There's a special valley overlooking southern Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Range. Near its center, twin towns of Silver Cliff and Westcliffe represent the state's first certified Dark Sky Community. There, you can explore hundreds of miles on wilderness trails, access undiscovered gravel and paved bicycle routes or just take in the view - including the Milky Way as you've never seen it before.
Dark Skies Vacation Homes
rancHO bendito- ultimate retreat +++
From $195 / night
This three-bedroom, one-bath home is one of a kind. Designed and built by one of North America's leading architects, it boasts a private observatory, a charming garden, all within a 450-acre land trusts.
If you've been considering a special occasion to bring together the people you love in one place to enjoy the great outdoors during the day and the majestic night sky, this is for you. Magically relaxing.
Features a well-equipped and -stocked kitchenette.
Rosita- log cabin with killer views
FROM $158 / NIGHT
This slightly rustic log cabin perches atop an 8,800-foot hilltop and sleeps up to 10, so you can soak in panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristos, the Wet Mountains and our amazing valley.
The upstairs play-and-slumber room has four twin beds, two futons and plenty of romping space on a nicely carpeted floor. Eight acres ensure privacy, quiet and bountiful wildlife. You’ll find fishing and hiking in every direction.
Features a well-equipped and -stocked kitchen.
Mineral Road - Westcliffe convenience
FROM $165 / NIGHT
Enjoy quiet, cool privacy of this three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,000-square-foot ranch on the north edge of Westcliffe. This home is a great place to stargaze with little light pollution due to local dark-sky ordinances.
Guests will appreciate the 10-inch-thick walls (R-50) and solar panels, a net producer to power grid. Enjoy indoor coolness, even on hot sunny days, and cozy winter evenings. The walls are nearly sound proof, even on windy days.
Features a well-equipped and -stocked kitchen.
A painted view ranch
From $225 / NIGHT
The exquisitely decorated party house at A Painted View Ranch is listed on VRBO when not scheduled for horse, wedding or other events. The house features a huge master suite/bathroom designed for weddings. Kitchen dinning and living rooms are also designed for entertainment.
This roomy, three-bedroom, two-bath home has it’s own gated entrance. Guests enjoy Nokota & Americal Quarter horses, as well as miniature donkeys, in the foreground, with the majestic Sangre de Cristos and Wet Mountains in the immediate backdrop. Great hunting and ATV access, without trailering.
Conveniently located just 3 miles from Westcliffe, this equestrian center offers riding lessons, kids play ground, chickens and even miniature pigs for the whole family to enjoy.
Stargazing
Westcliffe, Colorado, is one of only nine certified-Dark Sky communities in the world, making it the perfect getaway for stargazing enthusiasts and families escaping the city’s chaos to relax under the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. We've partnered with local dark sky organizations to provide guided tours of public and private observatories upon request, bringing your nighttime adventures closer to far-away galaxies than you can imagine.
Outdoor Adventures
Custer and surrounding counties delight visitors with some of Colorado’s most amazing scenery and adventure opportunities. And you can experience rivers, streams, hills and highways without the crowds and traffic of the I-70 corridor. We’ve collected below some links to places, events and opportunities you won’t want to miss..
Plan Your Dark Sky Vacation
Get in touch, and we'll help you craft a vacation to experience the most from our great outdoors and majestic night sky here in Westcliffe, Colorado.
