Things To Do
Town of Westcliffe
Westcliffe is a charming mountain town with art galleries, restaurants, and shopping.
Hiking the Rainbow Trail and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The mountains surrounding Gardner are a hiker's paradise with trails for every level — from easy scenic walks to full day adventures. The Rainbow Trail system offers miles of accessible trailheads right in our backyard, with breathtaking views of the Wet Mountain Valley and Sangre de Cristo peaks at every turn. Lace up your boots and explore before or after the wedding.
Bishop Castle
Just above 9,000 ft in the Wet Mountains sits one of Colorado's most unexpected landmarks. From 1969 to 2019, one man — Jim Bishop — built an entire castle by hand, one stone and one weld at a time. Open year-round from sun-up to sun-down, it's free to visit and absolutely worth the detour.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
One of Colorado's most surreal landscapes is just an hour from Gardner. August brings wildflowers, prairie sunflowers, and stunning afternoon thunderstorms. Plan your dunes visit for early morning or evening — sand temperatures can reach 150°F at peak sun. An unforgettable day trip.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Only in Colorado — a working geothermal fish farm that became home to over 100 alligators. Fun for all ages and just a short drive away. Bonus: their 30th Annual Gatorfest falls on August 9th & 10th, just before the wedding.