Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in WESTCLIFFE, Colorado
Westcliffe sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range in the Wet Mountain Valley, and the hiking here runs the full spectrum from easy valley walks to serious alpine approaches.
100 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 100 spots
Westcliffe sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range in the Wet Mountain Valley, and the hiking here runs the full spectrum from easy valley walks to serious alpine approaches. South Colony Road and South Colony Trail give you direct access to the Crestones, one of the more demanding corners of Colorado's 14er country, while Hermit Lake Trail and Marble Mountain Trail offer solid half-day objectives with big views and far less foot traffic than you'd find on the Front Range. Swift Creek Trail is worth knowing about for a quieter riparian route. The valley itself has plenty of lower-elevation options — County Road 264, Comanche Trail, and Vista de Aspen Road among them — that work well when afternoon thunderstorms push you off the high terrain or when you just want a morning walk without committing to a full mountain day. With 160 active listings in and around Westcliffe, there's genuine variety here: technical alpine routes, forest service roads that double as hiking corridors, and everything in between. The town is small, services are limited, and cell coverage is spotty once you're in the canyons, so planning ahead matters more here than in more developed hiking destinations.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Westcliffe?
Late June through September is the main window for most trails, including the South Colony Trail and Hermit Lake Trail. South Colony Road can hold snow into early June, so check conditions before driving up. October is often beautiful and crowd-free, but early snowstorms are possible and can make higher routes slippery fast.
What's the best time of day to be on the trail?
Start early, especially on any route that gains significant elevation toward the Sangre de Cristos. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in the Wet Mountain Valley from July through August, and being above treeline after noon is a real lightning risk. For lower valley hikes like Comanche Trail or Vista de Aspen Road, morning also gives you cooler temps and better light.
How do I access South Colony Road and South Colony Trail?
South Colony Road heads west out of the Westcliffe area into the Sangre de Cristos and is the main access corridor for South Colony Trail and the Crestone peaks beyond it. The lower portion is passable by most vehicles, but the upper section is rough enough that high clearance is a real advantage, not just a suggestion. Parking at the trailhead fills early on summer weekends.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Layers are non-negotiable even in summer — temperatures at elevation drop fast when clouds roll in. Bring rain gear, more water than you think you need (sources along lower routes like County Road 264 are not reliable for drinking without treatment), and a paper map or downloaded offline map since cell service is unreliable in the canyons and drainages west of town.
Are the trails around Westcliffe suitable for beginners?
Yes, with some route selection. Trails like Comanche Trail, Vista de Aspen Road, and Swift Creek Trail are accessible to hikers without technical experience. South Colony Trail and the approaches toward Marble Mountain involve more elevation gain and rougher terrain and are better suited to hikers who are already comfortable with a full day in the mountains. Altitude is a factor for everyone — Westcliffe itself sits above 7,800 feet, so give yourself a day to acclimate if you're coming from sea level.
