Custer: Stars, Lakes and History

A stay in Custer County offers a range of travel experiences combining history, mountain lakes and stargazing. In Silver Cliff, the Silver Cliff Museum tells the story of the area’s silver-mining history; in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, the Planet Walk depicts the solar system. Outdoor activities range from hiking and paddling at Lake Isabel to trips to the Venable Lakes.

History in Silver Cliff

The Silver Cliff Museum is housed in Silver Cliff’s historic town hall and firehouse, built in 1879. The building is located along the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway on Colorado State Highway 96. The museum features memorabilia and artifacts relating to the history of silver mining in Silver Cliff and the history of Custer County.

The museum is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day; admission is free. If you plan a visit, keep this seasonal window in mind and check the current hours in advance.

Along the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

The byway begins in Pueblo on CO 96 and runs to Westcliffe, where it ends on South 6th Street. Along the way, the route passes rugged mountains, wildflower-covered landscapes, foothills dotted with piñons, and groves of golden aspens. The named endpoints can help you orient yourself when adding this route to your travel plans.

Lakes, River and Excursions

Lake Isabel is one of two recreation lakes in Custer County managed by the Colorado Department of Parks & Wildlife. The lake is ideal for hiking, paddling, fishing and birdwatching, giving you a choice of activities at the same destination. Conditions vary by season, so check them before you travel.

Anglers can also use Grape Creek below DeWeese Reservoir as a specific reference point: the creek has high densities of large brown and rainbow trout. The Venable Lakes are suitable for backpacking and horseback riding; the two lakes are home to brook trout and other trout species. Access conditions at the Venable Lakes can vary, so it’s a good idea to check before your trip.

Another named route is the Comanche-Venable Loop, a 12.3-mile loop south of Westcliffe. It passes lakes, an old cabin and three 13,000-foot peaks.

Stargazing, the Planet Walk and Events

The Smokey Jack Observatory houses a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with computer-controlled pointing and tracking. Reserved stargazing evenings are free and led by trained Star Guides. Attendance is limited to a total of eight people per session; availability depends on the date. Before your trip, check whether a spot is available for your preferred date.

The Planet Walk is a permanent, interpretive and free exhibit of the solar system at a scale of 1 to 4 billion. It is located in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. The SilverWest AirFest is held annually in August; the exact event dates vary by year. If you’re planning your trip around one of these events, coordinate your plans with the specific dates.

Visitor Information for Planning

Free visitor information for Custer County includes a town map of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, hiking maps for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Wet Mountains, and an overview of Custer County history. These materials offer different ways to find your bearings: a map of the two towns, maps of hiking areas and a historical overview.

When to travel depends on what you want to focus on: the museum has seasonal opening hours, the SilverWest AirFest takes place in August, and stargazing evenings are scheduled for specific dates. If you’re traveling for one of these experiences, plan around the relevant season or date.

Discover more destinations: Wetmore, Broomfield, Huerfano County, Mineral County, Cheyenne County, Jefferson, Costilla County, Logan.

For the overview of the wider region: Colorado.