Just on the other side of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range lies one of the most iconic National Parks- Great Sand Dunes National Park! It's just a 2 hour drive to the other side of the mountain range. The park is home to North America's tallest sand dunes, which are surrounded by a desert-like landscape, grasslands, alpine lakes, and aspen forests. Some say the park is a must-see at least once, and others say it's worth the drive!

Westcliffe was Colorado's first nationally certified dark sky community! Westcliffe was named a Dark Sky Community for its efforts to protect the night sky with the reduction of light pollution. The best spot for viewing the night sky is at Bluff Park, just opposite the Sangre De Cristo Mountain range. Bring your chair or take a seat at one of the park’s benches and gaze up at the star filled sky above the snow-capped peaks. For an even closer look, book a private appointment at the Smokey Jack Observatory. Located in Bluff Park, the small observatory includes a retractable roof and has one of the most powerful computerized telescopes in the state.

Rainbow Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Wet Mountain Valley! An easy six-mile hike near Westcliffe, the Rainbow Trail features waterfalls, wildlife, and great views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

A few of the best places in town for coffee and breakfast food are Sugarlump Co. Coffee & Eats and Stage Stop. Aside from just coffee and espressos, the breakfast burritos and sandwiches at both places are great. Plus, there is plenty of room to sit inside or outside on their sidewalk patios. Other places to grab a quick cup of coffee are the Tumbleweed Coffee House. And for amazing pastries and sweets, try Sugar and Spice Mountain Bakery.

For lunch, Chappy’s Mountain View Bar & Grill is a good option for casual bar food. Bootleggers is a local favorite, along with B. Social Feedstore for happy hour and live music on Fridays. Another great spot for lunch or charcuterie is Zita’s Mountain Bistro. For dinner, BEEZA’s Restaurant & Pub is the place to be. And for good pizza and outdoor ambiance check out Tony’s Mountain Pizza in neighboring Silver Cliff.