recipe soft-serve ice cream.
• Sugarlump Co. is nestled in the heart of Westcliffe in a vintage building. From hearty breakfasts and comforting lunches to hand-scooped ice cream and thoughtfully curated gifts, every corner of the shop is filled with something to savor, share or take back home.
• Doughnuts are made fresh daily at Wild Flour Donuts & Co. Treat yourself to raised, glazed and filled pastries, cake doughnuts, apple fritters, bear claws and more. They also offer savory comfort foods like biscuits and gravy and spicy ramen on select days.

Places to Stay & Hotels in Westcliffe 

You will find a number of lodging options throughout 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 suits your style, you’re bound to find an option that’ll make your stay a comfortable respite during which you can unplug and unwind. 

Explore Westcliffe & Wet Mountain Valley Itineraries

Learn more about the Wet Mountain Valley