Things to do in and around Westcliffe, CO

Once a booming mining and rail town, Westcliffe now caters to adventure seekers, stargazers, art and music lovers, hikers, backpackers, fishers, nature enthusiasts, leaf peepers, wildlife photographers, solitude seekers, and more!

ANNUAL SUMMER EVENTS

• Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley — Stargazing enthusiasts meet regularly at the Smokey Jack Observatory most SATURDAYS during the summer months. See their website for times, events and other details.
• High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass  — A four-day bluegrass festival in SEPTEMBER that features nationally-renowned talent. Nominated for “Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Check the website to confirm dates.
• High Peaks Music Festival — An outdoor Americana music event held annually on the second SECOND-SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER in Westcliffe. Check the website to confirm dates, etc.
• KLZR Summer in the Park Concert Series — This series is typically held EACH SUNDAY IN AUGUST at the All Aboard Westcliffe Historic Rail Depot (102 Main Street). All Shows are free.
• Sangres Art Guild’s Arts Hullabaloo — Creatives of all ages come together in OCTOBER for two fun-filled days that showcase the arts, visual arts, performing arts, musical arts and the Art of History and Stargazing to name a few. Check the website to confirm dates, times and events.
• SilverWest AirFest (held at the airfield near the cabin) — Plane and flying enthusiasts come together in AUGUST to enjoy a pancake breakfast, live music, craft and food vendors, airplanes and helicopters, special events for kids and loads of family fun. Check the website to confirm dates, times and events.
• Westcliffe Farmer’s Market — 315 Main St. Runs every FRIDAYS during the summer season from 9:00am-1:00pm.
• Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo — A parade, dance performances, and rodeo held during a weekend-long event in JULY that pays homage to the town’s ranching history. Check the website to confirm dates, times and events.

DINING: Area restaurants tend to keep seasonal hours. Call ahead if you’re in doubt.
Some tried and true options include:

• Alpine Lodge and Restaurant — 6848 Co Rd 140, Westcliffe | (719) 783-2660
  The closest thing Westcliffe has to a “fancy restaurant”. Serves dinner and Sunday brunch
• Bootlegger's Bistro — 309 W Main St, Westcliffe | (719) 783-2153
  Casual restaurant offering sandwiches, paninis, charcuterie boards and more
• Chappy’s Bar and Grill — 213 Main St, Westcliffe | (719) 783-0606
  Casual, family-friendly restaurant and bar with flame cooked steaks, burgers, chicken, dogs and brat's, served with homemade sides or fresh cut french fries
• Dutch Pantry and Deli — 404 Main Street, Silver Cliff | (719) 429-9089
  Serves fresh sandwiches and groceries
• Imperio Azteca — 62 Main St, Silver Cliff | (719) 792-9290
  Family-friendly Mexican restaurant
• Ranchers Roost Café (at the Bowling Alley) — 25 Main St, Westcliffe (719) 783-2147
  Casual, family-friendly restaurant serving burgers, small plates and deserts
• Sugar and Spice Mountain Bakery — 411 Main St, #13, Westcliffe | (719) 783-4045
  Casual family-friendly hometown bakery
• Tony’s Mountain Pizza — 630 Main St, Silver Cliff | (719) 783-9300
  Family-friendly, casual restaurant offering pizza pies, calzones and other Italian eats

FISHING

• DeWeese Reservoir in Westcliffe is the closest fishing spot to town. A valid hunting or fishing license or SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing this state wildlife area. Vessel use is prohibited, except while fishing.
• There are multiple area high-mountain lakes to fish, including Hermit Lake, Megan Lake, South Colony Lakes Trailhead, Balman Reservoir and Old South Colony Lakes Trailhead.

HIKING

• For outdoor gear and up-to-date information on local hiking trails, visit All the Range Mountaineering and Outdoor Gear on Main Street in Westcliffe.
• Explore Nearby Federal Lands: Hermit Lake (11mi), Lake of the Clouds (14mi), San Isabel National Forest, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, and South Colony Lakes (16mi).

LLAMA TREKKING

• Lookin’ Up Outfitters — Enjoy a hike with llamas in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo range.

STARGAZING

• Smokey Jack observatory (SJO) — Located in The Bluff Park at the west end of Main Street across from Cliff Lanes in Westcliffe, houses one of the most powerful telescopes in Colorado, attracting star lovers from around the world!

WILDLIFE VIEWING

• Mission: Wolf (25mi) <is a solar-powered nature center that provides a sanctuary for unwanted captive-born wolves and horses. We offer experiential education to inspire the public to become stewards of the earth

• Querida (8mi)
• Rosita (10mi)
  

Landmarks

• Bishop’s Castle (29mi)
  

Museums

• All Aboard Westcliffe
  
• Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway
  
• Historic Willows School
• Old 'Westcliff' Schoolhouse & Museum
• Silver Cliff Museum

Nearby Towns

• Cañon City (48mi)
• Coaldale (28mi)
• Colorado City (50mi)
• Cotopaxi (23mi)
• Florence (37mi)
• Gardner (34mi)
• Hillside (12mi)
• Howard (36mi)
• Penrose (43mi)
• Pueblo (56mi)
• Rye (45mi)
• Salida (48mi)
• Silver Cliff (1mi)
• Texas Creek (25mi)
• Walsenburg (60mi)
• Wetmore (26mi)

Public Parks

• Bluff & Summit Park

Scenic Drives

• Frontier Pathways
• Hermit Pass (14mi)

Visit the town’s official website