Things to Do in Custer County

Custer County offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. The region features diverse terrain from high alpine trails to valley roads, catering to different skill levels. More than 90 routes are available for exploration.

Popular hiking options include the 100-mile Rainbow Trail, which offers access to alpine lakes and scenic views. The Comanche-Venable Loop is a 12.3-mile (19.8 km) route featuring lakes, an old cabin, and Venable Falls. Trails also lead to alpine lakes such as Horseshoe Lake and South Colony Lakes.

Yes, Custer County offers easy hiking options suitable for beginners and families. For specific recommendations, refer to the komoot guide for Easy hikes in Custer County. These trails provide accessible paths through varied landscapes.

Mountain biking in Custer County includes sections of the Rainbow Trail, known for its varied terrain. The Ghost Town Loop offers rides through historic areas like Rosita and Querida. Extensive gravel roads, including the Historic Mining Loop, provide additional options for gravel riding.

Touring cyclists can ride a portion of the Western Express Bicycle Route, which passes through the Arkansas River valley and into the Wet Mountain Valley. The Park-to-Park Trail is a 1.25-mile (2 km) groomed path connecting Westcliffe's and Silver Cliff's town parks. The valley floor also offers long, straight roads with mountain vistas.

Custer County is characterized by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west, featuring peaks over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), and the Wet Mountains to the east. The Wet Mountain Valley lies between them. The area also has numerous alpine lakes, such as Horn Lake, and waterfalls like Venable Falls.

The Wet Mountain Valley in Custer County is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community. This designation highlights the area's exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. The Smokey Jack Observatory hosts star parties for public viewing.

Custer County is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,700 visitors having explored its routes. The region features 91 routes across various sports, which have an average rating of 4.91 out of 5 stars.

Yes, komoot offers several guides for Custer County. These include Hiking in Custer County, Easy hikes in Custer County, MTB Trails in Custer County, Waterfall hikes in Custer County, and Cycling in Custer County.

For additional information about Custer County, including Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, visit the official tourism website at visitwetmountainvalley.com. You can also contact the Custer County Tourism Welcome Center at 719-480-7230.

Custer County features diverse terrain, ranging from the high alpine Sangre de Cristo Mountains with peaks over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) to the rolling Wet Mountains and the expansive Wet Mountain Valley floor. The Rainbow Trail, for instance, skirts the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at elevations between 9,000 and 10,000 feet (2,743 and 3,048 meters).