The Wet Mountain Valley is located in Custer County in south-central Colorado. The Valley is bordered on the east by the Wet Mountains and on the west by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which is the longest and straightest mountain range on earth. The Sangre de Cristo mountain range of 13,000 and 14,000 foot snow-capped peaks tower over the 7,800-foot valley floor. Fifty-two alpine lakes and 370 miles of winding trout streams, hiking/backpacking and horseback trails ascend each drainage from the Rainbow trail that runs along the length of the range. This is true unspoiled Colorado, and for those seeking beauty and solitude in the great outdoors it is prime vacation, hiking, fishing, rafting, biking, horseback riding and relaxing country.

The town of Westcliffe is a throwback to “old Colorado” in nature and with the vastness of the surrounding land and ranch properties; it is one of the last remaining treasures of the true old west! Though off the beaten path, access to the valley is not difficult. Despite the imposing mountain range, there are no mountain passes to contend with when visiting the valley. From the town of Westcliffe and Silver cliff, Denver and its airport are three driving hours north, Colorado Springs airport is 90 minutes to the northeast, and Pueblo, Canon City and Salida are each within an easy hour drive.

Westcliffe is not a “resort town” but rather the valley is a ranching and recreational community, with the production of hay and livestock generating much of the valley's revenues. The evidence of this rural lifestyle is seen in the population density of 4.41 persons per square mile. Forty percent of our county's land is State and federally owned and most of the Sangre de Cristo range is designated a National Wilderness Area. Approximately 4,000+ people live in Custer County. We have a four way stop, of which we are very proud, but no traffic lights. Locals and visitors enjoy music festivals, live theater, galleries, art shows, the annual stampede rodeo and more, plus close proximity to rafting, gold metal world class fly fishing on the Arkansas river and snow skiing. Do what pleases you; it is hard to do it all!