Visit the Custor County Website

The Wet Valley is a quiet area, home to 200 miles of hiking and biking trails and 54 alpine lakes. The county boasts of a mild year-round population of around 5000 for the county. Therre are a dozen churches in the area and there are ample places to dine throughout the summer and there are several motels and b and b's. to chose from.

Westcliffe and nearby Silver Cliff are from light pollution in the region by the mountain ranges, and are the first in Colorado to be recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association for their stargazing opportunities. You can visit the Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe, which hosts star parties through the summer months.

Campgrounds in the San Isabel National Forest are easily accessible just west of town. Cross-country skiers, hikers, anglers, climbers, bird-watchers, boaters and hunters will find something to do here. The Crestone Needle about 17 miles from Westcliffe attracts avid rock climbers, while the 30-mile Rainbow Trail follows the Sangre de Cristos and is a favorite with hikers and mountain bikers.

Check out All Aboard Westcliffe, a museum devoted to the area's railroad history, or you can see a performance or movie at the Historic Jones Theater. Also Bishop Castle, is about 28 miles southeast of Westcliffe. Resident Jim Bishop has been building this medieval masterpiece by hand since 1969.

In south-central Colorado, Westcliffe 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.