If you’re passing through the Wet Mountain Valley and have just a day to explore the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, we recommend stopping first at the Visit Wet Mountain Valley Welcome Center, located at 107 N. 3rd Street in Westcliffe to say “hello” to the Ambassador on duty and pick up our Visitor Guidebook and Town Map. The Welcome Center also has trails maps, brochures on local attractions and Custer County Past & Present: A Historical Digest for Exploring the Wet Mountain Valley (a free keepsake digest that you can take home to remember your visit). You’ll be well-informed and ready to get some history, heritage, hiking and work up an appetite in the awe-inspiring Wet Mountain Valley. Take a look at our latest Wet Mountain Valley merchandise, some which are free and some which can be yours for a small donation.
Just down Main Street from the Welcome Center is your second stop: All Aboard Westcliffe – an interpretive center and railroad museum filled with historical artifacts and memorabilia showcasing Custer County’s rich railroad history, is .
Bluff Park and Smokey Jack Observatory are a short walk from All Aboard Westcliffe. At this popular festival and stargazing destination, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and find a foot path to take in a few steps among the view.
Turn around and head a mile and a half up Main Street (which becomes CO 96 heading east) from Bluff Park you’ll find the Silver Cliff Museum. Once Silver Cliff’s town hall and firehouse, this building now holds artifacts depicting a history and life that revolved around mining.
Stop for lunch at Tony’s Mountain Pizza in Silver Cliff, and then head to Alvarado Campground, where you’ll park at the Venable Trailhead and take in the famous Rainbow Trail for a half-mile or so and see the terrific valley views. Finish your day at DeWeese Reservoir, where stupendous sunsets, good fishing and a variety of wildlife await.
Have dinner at Zita’s Mountain Bistro and check into the Courtyard Country Inn for a great night’s sleep.
Up for a longer adventure? Take a look at our two-day or three-day itineraries.
