Stargazers delight at the remote Colorado town of Westcliffe, a certified Dark Sky community. What exactly is a Dark Sky community? This designation is not given out lightly (pun intended). If you live near a city, you are probably familiar with light pollution disrupting your view of the Milky Way. Westcliffe is among only 33 Dark Sky communities in the world, a classification that guarantees stargazers a view unspoiled by light pollution. Located three hours southwest of Denver, Colorado, you might just feel like you have the whole sky to yourself in this rural town. Though most travelers are drawn to Westcliffe for stargazing, it also offers many small-town attractions and activities to occupy your time during the day.
Despite its small size of just 559 residents, there is plenty to see and do in Westcliffe on a weekend getaway. Take a stroll down Main Street stopping in locally owned boutiques in buildings that date back to the days of silver mining and railroads.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Westcliffe is home to the Smokey Jack Observatory where visitors are invited to view constellations and planets through a 14-inch telescope aided by local Star Guides.
Bryce Bradford/Flickr Smokey Jack Observatory also hosts dark sky parties for every astronomical event. The observatory is free but supported through visitors’ donations.
For some small-town entertainment, visit the historic Jones Theater. Here, visitors can enjoy movie screenings as well as live-action performances.
JBColorado/Flickr
Looking for somewhere to rest your head after a night of stargazing?
Denise/Tripadvisor You won’t be overwhelmed with options in this rural town. We suggest the Lamp Post Lodge for a cozy, country-style stay. Sip hot chocolate from rocking chairs while you marvel at the cosmos with other travelers.
Need your caffeine fix?
Tumbleweed Coffee House/Facebook Tumbleweed Coffee House offers more than just your average cup o’ Joe. Stop in for pastries, pretzels, and handcrafted beverages at this charming cafe.
Can hiking untouched mountain paths get any better?
management/Tripadvisor Yes, it can, when you do it with llamas! Let these fluffy pack animals carry your water and snacks on a llama trek from Lookin Up Outfitters.
Located in a valley between the Sangre De Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges, Westcliffe offers over 200 miles of nearby hiking trails that travelers can explore. Try the popular Rainbow Trail which passes by Crystal Falls for scenic valley views.
Deanne Mayer/AllTrails
Westcliffe’s stargazing potential, stunning mountain views, family fun activities, and laid-back pace make for the ideal weekend getaway. Ever wondered what the night sky looked like to our pre-civilization ancestors? Wonder no further than Westcliffe, Colorado. Come relax and enjoy the cosmos as nature intended in this peaceful mountain town. Have you visited a Dark Sky community like Westcliffe?
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Bryce Bradford/Flickr
Smokey Jack Observatory also hosts dark sky parties for every astronomical event. The observatory is free but supported through visitors’ donations.
JBColorado/Flickr
Denise/Tripadvisor
You won’t be overwhelmed with options in this rural town. We suggest the Lamp Post Lodge for a cozy, country-style stay. Sip hot chocolate from rocking chairs while you marvel at the cosmos with other travelers.
Tumbleweed Coffee House/Facebook
Tumbleweed Coffee House offers more than just your average cup o’ Joe. Stop in for pastries, pretzels, and handcrafted beverages at this charming cafe.
management/Tripadvisor
Yes, it can, when you do it with llamas! Let these fluffy pack animals carry your water and snacks on a llama trek from Lookin Up Outfitters.
Deanne Mayer/AllTrails
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Address: Westcliffe, CO 81252, USAAddress: Smokey Jack Observatory, 100 S Adams Blvd, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USAAddress: The Jones Theater, 119 Main St, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USAAddress: The Lamp Post Lodge, 59450 CO-69, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USAAddress: Tumbleweed Coffee House, 602 W Main St, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USAAddress: Rainbow trail, 3205-3599, Co Rd 120, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA
