Things To Do

Main Street

Stroll down Main Street in Westcliffe and you’ll discover a delightful collection of locally owned shops, each with its own character and story.

Cliff Lanes

It’s a family-friendly entertainment center featuring bowling lanes, arcade games, and a café/bar (the café is called Rancher’s Roost Café) under the same roof. The venue is described as “Westcliffe’s premier bowling experience” with the beautiful backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains visible from the facility. The burgers are worth the try!

Tony's Mountain Pizza

Bishop Castle

Nestled in the Wet Mountains of Colorado, just above 9000 ft elevation, stands a marvel of its time: the world’s largest one-man project, The Bishop Castle. From 1969 until 2019, this monument was constructed one stone, one log, one weld at a time, by one man, James Roland Bishop, aka “Jim Bishop, the Castle Builder”. This man followed his dream to create something beautiful, astounding, and one-of-a-kind. Above all, he wanted this creation to be a place of true freedom that could be enjoyed by everyone on a true donation basis. The attraction has drawn millions of people over the years, from all over the world. Many articles, documentaries, and other works have been created and circulated, inspired by this amazing story.

Smokey Jack Observatory

Westcliffe & Silver Cliff; Colorado's First & one of the Highest altitude International Dark Sky Communities in the world! That means when evening falls, the stars emerge in breathtaking clarity — a canopy of light stretching from horizon to horizon. Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east, Westcliffe sits in a broad, open valley where the air is crisp and clean. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way arching overhead, planets glowing brightly, and countless constellations visible to the naked eye — the kind of view most people only see in photographs. So make sure you plan a night of star gazing while in Westcliffe.

Peregrine Coffee Roasters

Peregrine roasts its beans in-house at high altitude, which gives their coffee a smooth, rich flavor unique to their process. They focus on quality and connection, sourcing beans directly from farmers around the world and celebrating every step from crop to cup. Whether you stop in for an espresso, a latte with house-made syrup, or a bag of beans to take home, Peregrine offers a genuine craft-coffee experience in the heart of Colorado’s quiet mountain country.

Mission: Wolf

Mission: Wolf 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.

DwagsDawgs

Chicago-style 100% all beef Vienna hot dogs, Johnsville brats, World-class Italian Sausage and Chicago-style beef tamales. Always hot and fresh! Located on the deck of The Stellar Inn (formerly Country Courtyard Inn) at 410 Main St in Westcliffe. We sell high-quality food at a fair price. Delivery and curbside pick-up available.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Lots and lots of hiking and camping can be done near or around Westcliffe. It is home to the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range that there are 10 named peaks that exceed 14,000 ft in elevation.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

The Royal Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas,” is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Carved by the Arkansas River over millions of years, this dramatic canyon stretches more than 1,200 feet deep and offers stunning panoramic views that leave visitors in awe. Travelers can walk across the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge — one of the highest suspension bridges in North America — and take in the sweeping views from above. For the more adventurous, there’s the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata, whitewater rafting on the river below, and an aerial gondola that glides effortlessly across the canyon for unbeatable photo opportunities. The park also features zip lines, scenic hiking trails, and educational exhibits that highlight the region’s geology and history. Whether you’re seeking thrill, tranquility, or just a glimpse of Colorado’s wild beauty, the Royal Gorge is a destination that offers something unforgettable for everyone.

Downtown Salida

Salida, Colorado is the kind of town that instantly makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Known as the “Heart of the Rockies,” Salida blends small-town charm with a creative, adventurous spirit. Its historic downtown, lined with red-brick buildings from the 1800s, is now home to vibrant art galleries, boutique shops, cozy coffeehouses, and local breweries that give the town a lively yet laid-back vibe.

Music Meadows Ranch

Family-run and rooted in heritage ranching, the ranch invites guests to integrate with the land and livestock—tending to cattle, working the horses, and embracing the rhythm of ranch life rather than just observing it.

Silverdome Saloon & Music Hall

The Silver Dome Saloon & Music Hall in Silver Cliff, Colorado, is a one-of-a-kind local gem that perfectly captures the charm of small-town mountain life. Shaped like a dome and glowing warmly against the Wet Mountain Valley backdrop, this lively spot is known for its friendly faces, affordable drinks, and fun-filled atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a two-level rustic bar where locals and travelers gather for karaoke nights, live bands, and good conversation. In the summer, the outdoor area becomes a hub for music and laughter under the stars.

Stage Stop - Breakfast, Lunch & Fun

Great breakfast burritos and homemade biscuits and gravy.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Just on the other side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies one of Colorado's most breathtaking natural wonders. It’s a sight that feels almost otherworldly — vast waves of golden sand stretching beneath a bright blue Colorado sky. Visitors can hike or even sled down the dunes.

B. Social Feedstore - Restaurant/Bar & Event Venue

Nestled in the heart of Westcliffe, Colorado, B. Social Feedstore is more than just a restaurant & bar — it’s a destination. Housed in a beautifully restored historic property, we serve up hand-picked beers, craft seltzers, spirits, and curated wines alongside a menu of tasty, quick bites perfect for sharing with friends. Inside: Dive into entertainment with darts, pool, table games, and live sports broadcasts — or enjoy the vibe with great music and even better company. Outside: Challenge friends to cornhole, tetherball, horseshoes, or sand volleyball in our laid-back backyard playground. Or simply kick back with a drink and a plate of great food in one of our many shaded sitting areas throughout the park. As the sun sets, gather around one of our fire pits to enjoy a Colorado evening under the stars — the perfect end to a day full of celebration.

United States Penitentiary - Florence

Located just outside the quiet town of Florence, Colorado, the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility—better known as ADX Florence—is one of the most secure prisons in the country. Often referred to as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” it was designed to house the most high-risk federal inmates under the highest level of security. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Colorado landscape, the facility stands in stark contrast to its peaceful surroundings. While it’s not open to public tours, ADX Florence often sparks the curiosity of travelers passing through the area. Many stop in Florence to learn about the history of the American prison system and the role this facility has played in it. The nearby Museum of Colorado Prisons, located in Cañon City, offers visitors an inside look at the evolution of incarceration in the state, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and stories connected to the region’s many historic prisons.