THE WET MOUNTAIN VALLEY

The Wet Mountain Valley is situated between the Wet Mountains on the east and the northern one-third of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the west. The area is unique because of its utter beauty. The Sangre de Cristo Range contains dozens of peaks stretching above 13,000 feet in height, and many that go beyond 14,000 feet. With the Valley floor lying at 7800 feet, one can imagine the sensation created by looking up at these mountains from below.

"Wet Mountain Valley" is a misnomer, as the area has relatively little humidity and precipitation. The average annual precipitation totals 17 inches. With over 320 days of sunshine per year and with the low humidity, the weather is pleasant the vast majority of the time, even in the winter. The climate more resembles the high dryness of northern New Mexico than the cold associated with Northern Colorado.

The Valley is very lush due to the tremendous amount of water which flows out of the Sangre de Cristo range. The eastern slope of the range is not precipitous and the gradual descent of the snowmelt has allowed vast forests of aspen and conifers to take hold. From spring to fall to spring again, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains create vistas the likes of which may be found nowhere else.

The Sangre de Cristo Range is the longest, straightest, and highest continuous mountain range on our planet. When viewed from the east, this linear pattern allows peaks to be seen far to the north and far to the south, with no conceivable end in sight either way. Just as spectacular is the view from atop any of the higher mountains. An endless succession of ridges, valleys, and peaks extends both north and south. There is no other sight like it. From the backbone of the range, like the ribs of a skeleton, extend steep ridges that disappear into the valley floor. Between each of these ridges flow creeks and streams from the highest snowfields to the valley below. Most of these creeks originate at the high glacial lakes, or tarns. In fact, there are over 100 lakes and half that number of draining streams that one can explore. Each valley is different and a visit to one is unlike a visit to any other. Some of these valleys have parallel trails, some do not, but access to all is provided by the Rainbow Trail. This trail is maintained by the Forest Service, and at 9000 feet it winds in and out of the drainage up and down the range. It would certainly take years for anyone to visit on foot all of the places that lie hidden within the high valleys of these mountains.

The flora that populate the ridges and drainage of the Sangre de Cristo Range enhance the mystique of the valley. Great stands of aspen carpet the range in patterns that follow the flow of the draining snowmelt. Restricted by altitude, the quaking aspen remain lower in the foothills and provide a contrast in color to spruce, pine, and fir. The conifers go where the aspen do not and survive much better at the higher elevations. The dwarf oak tree, or scrub oak, populates lower ridges and parts of the valley floor. In the valley they will approach ten feet, but rarely make it past six on the higher ridges. During the autumn, when the scrub oak are red and the aspen are yellow, glorious scenes appear from one end of the Sangre de Cristo Range to the other. When the valley floor and the high alpine tundra assume their own fall qualities, and when the peaks inherit the first snows of winter, the spirit of this place is revealed.

Delicate fields of wild flower make their home not only on the valley floor, but high within the alpine tundra. From dandelions and iris in early June, to lupine and columbine in July, the number of varieties is endless. One particular species may grow alone in a small field, or several may mingle to create a pleasing palate of color. There are even special places where a dozen or more varieties may blanket the ground in a dazzling display.

Access to the Wet Mountain Valley is not difficult, but it is certainly off the beaten track and has escaped the discovery of most of the state’s residents. Though there are three points of access, no major highways come close to its boundaries. The town of Westcliffe, situated at the center of the Valley, lies at the junction of these three (3) secondary roads. There are miles of unpaved county roads that allow access to many parts of the valley, the Wet Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Range.

The Valley maintains its rural qualities while remaining within reasonable proximity to several urban areas. Denver and the Denver International Airport are located two and one-half hours by car to the north. Colorado Springs, with a major airport and big city amenities is an easy one and one-half hour drive north, and Pueblo, with a regional airport and numerous amenities and Canon City are just an hour away. Westcliffe is located just two (2) hours north of the New Mexico border, and a day trip to Taos takes three (3) hours, and Santa Fe is five (5) hours away by car. Despite the imposing range, there are no mountain passes to contend with then entering or leaving the Valley. Westcliffe is not a "resort town" – The Valley is basically a ranching and farming community. Farms and ranches occupy most of the land, with the production of livestock and grains generating most of the valley’s revenues.

Much of the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges are part of the San Isabel National Forest which has been designated Federal Wilderness Area status which ensures its pristine environment permanently. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the sprawling National Forest, and the Sangre de Cristos provide great camping and some of the best technical mountain climbing opportunities anywhere. Fishermen can try to outwit wily trout in mountain lakes, rivers and streams. The nearby Arkansas River features some of the best white water rafting in the Country. Hunters find a paradise here, with seasons open certain times of the year for deer, elk, Rocky Mountain sheep, turkey, bear, mountain lion, antelope and other species. For those who partake in golf, there is St. Andrews at Westcliffe with its clubhouse converted from a 100-year-old farmhouse. The area is ideal for horseback riding, and there are expert outfitters in the Valley who will guide overnight pack trips into the Rockies. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy great countless miles of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. For downhill skiers, major ski areas such as Monarch, Crested Butte and Breckenridge are within driving distance. About an hour’s drive north from Westcliffe is the city of Salida, home of an indoor natural hot springs, the perfect place to soak after a day of skiing or snowmobiling.

Although sparsely populated, the community offers numerous amenities including outstanding schools and a varied cultural scene. Two active arts councils sponsor classes, shows and performances, and a crack EMT/Ambulance Corps is available around the clock. The local health care providers work closely with regional hospitals and with the Flight for Life air ambulance service.

The Wet Mountain Valley has a rich history. First home to the Ute Indians, the Valley was later visited by such historical luminaries as the Spanish Conquistadors, Zebulon Pike, explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson, and later was settled by 250 German colonists, many ancestors of whom still live in the Valley. During the mining boom days of the 1870’s, Custer County claimed its share of rip-roaring mining camps filled with thousands of wealth seekers.

The Wet Mountain Valley, with its unspoiled beauty, friendly rural atmosphere, dry and sunny climate, numerous recreational opportunities, and rich history is a very special place. Prime ranch properties in the area typically pass from generation to generation and are not sold. The availability of these ranch properties are a rare opportunity for you to be one of the fortunate people who own their own special place in this beautiful area and can enjoy the relaxed and comfortable lifestyle the Wet Mountain Valley has to offer.

Area Map