Welcome to Custer County

Some people say Custer County, Colorado is one of the best-kept secrets in America! Incredible natural beauty -- clear, star-filled night skies; tangerine and crimson sunsets; the majestic Sangre de Cristo range, lovely in any season; countless places that inspire tranquility of spirit -- all in a hidden valley in south-central Colorado.

The Ute loved it first -- this broad Wet Mountain Valley, alive with game and grass. Then the trappers and the mountain men; Kit Carson camped on Grape Creek, Zebulon Pike's expedition wintered here, and how many others? Spaniards too, who named the ranges: the Sierra Mojadas to the east, and the soaring Sangre de Cristos to the west.

Natural Geography

The Wet Mountain Valley is situated between the Wet Mountains (Sierra Mojadas) on the east and the northern one-third of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the west. The area is uniquely beautiful. The Sangre de Cristo range contains numerous peaks stretching above 13,000 feet, several that go beyond 14,000 feet, rising from the valley floor at 7,800 feet.

Fifty-two alpine lakes and 370 miles of winding streams tempt the angler; hiking/back-packing trails ascend each peak/drainage from The Rainbow Trail that runs along the length of the range. The wilderness area is a magnet attracting enthusiasts from near and far to experience the wonders of this magnificent country.

Climate & Environment

"Wet Mountain Valley" is a misnomer, as the area has relatively low humidity and an average precipitation of 17 inches. The climate is normally pleasant, with over 320 days of sunshine per year. Even so, the snow melt and high ground water table keep the valley floor green most years.

Great stands of aspen carpet the ranges and contrast beautifully with the variety of evergreens, scrub oak and cottonwood. Delicate fields of wildflowers make their home not only on the valley floor, but high in the alpine tundra: wild iris (blue flags) in early June; lupine, columbine and Indian paintbrush in mid-summer; fairy trumpets, cattails, and sunflowers later.

Location & Access

Custer County is in south-central Colorado. Westcliffe, the county seat, is 56 miles west of Pueblo and 80 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. Access to the valley is not difficult, but it is certainly off the beaten track and has escaped the discovery of most of the country's residents.

The valley maintains its rural qualities while remaining within reasonable proximity to several urban areas. Denver and its airport are 3 hours by car to the north. Pueblo, Canon City, or Salida are just one hour away. Westcliffe is located two hours from the New Mexico border, and a day trip to Taos takes three hours.

Lodging Options

Custer County offers a variety of lodging options from cozy bed and breakfasts to comfortable motels. Here are some accommodations available in the area:

• Westcliffe Inn

  28 spacious ground-level rooms with free continental breakfast, wireless internet, DirecTV, spa, and sauna.
  www.westcliffeinn.com

• Dark Sky Suites

  Newly refreshed, this motel-style vacation rental property offers comfortable accommodations, a short stroll to restaurants and shops.
  Contact: 719-286-9161, info@darkskysuites.com https://darkskysuites.com

• Lamp Post Lodge

  Seven bedroom vacation rental Lodge + Apartment offering all the comforts of home.
  www.lamppostlodge.com

• Courtyard County Inn

  Nestled in the heart of captivating Westcliffe, our nine room boutique inn is located in a prime location that puts you within easy reach to all the natural beauty, events and attractions the Wet Mountain Valley has to offer.
  Contact: 719-548-9633, info@courtyardcountyinn.com www.courtyardcountyinn.com

• Alpine Lodge

  Mountain cabins nestled among the pines at 9,000 feet elevation. Restaurant on site.
  Contact: 719-783-2660

• Antler Motel

  Downtown Westcliffe location with phones, satellite TV & WI-FI. Walking distance to everything in Westcliffe.
  Contact: 719-783-2426

• Ravens' Lodging

  Our upscale, multi-room suites and cottages, offer the ultimate in comfort and amenities during your stay (overnight to extended) while enjoying the overwhelming beauty of the Wet Mountain Valley in Westcliffe, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range.
  Contact: 719-210-1515, airbnb/ravenslodgingrestcliffe.com

• Westcliffe Suites on Main

  Discover our charming boutique hotel nestled on Main Street in charming Westcliffe, Colorado! Suites and Mini-Suites for Nightly, Weekly, & Extended Stays.
  Contact: 888-414-6246, lauren@westcliffessuites.com airbnb/ravenslodgingrestcliffe.com

Dining Options

From pizza to bakeries, Custer County has dining options to satisfy everyone. Here are some local restaurants and eateries:

• Tony's Mountain Pizza, Tony's Steak & Tavern

  630 Main Street, Silver Cliff
  719-783-9300

• Hunger Buster

  824 Main Street, Westcliffe
  719-783-9228

• Chappy's Mountain View Bar & Grill

  213 Main Street, Westcliffe
  719-783-0813

• Rancher's Roost Cafe & Cliff Lanes

  25 Main Street, Westcliffe
  719-783-2147

• Silver Cliff Mountain Inn & Restaurant

  700 Ohio Street, Silver Cliff
  719-783-2688

• Subway

  425 S. 6th Street, Westcliffe
  719-783-2748

• Silver Cliff Pizza Company

  110 Ohio, Silver Cliff
  719-783-9499

• Candy's Coffee

  106 S. Second Street, Westcliffe
  719-783-9516

• Alpine Lodge

  6848 Co Rd 140, Westcliffe
  719-783-2660

• Bootleggers Bistro

  309 Main St, Westcliffe
  719-783-2153

• Dutch Pantry & Deli

  404 Main Street, Silver Cliff
  719-298-6689

• Imperio Azteca Mexican Restaurant

  62 Main St, Silver Cliff
  719-792-9290

• Stage Stop

  101 N 3rd St, Westcliffe
  719-735-0323

• Sugarlump

  Co. 202 Main Street, Westcliffe
  719-773-7628

Recreation & Local Attractions

Custer County offers numerous recreational opportunities and attractions for visitors and residents alike. From hiking and fishing to cultural events, there's something for everyone.

• Outdoor Activities

  Explore 52 alpine lakes, 370 miles of streams, and numerous hiking trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

• Cultural Events

  Enjoy music festivals, galleries, live theater, fiber arts shows, and the annual stampede rodeo.

• Historical Sites

  Visit ghost towns from the mining era including Querida, Rosita, Ula, Colfax, and Fairview.

• Water Activities

  Enjoy fishing, rafting, and other water sports in the area's many streams and lakes.