Westcliffe and Custer County (737 sq. miles) are located in south-central Colorado between the Wet Mountains to the east and the majestic Sangre de Cristo's to the west. The Sangre de Cristo's, most of which is designated National Wilderness, contain several 13,000 to 14,000 feet peaks. Most views are unobstructed from the Valley floor of 7,000 feet.

Between the two towns of Silver Cliff and Westcliffe, there are approximately 927 people, and the county totals close to 3500. Custer County's economy is a mixture of ranching, government (county seat) and small town business in a rural western setting.

There are a variety of year-round activities beginning with Memorial Day and ending with Lighting of the Valley for the holidays. Although the Wet Mountain Valley is off the beaten path, Colorado Springs is 90 minutes to the northeast, and Pueblo, Canon City and Salida are within an hour's drive. Monarch Ski area is a 40-minute drive to the northwest, and it often receives Colorado's deepest snowfalls.

The Valley also offers hunting for many sport game and excellent fly-fishing in high mountain lakes, small streams and the mighty Arkansas river.

During your stay in Westcliffe be sure and dine at one of Colorado's finest eateries-Karen's Gourmet Coffee Café, 104 Main St., in Westcliffe.