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Welcome

When you come to Custer County and the ‘Cliffs – Silver Cliff and Westcliffe – you’ll find you’re in the real West. Life here is genuine. No shoot-outs in the street for the amusement of visitors, but you may find yourself in line at the supermarket standing next to a working cowboy in his chaps and dusty hat. Streets aren’t congested, but traffic may come to a standstill as a rancher on horseback moves his cattle down the road from one pasture to another. Our rich history dates back to the Ute Indians, the Spanish Conquistadors, and such historic figures as Zebulon Pike and Kit Carson. The first permanent settlers were a band of German colonists who arrived in 1870 to farm, and in the 1880s, ranching was established by a group of English colonists. In 1878, silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff, and everything needed to service a bustling town grew up around it. Life was so vibrant here that at one time, Silver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital. By 1882, the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down. In 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad completed a narrow gauge track which terminated a mile west of Silver Cliff. This resulted in the rapid development of the new town of Westcliffe at its terminus. Eventually the railroad disappeared as the result of repeated washouts and accidents. Although the mining and the railroad have gone, ranching remains a vital part of the county’s way of life. Be sure to visit our local museums for a glimpse into early life in the area. A visit to the county and the ‘Cliffs today reminds you of what’s important in life through a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The Sangre de Cristo range and the Wet Mountains

abound with recreational opportunities, and together they frame a valley filled with working ranches and wildlife. The pace here may be relaxed, but you won’t be wanting for things to do. On most summer weekends you can catch a music festival or concert in the park, live theater or maybe just a movie. The following is a sampling of the many events we hold throughout the year. Be sure to check our online guide for a full listing of our event dates and lineups. M AY • Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts season begins • Brew with a View at the ‘Cliffs • Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday – Parade Local museums open thru Labor Day Summer in the Park free concerts, movies thru Labor Day

JUNE

• 2nd weekend – Tractor Pull • Shakespeare in the Sangres begins • National Cutting Horse Show – Legacy Cup JULY • 4th of July Holiday – Sangre de Cristo Car Show, Patriotic Sing, Ice Cream Social, Fire Works (conditions permitting) • 2nd weekend – High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival • 3rd weekend – Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo, Custer County Fair • National Cutting Horse Show – Sangre de Cristo Summer Classic AUGUST • 2nd Saturday – National Chuckwagon Cook-Off • 3rd weekend – Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

The Sangre de Cristos as seen from The Bluff Park and entertainment site

SEPTEMBER • 2nd Saturday – Ride Westcliffe, rides for all levels • 2nd Saturday – High Peaks Music Festival • Last Saturday – Art for the Sangres

To help plan your trip to Custer County, visit these informative sites.

OCTOBER

• 1st week – Alla Prima Westcliffe/Arts Hullabaloo • Fall Fest • Oct 31st – Halloween in the ’Cliffs NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

• The week after Thanksgiving thru New Years – Holidays in the ’Cliffs Classical concerts sponsored by InConcert are offered in the fall, winter and spring.

www.Go2CusterCounty.com

www.CusterCountyCo.com

’C L I F F S

Commercial District TM

www.CliffsCommercialDistrict.com

ALL ABOARD WESTCLIFFE – An Interpretive Center and Railroad Museum filled with historic artifacts and memorabilia showcasing the rich heritage of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in the Wet Mountain Valley. Currently, the group is working to purchase and restore “the Depot” at the west end of Main Street. The Interpretive Center and Railroad Museum are open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September. www.allaboardwestcliffe.org BECKWITH RANCH – The Historic Beckwith Ranch is one of the most historically significant sites in Custer County. In the late 19th century, brothers Elton and Edwin Beckwith came west to seek their fortunes and began one of the largest cattle operations in Southern Colorado located just north of Westcliffe. The Friends of Beckwith Ranch Foundation is in the process of restoring the house, outbuildings and corrals to their late 19th century condition to give visitors the opportunity to experience the romance of the old West’s ranching heritage. www.beckwithranch.org 6

SILVER CLIFF MUSEUM – Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse, the Silver Cliff Museum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry. The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings, household items, clothing, fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade. Photographs of mines and miners, fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exciting history to life once more. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4pm, Memorial Day – Labor Day. www.silvercliffco.com OLD “WESTCLIFF” SCHOOLHOUSE & MUSEUM – Built in 1891 as a two-room schoolhouse for local children, this beautiful stone building on 4th Street in Westcliffe is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now serves as a museum of Westcliffe’s history and is home to the Valley Parks Recreation and Youth Center. Museum hours are Saturday & Sunday: 1- 4pm, Memorial Day – Labor Day. www.valleyparkrecandyouth.org Photo by Jan Lee ©2013

street for the Custer County Chamber of Commerce’s (CCCC) annual Sangre de Cristo Car Show. Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffe’s shops and restaurants as you go. Also check out the annual Craft and Flea Market toward the west end of Main Street. Be sure to catch the 4th of July parade down Main Street, bustling with horses, marching soldiers, bands and floats. In the afternoon, a variety of activities for children including a parade to The Bluff at the west end of Main Street provide more entertainment for the whole family.

The 4th of July in the ‘Cliffs is filled with an explosion of activities. In the early morning, volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street. As you fill up on pancakes, you’ll see and hear colorful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the

In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm it’s time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse and Museum. Then, at dusk, round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese, sponsored by the CCCC with help from the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Department. See our online guide or the Chamber’s website for the schedule of events. www.custercountyco.com

Music lovers from far and wide return year after year for the amazing music, the unparalleled scenery and the chance to get to meet and talk with legends previously known only through well-worn CDs. Come join them this year and see why High Mountain Hay Fever is another of those treasures that make the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cliffs a very special place to spend time.

Photos by Jan Lee ÂŠ2013

HIGH MOUNTAIN HAY FEVER – Summer in the ‘Cliffs means music and the first of three great festivals takes place the second week of July with our premier music event, High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival. Drawing visitors from near and far, this celebration is a unique opportunity to enjoy four days of great music in a majestic mountain setting. Come to enjoy spectacular views of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting lineup of renowned bluegrass acts. Each year, music director Ron Thomason assembles a fantastic lineup of artists. The festival is small and intimate but always features a powerful group of performers and is hosted by local legends Dry Branch Fire Squad and rising stars Sons and Brothers. Throughout the festival, many

of the performers offer workshops featuring everything from banjo picking to square dancing. Lou Reid, who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says, “High Mountain Hay Fever is a great, first-class festival! I mean this in past and present tense.” HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers, remaining true to its motto, “small scale, big time.” This all takes place at The Bluff, our newly enlarged and renovated park and events site at the end of Main Street. Dry camping and RV parking are available across from the festival grounds for a nominal fee. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Custer County Medical Center. For this year’s lineup and ticket information, see our online guide or visit www.highmountainhayfever.org

WET MOUNTAIN WESTERN JUBILEE – Also taking place at The Bluff and hosted by Sons and Brothers is Wet Mountain Western Jubilee on the third weekend of August. The band’s unique “Westgrass” style combines with old time and contemporary Western music and cowboy poetry, making an unforgettable weekend. www.wetmountainwesternjubilee.com HIGH PEAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL – The first Saturday after Labor Day winds down the summer music scene with the Annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 95.5 FM and Wet Mountain Broadcasting Corp. This one-day event takes place at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheater and showcases not-to-bemissed acoustic music by some of the Wet Mountain Valley’s amazing musical talent and their friends. highpeaksmusicfestival.org

FEEDSTORE AMPHITHEATER CONCERTS – And if our three fabulous festivals aren’t enough for you, the Feed Store Amphitheater has free concerts every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm starting in May and running through the end of August. Bring a blanket or a chair and sit back and enjoy high quality live music from folk and bluegrass to classic rock and blues. The Feedstore also offers free movies every Tuesday at dusk during this same period. To see the schedule of concerts and movies visit www.westcliffefeedstore.com/FS/events.html IN CONCERT – Founded in 2003 to support and promote live classical music in the Wet Mountain Valley, In Concert presents three concerts in the fall, winter and spring. On the first Sunday in June, they will be sponsoring a free band concert in Hermit Park Pavilion in Westcliffe. www.inconcertwestcliffe.org

Photos by Jan Lee ÂŠ2013

WESTCLIFFE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater, watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on the lawn. Or marvel at the Youth Theater Musical performed by young people trained in music, dance and drama during intense summer workshops. All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts, a non-profit formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of those living in and visiting the area. Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or outside in the Feedstore Amphitheater Park, a wide variety of performances delight patrons of all ages. These wonderful facilities provide

both residents and visiting interns opportunities to exercise their interest and skills in theater – acting, singing, dancing or designing sets – to express themselves and bring joy to others. In a rural community of less than 4,000 county residents, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic performances presented by a dedicated group of performers. Come join us! The season kicks off with a musical comedy in May followed by Shakespeare in the Park in June and July. Creativity Camp for children and a children’s production take place later in the season. For more information and to see a schedule of all the performances and ticket prices, see our online guide or go to www.jonestheater.com.

2013 Calendar of Events May May 4th, 4:00 - 6:00pm SAG 2014 Calendar Show Reception, 3rd Street Gallery www.sangresartguild.org May 10, 11, 17, 18, 7:30pm and May 12, 19, 2:00pm The Cotton Patch Gospel WCPA Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com May 18th, 12:00 – 6:00pm Brew With a View at the ‘Cliffs, Main Street, downtown Westcliffe www.CliffsCommercialDistrict.com May 18th, 10:00 – 4:00pm Appreciation Day, honoring wounded warriors and vets at A Painted View Ranch www.apaintedview.com May 25th – 27th, 11:00 – 3:30 Beckwith Ranch opens for tours www.beckwithranch.org May 25th, 7:00am All Aboard Westcliffe, Pancake Breakfast at the Caboose, Main St.

May 25th, 10:00am Memorial Day Parade, Main St. Westcliffe May 25th, 1:00 – 4:00pm Old ‘Westcliff’ Schoolhouse season opens, Saturday & Sundays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day May 26th, 2:00pm Free Concert, Acoustic Eidolon, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com May 27th, 10:00am Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Memorial Park May 28th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com May 31st, 1:00 – 4:00pm Silver Cliff Museum season opens, Saturdays & Sundays, Memorial Day thru Labor Day

June June 1st, 7:00 – 10:00am All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfast , at Silver West Airport 7am – 12:00pm Fly - In, Silver West/Custer County Airport, 719-783-2695 4:00 - 6:00pm Sangres Art Guild Reception, 3rd Street Gallery, www.sangresartguild.org June 2nd, 2:00pm FREE Concert – InConcert, Southern Colorado Community Band, Hermit Park Pavilion, Westcliffe www.inconcertwestcliffe.org 2:00pm Free Concert, Tom Munch, Folk/ Jazz, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com June 4th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

June 8th – 14th WMV Writer’s Workshop for women, Abigail Thomas, Dorothy Allison, Bar Scott www.twincompass.com June 8th – 9th,11:00am Tractor Pull, Silver Cliff Park www.avflywheelers.com June 9th, 2:00pm Free Concert, Anne Weiss, Folk/ Blues, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com June 11th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com June 15th and 16th National Cutting Horse Show – Legacy Cup, A Painted View Ranch www.apaintedview.com June 16th, 2:00pm Free Concert, Smythe and Taylor, Folk, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

June 18th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com June 20th – 23rd Shakespeare in the Park: Two comedies in revolving repertory, Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare and Tartuffe by Molière, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.jonestheater.com June 20th, 22nd – 6:30pm Two Gentlemen of Verona June 21st – 6:30, Tartuffe June 23rd – 2:00, Tartuffe June 22nd, 4:00pm Tea with Mrs. Beckwith at the Beckwith Ranch, www.beckwithranch.org June 23rd, 5:00pm KWMV – Taste of the Valley, at Maytag Ranch, www.kwmv.org June 25th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie, Westcliffe Feed Store Amphitheater www.westcliffefeedstore.com

June 27th – 30th Shakespeare in the Park: Two comedies in revolving repertory, Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare and Tartuffe by Molière Feed Store Amphitheater/Park www.jonestheater.com

July 4th – 7th Shakespeare in the Park: Two comedies in revolving repertory, Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare and Tartuffe by Molière Feed Store Amphitheater/Park www.jonestheater.com

June 27th, 29th – 6:30pm Two Gentlemen of Verona

July 4th, 6th – 6:30pm Two Gentlemen of Verona

June 28th – 6:30 Tartuffe June 30th – 2:00 Tartuffe

July 5th – 6:30, Tartuffe July 7th – 2:00, Tartuffe

July

July 4th, Dusk Fireworks at Lake DeWeese Custer County Chamber of Commerce www.custercountyco.com

July 2nd, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com July 4th, 2:00 – 4:00pm Patriotic sing-a-long and ice cream social, Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse & Museum www.valleyparkrecandyouth.org

July 4th – 6th Flea/Craft Market, Main St., Custer County Chamber of Commerce www.custercountyco.com July 6th, 7:00am All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfast, at the Caboose

July 6th, 9:00am – 2:00pm Sangre de Cristo Car Show, Main Street, Westcliffe www.custercountyco.com July 6th, 6:30pm Tartuffe Feed Store Amphitheater Park July 7th, 2:00pm Two Gentlemen of Verona Feed Store Amphitheater Park July 8th – 19th WCPA, Creativity Camp open to children 7 to 16 www.jonestheater.com July 9th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com July 11th – 14th High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival at The Bluff www.highmountainhayfever.org

July 16th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

July 20, 1:00pm and 6:00pm Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo

July 15th – 21st Custer County Fair & 67th Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Week, at the Rodeo & Fairgrounds in Westcliffe

July 21st, 9:00am Cowboy Church

July 19th, Evening Rubber Check Race & BBQ July 19th – 20th, 9am – 6pm, 21st, 10:30 – 3:30pm Friends of the Library Arts & Crafts Show, Hope Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall July 19th, 7:30pm The Glass Menagerie, Jones www.jonestheater.com July 20th, 7:00 – 10:00am Rotary Pancake Breakfast Custer County School July 20th, 10:00am Rodeo Parade, Main Street

July 20th, 9:00pm Western Dance, Saddle Club

July 21st, 12:00pm Custer County Fair 4-H & FFA Livestock Auction at the Fairgrounds July 21st, 3:00pm Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo July 21st, 7:30pm The Glass Menagerie WCPA /Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com

July 23rd, 5pm meal, 7pm concert Chuckwagon dinner and Concert, Painted View Ranch www.apaintedview.com July 23rd, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com July 24th, 7:30 – 9:30pm Jazz Jam Session, location TBA July 25th – 28th National Cutting Horse Show Sangre de Cristo Summer Classic A Painted View Ranch www.apaintedview.com

July 21st, 2:00pm Free Concert, Chris Collins, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

July 26th – 28th Shoot-out in the Sangres photography workshop with Bill Gillette & Jim Havey www.shootoutinthesangres.com

July 22nd – 27th Jazz in the Sangres, Colorado Conservatory of Jazz Jazz Youth Camp

July 26th – 27th, 7:30pm The Glass Menagerie, Jones www.jonestheater.com

July 27th, 8:30am 8th Annual Solar Home Tour meet at County Courthouse www.sustainableways.org July 27th, noon – 6:00pm Jazz Orchestra Concert, Feed Store Amphitheater Park, followed by Jazz Ensembles, at various Main Street locations July 28th, 2:00pm WCPA -The Glass Menagerie www.jonestheater.com July 28th, 2:00pm Free Concert, Dan Epperson Band, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com July 30th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com August August 4th – 8th Summer Workshop, Gerald Merfeld, merfeldart.com

August 4th, 2:00pm Free Concert, Susan Gibson Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com August 6th Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater/Park westcliffefeedstore.com

August 15th –16th 7:00pm The Secret Garden Youth Theater Musical WCPA/Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com

August 20th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

August 10th, dinner 5pm, concert 7pm National Chuckwagon Cook-off, Concert at A Painted View Ranch www.apaintedview.com

August 17th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfast during WMWJ, at the Caboose on Main St.

August 25th, 2:00pm Free Concert, The Crestones, swing and jazz Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

August 17th –18th Wet Mountain Western Jubilee, Music & Art Festival at The Bluff, www. wetmountainwesternjubilee.com

August 27th, Dusk Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

August 11th Free Concert, Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin, Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

August 17th, 7:00pm The Secret Garden Youth Theater Musical WCPA/Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com

August 29th, 10 –5:00pm Annual Labor Day Quilt Show Old ‘Westcliff” Schoolhouse www.valleyparkrecandyouth.org

August 13th Summer In The Park– Free Movie Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

August 18th, 2:00pm The Secret Garden Youth Theater Musical WCPA/Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com

September September 1st, 2:00pm Free Concert, All the Pretty Horses, Country Rock Band Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.westcliffefeedstore.com

September 6th, 7th, 7:30pm New Rocky Mountain Voices Award winning One Act Plays, WCPA/Jones Theater www.jonestheater.com September 7th Sangres Art Guild Reception 3rd Street Gallery Show thru September www.sangresartguild.org September 14th Bike Westcliffe – Century ride with 37 mile, 12.5 mile options and family ride www.ridewestcliffe.com September 14th, 12 – 7:00pm High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 95.9FM Feed Store Amphitheater Park www.highpeaksmusicfestival.org September 28th, 1 – 8:00pm Art For The Sangres at A Painted View Ranch www.artforthesangres.com

October

November – December

October 3rd – 5th Alle Prima Westcliffe, a paint-outor-paint-in event, 3rd Street Gallery www.sangresartguild.org

Thanksgiving – New Years The ’Cliffs will light-up with a series of planned events to brighten the Holiday Season. www.CliffsCommercialDistrict.com

October 5th, 4:00pm Alle Prima Show Reception Winners announced, 3rd Street Gallery www.sangresartguild.org October 5th Arts Hullabaloo – A day of arts www.sangresartguild.org October 5th Harvest Hoe Down at Beckwith Ranch October 19th, 3:00 – 8:00pm Wild West Fall Fest at A Painted View Ranch, Custer County Chamber of Commerce www.custercountyco.com October 31st Halloween in the ’Cliffs CART & Custer County Chamber of Commerce, www.CliffsCommercialDistrict.com

December 6th – 8th Friends of the Library Arts & Crafts Show, Hope Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

December 7th, 4 – 7:00pm SAG Holiday Show Reception 3rd Street Gallery www.sangresartguild.org December 14th-15th, 11 – 4 Christmas at Beckwith RanchFriends of Beckwith Ranch

December 6th – 7th Annual Festival of Trees & Holiday Boutique, at Cliff Lanes www.valleyparkrecandyouth.org December 7th – 8th, 11 – 4pm Christmas at Beckwith Ranch Friends of Beckwith Ranch December 7th, 1– 6:00 pm KWMV Open House www.kwmv.org December 7th Light up the town and Santa comes to the ’Cliffs, Custer County Chamber of Commerce & CART www.CliffsCommercialDistrict.com

MUSIC MEADOWS RANCH – Music Meadows is a 4,000 acre working cattle ranch located at 9,000 feet in the Wet Mountain Valley. If you’re looking for an amazing “hands on” experience learning what cowboys and cowgirls really do, this family owned and operated ranch is the place for you. After a hearty ranch breakfast at dawn, you will spend your day participating in the completion of necessary chores to care for roughly 800 yearlings that arrive the first of May and are loaded out the third week of September. Under experienced leadership, you’ll learn the ins and outs of working with cattle while improving your horsemanship and making new friends and lasting memories along the way. Day rides of just a few a hours are also available. www.MusicMeadows.com. BEAR BASIN RANCH – Twenty miles east of the ‘Cliffs, Bear Basin Ranch is located at a 1890s facility on 3,500 acres of undeveloped land in the Wet Mountains. Horseback riding, elk hunting, fly fishing and other pack adventures are offered by Bear Basin Packtrips’ experienced guides. Adventure Spe-

Music Meadows Ranch

cialists at Bear Basin Ranch features horseback adventures, rafting, climbing, trail rides, cattle drives and team penning at the Ranch or in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area. All adventures are tailored to the experience and ability of the individual or group. www.bearbasinpacktrips.com or www.adventurespecialists.org.

A PAINTED VIEW RANCH – Located just three miles west of the ‘Cliffs, Painted View is committed to perpetuating the Western and ranching lifestyle. Equestrian events such as NCHA cuttings, barrel racing and roping in a state-of-the-art facility are open to the public and provide exciting entertainment for all ages. Owners Donna and Ralph Hood also offer an array of musical events throughout the summer. In August, the National Chuckwagon Cook-off takes visitors back to a time when the hardworking cowboy depended on a chuckwagon for his meals. www.apaintedviewranch.com PACA PEACE RANCH – No visit to the ‘Cliffs would be complete without a trip to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth. Working oneon-one with an alpaca, young people specially selected for the program learn to care for and train “their” animal, and a tight bond of trust and affection builds between them. Working with alpacas fosters a sense of dignity and self-confidence in these young people. Visitors are welcome to come meet and feed these gentle, friendly animals at the Ranch. To arrange a visit call 719-783-2877.

OTHER FARM VISITS – Other alpaca breeders that allow visits: Alpenglow Alpacas, 719-783-0886 by appointment only Linnea@AlpenglowAlpacas.com Eye Dazzler Alpacas, 719-371-1008 by appointment only www.EyeDazzlerAlpacas.com

Photos by Jan Lee ÂŠ2013

WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE RODEO – Broncs, bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo. Today’s rodeo can be traced back to ranches of the 1700’s when the Spanish ruled the West. Spanish cattle traditions influenced the American cowboy whose traditions in turn influenced modern rodeo activities. Ranch chores evolved into tiedown roping, team roping and bronc riding. Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club, the CPRA-sanctioned rodeo is held the third week of July. It begins with a Rubber Check Race held Friday evening, This event is a race in which teams made up of horses, ATVs and wheelbarrows compete with each other in heats and then finals. Check our online guide for dates and times of the Calcutta and the rest of this year’s events.

From 7:00 am on Saturday morning, the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo weekend breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot. At 10:00 am, a parade down Main Street complete with horses, cowboys, and the rodeo queen and her court kicks off the official events. At the completion of the parade, the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main. Events begin at 1:00 pm with bronc and bull riding leading off the action, followed by bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more. Youth events such as mutton busting, a stick horse race and calf scramble allow the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun. Saturday’s action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and the fun resumes on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Come and experience a slice of Colorado’s western lifestyle.

The Wet Mountain Valley is bounded on the west by the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and on the east by the Wet Mountains. The area between the mountains has a rich agricultural history and offers miles of roads to explore open space and scenic beauty all around. Hay fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer, elk and antelope for your easy viewing. It’s not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well. On any given day you may get the chance to see bald and golden eagles, red tailed hawks, great blue herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County. Whether your passion is fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, Custer County is the place for you! With over 300 days of sun each year and dazzling blue skies in every season, it’s easy to believe this is paradise. In summer, colorful displays of wildflowers abound along roads and trails, with some of the most amazing examples above treeline. In winter, a whole new series of recreational

possibilities open up. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing allow the more adventurous to push out into some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere. Stop by one of our local merchants and pick up a map of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains. The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the valley. From there, you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping. You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the nine Fourteeners found along our part of the Sangres. Much of what lies above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness, and the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas adds to the serene beauty. Of course you’ll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping. If your interests and skills don’t take you to the top, you can have a slower-paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet

Mountain Valley below. A popular and manageable hike is the Comanche/Venable Loop. It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe. There’s a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot. For the lower loop it’s one half mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest, over Venable Creek and opens up to wonderful views of the valley below. You’ll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot. The more adventurous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13,000 feet. Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with cutthroats and rainbows in many of the alpine lakes, brookies

in mountain streams and browns and rainbows in valley creeks. There is limited access to most of the creeks, so be careful not to trespass on private land. Lake DeWeese can surprise you with tiger muskies, small mouth bass and plenty of trout. Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake – and though heavily pressured in the warmer months, it can still surprise with outstanding fishing – and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade. Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River – both just short drives away – offer completely different fishing experiences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing, some wading and small craft access (no gas powered engines) and camping sites from primitive to full hookups. The Arkansas is a Colorado

treasure with wonderful fishing, public lands, state access points and outstanding white water rafting – all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacular views. The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails, to cross country skiing, to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel. The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12,000 feet) for some high-country ice fishing. There are also snow mobile trails within the county, the most notable off Hwy. 165 (Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads. Whatever your interest or your skill level, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors throughout the Wet Mountain Valley all year round. So, drive your RV, rent a cabin, stay in one of our motels, enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the “road less traveled,” or for an extreme mountain adventure, it’ll all be waiting here just for you.

ART FOR THE SANGRES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Art for the Sangres, held each year on the last Saturday of September, is regarded by many artists as one of the premier shows in Colorado. Begun in 1996 as a major fund-raiser for the San Isabel Land Protection Trust, this show and sale has continued to grow in popularity and acclaim, attracting artists from around the West. In addition to the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of high quality art, patrons are treated to delicious food and wine served in a picturesque ranch setting. A percentage of all proceeds from the sale benefit the San Isabel Land Protection Trust whose mission is to protect ranch, farm and forest land, wildlife habitat, scenic views for pubPHOTO lic enjoyment and historic resources. See our online catalog at www.ArtfortheSangres.com THE SANGRES ART GUILD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Guild is a non-profit organization created to support local and regional artists by encouraging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination. Besides running the 3rd Street Gallery, workshops and dem-

onstrations, SAG proudly sponsors Alla Prima Westcliffe and Arts Hullaballoo in October. Alla Prima Westcliffe is a three day paint out-and-in event during which area artists disperse across Custer County to find inspiration in its colorful autumn beauty and ranching heritage, or to paint figure models inside. Arts Hullaballoo involves interaction between visitors and artists, and children of all ages are encouraged to get hands-on experience with potters, painters, musicians and street performers. For more information on all activities, see www.sangresartguild.com WORKSHOPS FOR THE ARTS – Custer County is blessed with an abundance of talented artists, photographers, writers and musicians who happily share their skills and talents through workshops. Following is a list of these creative opportunities. Check their websites for further details and information. Shoot-out in the Sangres – Bill Gillette, Jim Havey photography. July, www.shootoutinthesangres.com Merfeld Summer Workshop – Gerald Merfeld, oil, pastel, watercolor. Summers, www.merfeldart.com.

Shootout in the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild – Various workshops throughout the year, www.sangresartguild.com Wet Mountain Valley Writers’ Workshop – Abigail Thomas, Dorothy Allison, Bar Scott. Summers, www.twincompass.com. High Mountain Hay Fever – 1 hour workshops related to bluegrass tradition. Second weekend in July, www.highmountainhayfever.com 31

MISSON:WOLF – Mission:Wolf is a solar-powered nature center that demonstrates sustainable living and builds concern and support for wild habitat protection. This educational center hosts a sanctuary for 40 wolves, as well as a shelter for unwanted horses. Operated by dedicated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher learning worldwide, the center reaches beyond Westcliffe to develop the values and practices that protect and preserve wildlife. Mission:Wolf welcomes you to visit the center from noon until 6 pm any day of the year. By introducing you to a wolf, Mission:Wolf hopes you will understand their importance to the wild, and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation for the inter-connectedness of our world. www.missionwolf.com

RIDE WESTCLIFFE – On the Saturday after Labor Day, come to the ‘Cliffs for Ride Westcliffe, the toughest century ride in Colorado. This ride has a challenging gain of 10,500 feet over those 100 miles. If you aren’t interested in quite such a serious challenge, there is also a 60 mile metric century and a 24 mile out and back ride. All take you through some spectacular country and introduce you to the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains. Families can ride together on a 6.8 mile loop past the old silver mines that made Silver Cliff famous. www.ridewestcliffe.com. CLUB AMERICA WMV – A community health and recreation center, Club America offers the visitor a lap pool, treadmills and spinning bikes. You won’t have to miss your workout while in town. www.clubamericawmv.org CLIFF LANES FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – Cliff Lanes offers bowling and family fun, for the days and evenings when you’d rather play inside. www.clifflanes.com

Bed & Breakfasts Courtyard Country Inn 410 Main Street, WC (719) 783-9616 CourtyardCountryInn.com Dazzler’s Best B & B 5001 Hwy. 96, County (719) 371-4519 DazzlersBestCasita.com

Golden Corner Suites 110 S. 2nd Street, WC (719) 783-9363 goldencornersuites.net

Wet Mountain RV Park & Cabins 816 Main Street, WC (719) 371-0918 or 371-1389 www.wetmtnrv.com

Music Meadows Ranch 6076 CR 119, County (719) 783-2222 www.musicmeadows.com

Westcliffe Inn Hwy 69 @ Hermit Rd, WC (719) 783-9275 www.westcliffeinn.com

Lodges, Cabins, Conference Centers

Cabins, Condos, Homes

Campground, RV Park

Alpine Lodge 6848 CR 140, County (719) 783-2660

Lamp Post Lodge 59450 Hwy. 69 N, WC (719) 783-2876 www.lamppostlodge.com

Aspen Acres Campground Hwy. 165, County (719) 485-3275

Hermit Basin Conference Center 1699 Camino, County (719) 783-2900 www.hermitbasin.com

Over the Brim Inn 103 Main Street, WC (719) 783-3585 www.overthebrim.com

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch, RV Park & Cabins, County (719) 783-2007 cross-d-bar-troutranch.com

Horn Creek Conference Ctr, 6758 CR 130, County (719) 783-2205 www.horncreek.org

Eberling Mobile Home & RV Park 957 French St., SC (719) 783-9778

Lodge at San Isabel 59 CR 371, San Isabel (719) 489-2280 www.lodgeatsanisabel.com

Grape Creek RV, Campground, Cabins County, (719) 783-2588 grapecreekrv.net

Dude Ranches

Motels Antlers Motel, LLC 102 S. 6th Street, WC (719) 783-2426

Pet friendly

Bear Basin Ranch 473 CR 271, County (719) 783-2519 www.BearBasinRanch.com

Alvarado Cabin (303) 346-0320 BloomsburyWest (719) 371-1647 DP Property Management (719) 783-2415

Ken’s Rents, LLC (719) 783-9009 The Pines Lodge (719) 489-2686 Red Rock Ranch (303) 717-5445 Rosita Rentals (719) 783-0941 Shining Mountain Rentals (719) 783- 2627 Spa Sola Fide (877) 783-4270

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