Pivoting Plans in Westcliffe, Colorado: Rainy Days and Mountain Ways
A Visual Story
Nestled in between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Wet Mountains ranges of Colorado, you’ll find one of the cutest mountain towns I’ve yet to experience ~ Westcliffe.
The town of Westcliffe doesn’t get much attention in all the Colorado-hyped destinations, but it should. It’s a gem full of character, history, art, shopping, tasty food and uncanny views of the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
One of our reasons for exploring Westcliffe and the surrounding areas, this town is one of the few places that is certified as a dark sky community.
The plan was simple — drive early to grab a spot in one of the first come-first serve campgrounds, then get supplies right in town. After an easy 3 hour drive we found a great spot in the Alvarado Campground just 20 minutes southwest of town, right at the base of the Sangres.
Our main goals — experience and shoot the night skies of this pristine, low-light pollution area and scout the area for our 2025 night sky photography workshops. And as always take the opportunity to create new landscape art for the gallery — the east side of this mountain range is one we’ve been wanting to add to the portfolio.
Unfortunately, Momma Nature, the Sangres and the Wet Mountain Valley had other plans for us.
It rained almost the entire time we were there. Along with some wicked thunderstorms and vicious winds in between. Leaving zero room for either night sky photography, nor dramatic mountain shots during the magic hours.
Luckily the ominous gray skies gave Alan an opportunity to flex his creative muscles and work on some black and white mountain-scapes he’s also been wanting to do. Check out his story here.
What does one do when nature is having a crying meltdown?
You explore the wonders of civilization in the cutest mountain town that happens to be a short drive from camp. As I mentioned above, Westcliffe has more charm than ever expected, it is currently my favorite mountain town.
First stop ~ the Beckwith Ranch
On our way down, about 10 minutes north of town, we noticed this “attraction” and had already decided to stop in sometime during our stay. Well as rain would have it, we headed up to check out this historical landmark on day one.
To even put a dent on the history housed in this meticulously restored ranch would take up a whole other post. What I will tell you is to experience this energy filled early settlement estate for yourself.
And don’t shy away from connecting with the volunteers that work there. Not only are they a world of knowledge, they’re incredibly friendly, serviceable and so proud of their town.
Westcliffe, the Town
If colorful art had a hometown, it would be this.
The town is packed with galleries and art stores of all sizes. Many of the shops have their own artistic expressions displayed on their outside walls in the form of paintings or murals.
Even the trash cans are beautifully painted with colorful wildflowers that represent the region
Westcliffe is the perfect mix of history and character of early ranching and mining settlements with a colorful hip and artsy twist.
The cordial energy of the town, offered us the perfect escape from the incessant storms and the best opportunity to pivot into a new adventure.
Alan always says, photographing nature often comes with disappointments as you’re always at the mercy of all that nature has to offer.
“To get the perfect shot in the perfect moment, you have to wade through the uncomfortable ones”
These “disappointments” always come with gifts and lessons if you’re open to receiving them.
This weekend’s lessons ~ go with the flow, pivot, embrace the gift of the now, be ready for sunny moments and when in doubt be goofy.
Thank you for Roaming with Us Today!