Welcome to Westcliffe, one of Colorado's most beautiful and wonderfully undiscovered mountain destinations!
Nestled in the spectacular Wet Mountain Valley, beneath the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Westcliffe offers an authentic Colorado experience far removed from the crowds of major resort towns.
Here, life moves a little slower. Ranchers and artists share the same charming community, wildlife roams freely, and the night skies sparkle with millions of stars.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, romantic evenings by the fireplace, unforgettable hiking, or simply a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, you'll find something special here.
We've put together this guide to help you discover the experiences that make our corner of Colorado extraordinary.
We hope you fall in love with Westcliffe just as we did!
Your Hosts at A Creek Runs Through It
Just 20 minutes from A Creek Runs Through It, you'll discover the charming mountain communities of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff.
What makes these towns special isn't just their breathtaking setting. It's their character.
Westcliffe is a delightful blend of working ranches, talented artists, independently owned shops, cafés, restaurants, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
Spend an afternoon wandering through downtown, exploring local art galleries, browsing charming boutiques, or enjoying a leisurely meal.
Unlike Colorado's larger mountain resorts, Westcliffe has retained its authentic Western personality.
Our Suggestions:
Explore the art galleries and locally owned shops downtown.
Visit the historic town of Silver Cliff.
Attend a local art show, festival, or community event.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch with mountain views.
Discover the area's fascinating ranching and mining history.
Insider Tip: Check the local events calendar before your arrival. Westcliffe hosts art exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.
One of the greatest features of staying at A Creek Runs Through It is the incredible access to Colorado's mountain wilderness.
The legendary Rainbow Trail stretches approximately 120 miles along the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, passing through forests, meadows, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Best of all, our gated community offers trail access via Spread Eagle Trail, meaning you can begin your adventure without driving into town.
The surrounding mountains offer something for everyone, from peaceful forest walks to challenging alpine adventures.
Favorite Adventures:
Rainbow Trail: Enjoy beautiful forest scenery, mountain views, and miles of hiking opportunities.
Lake of the Clouds: A rewarding alpine adventure for experienced hikers seeking beautiful mountain lakes and spectacular scenery.
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness: Explore pristine alpine landscapes, wildlife habitats, and rugged mountain terrain.
Fourteeners: Experienced mountaineers can explore several nearby peaks rising above 14,000 feet.
Mountain Biking: Discover miles of scenic trails throughout the region.
Insider Tip: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring layers, plenty of water, and appropriate footwear. Begin high-elevation hikes early, particularly during summer thunderstorm season.
Imagine stepping outside on a clear evening and seeing the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
That's the magic of Westcliffe!
Westcliffe and neighboring Silver Cliff earned recognition as Colorado's first International Dark Sky Community, making this region an exceptional destination for stargazing.
Thanks to the high elevation, clear mountain air, and limited artificial lighting, the night sky reveals an incredible display of stars, planets, constellations, and occasional meteor showers.
You don't have to travel far to experience it.
At A Creek Runs Through It, simply step onto the deck, look up, and enjoy the show.
Experiences to Enjoy:
Watch the Milky Way on a clear, moonless evening.
Bring binoculars or a telescope.
Photograph the stars above the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Look for meteor showers throughout the year.
Enjoy the peaceful silence of the mountains after sunset.
Insider Tip: Check the moon phase before your visit. The darkest skies occur around a new moon, when the Milky Way can be especially spectacular.
Westcliffe is surrounded by sprawling ranches, wide-open valleys, and magnificent mountain landscapes.
It's one of the best places to experience the authentic spirit of the American West.
Music Meadows Ranch
Experience the beauty of the Wet Mountain Valley on horseback at a working cattle ranch.
Music Meadows offers guided horseback adventures through spectacular mountain meadows. It's a wonderful way to experience Colorado's ranching heritage.
Mission: Wolf
Located south of Westcliffe, Mission: Wolf is a sanctuary dedicated to the care of wolves and wolf-dog crosses.
Visitors can learn about these remarkable animals and conservation efforts. Check current visiting arrangements before planning your trip.
Wolf Springs Ranch
The region is also home to Wolf Springs Ranch, known for its bison herd.
Watch for opportunities to see these magnificent animals while traveling through the valley. Please respect private property and observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Wildlife Watching at A Creek Runs Through It
You may not need to leave the property to experience Colorado wildlife!
Our mountain setting attracts an incredible variety of animals and birds.
Keep an eye out for mule deer, elk, foxes, coyotes, owls, and other wildlife.
Insider Tip: Early morning and dusk are wonderful times for wildlife watching. Keep your camera ready, but always maintain a respectful distance.
A Creek Runs Through It makes a wonderful home base for exploring southern Colorado.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park — Approximately 70 Minutes
Experience breathtaking canyon scenery and walk across the famous suspension bridge high above the Arkansas River.
Consider combining your visit with a scenic Royal Gorge train excursion.
Arkansas River — Approximately 40 Minutes
Discover world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and Gold Medal trout fishing along one of Colorado's most celebrated rivers.
Bishop Castle — Approximately 1 Hour
Explore this extraordinary, hand-built stone castle nestled in the mountains. It's one of Colorado's most unusual attractions.
Great Sand Dunes National Park — Approximately 2 Hours
Experience towering sand dunes surrounded by mountain peaks. Enjoy hiking, photography, and the extraordinary contrast of desert-like dunes against alpine scenery.
Salida — Approximately 1–1.5 Hours
Explore a lively mountain town known for its galleries, restaurants, riverfront setting, and outdoor recreation.
Monarch Mountain
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding during winter at one of Colorado's scenic mountain ski areas.
Hardscrabble Pass
Take a scenic drive through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and dramatic terrain.
Insider Tip: Plan one major excursion per day and leave plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Some of Colorado's most beautiful moments happen along the journey.
Not every vacation needs an itinerary.
At A Creek Runs Through It, some of the most memorable experiences happen when you slow down and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.
Wake up to the soothing sound of Short Creek flowing past the house.
Sip your morning coffee while watching sunlight filter through the aspens.
Spend an afternoon relaxing on the deck, reading beside the pond, or listening to birdsong.
Prepare a delicious meal in the well-equipped kitchen and enjoy dinner surrounded by mountain views.
As evening arrives, settle beside a cozy fireplace, play board games with family and friends, or step outside to admire the magnificent night sky.
Our Favorite Ways to Relax:
Morning coffee overlooking the mountains
Reading beside the pond
Listening to the creek
Wildlife and bird watching
Yoga surrounded by nature
Family game nights
Cozy evenings beside the fireplace
Stargazing from the deck
It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature, spend meaningful time together, and escape the demands of everyday life.
Sometimes the greatest luxury is having nowhere else you need to be.
We hope this guide inspires you to discover the natural beauty, adventures, and wonderful people that make Westcliffe so special.
Whether you spend your days hiking mountain trails, exploring nearby attractions, or simply relaxing beside the creek, we hope your visit creates memories you'll cherish for years to come.
Welcome to A Creek Runs Through It – Luxury Log Home.
Your Colorado mountain escape awaits!
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of a mountain creek, sipping your morning coffee overlooking the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and spending your evenings beneath a sky filled with millions of stars.
