There are many things to do around Westcliffe
Colorado, from hiking the beautiful Rainbow Trail, with its blankets of
colorful wildflowers, to fishing in Hermit Lake, with panoramic views of the
mountain ranges. There are fun restaurants, bars, and art galleries in town.
Westcliffe Altitude Acclimation
Westcliffe's altitude/elevation is 7888, so if
you're not acclimated to a higher climate you may want to bring some cans of
oxygen. Symptoms of altitude sickness may be, lack of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, insomnia, pins and
needles, drowsiness, rapid pulse and most common, shortness of breath. Don't
let symptoms of altitude sickness ruin your Westcliffe Vacation.
An easy hike also
accessible by 4WD from the eastern side of the range via Hermit Pass Rd (Road
160) from Westcliffe. Hermit Pass Rd is steep and rocky and requires a 4WD
vehicle with high clearance. Make sure you stop along the way to see the beaver
ponds and hike up to the falls just a short distance from the camp ground on
the left.
Westcliffe 4th of July
then up to Hermit Falls
Venable Falls &
Venable Lakes
A moderate full day hike. Start by driving to
Alvarado Campground South East of Westcliffe. From
Westcliffe go south on CO-69, then turn right on Schoolfield Rd. (Rd 140) and
head west (toward the mountains). Begin the hike from Alvarado Campground trail
head following the Rainbow Trail north to the turnoff. The hike follows Venable
creek up to the alpine lakes.
Humbolt
Peak
Extreme All Day Hike up Humboldt Peak just south
of Westcliffe on July 16, 2010. Humble Humboldt is one of 53 14,000-foot peaks
in Colorado and is part of the Sangre de Cristo range.
Tell
others what you like to do in Westcliffe Colorado...
