Scenic Drives

All tours begin at the Custer County Merchants & Chamber of Commerce, which is located at the corner of 5th and Main Street.

Hermit Pass

High mountain lakes and a spectacular summit. 30 miles round trip, trip time around 2 1/2 hours. 4 wheel drive road.

From the Chamber, go west 1 block and turn left on Fourth Street, head four blocks down and turn right on Hermit Road. Just past beaver dams, look for a public campground. A short walk from the campground is Hermit Falls. Cross the creek and follow trail to waterfall. Less than two miles past the campground is the turn for Hermit Lake, marked by a small sign. The hike to the lake, (about 1/2 mile) is rewarded with lush wildflowers, wildlife and fishing. Horseshoe Lake is approximately one mile past Hermit Lake. This roadside lake is a popular high mountain fishing spot. Continuing on less than a mile is Hermit Pass. From Hermit Pass you can hike to the summit of Hermit Peak. (Elevation 13,550 ft.)

Ghost Towns: Junkins and Rosita

Mining towns, early settlements and the scenery of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristos. 40 miles round trip, trip time 2 hours

From the Chamber, head east on Hwy 96. on your left, as you leave Silver Cliff, you will see the remains of Geyser Mine at 7.4 miles, you will pass the turnoff (CR 341) to the ghost town of Querida and the famous Bassick mine. Only mining tailings and a few foundations remain. At 9.8 miles, you will reach the high point on Hwy 96 and enter Hosa Flats, an early settlement area. At about 12.5 miles, County Road 347 intersects the highway. This is an alternate route to Rosita. As you take this route, watch for buffalo. Scenes from the film "Lightning Jack" were filmed on this buffalo ranch.

Continuing on Hwy 96 16.3 miles and turn right onto County Road 358. Ahead lies a scenic drive along north Hardscrabble Creek and Junkins Park Creek. CR 358 take you past a private elk ranch and through Junkins Park. Ten miles down CR 358, turn left on County Road 328 towards the historic mining town of Rosita. There you will discover an old assay office and the historic cemetery, which dates back to 1870. Turn right on Hwy 69 (5.8 miles) and head back to Westcliffe.

San Isabel

A four-season tour of outstanding beauty, fishing and bighorn sheep sightings. 69 miles round trip, trip time-1 1/2 hours.

From the Chamber, head east on highway 96 through Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. You will pass the Silver Cliff museum on your right, the original town hall and fire station. The museum is open during the summer months and is well worth stopping for. Continuing east on Hwy 96, you will pass through an area known as "The Cut". Through the excavation made for highway access, geological formations were uncovered, providing much study material for students and rock hounds.

Enjoy the scenery as you continue east until you reach Highway 165. At this intersection, turn right toward San Isabel. Eight miles from the intersection you will reach the summit of Bigelow Divide at an elevation of 9,350 ft. This is a scenic overlook. Just 4.4 miles ahead is Bishop's Castle, one of Colorado's most unique attractions. Continue another 5.5 miles brings you to San Isabel. The entrance to Lake Isabel is on the right. Great fishing in a beautiful mountain lake. Return along the same route to Westcliffe.

Medano Pass

A historic trail leading to the Great Sand Dunes. (4-wheel drive road) 86 miles round trip. Trip time all day.

From the Chamber, go east to Hwy 69. Turn right on Hwy 69, driving 29 miles to Medano Road and turn right. (Marked by a small forest service sign.) Go 6 miles west to the Natonal Forest camping area. Nine miles ahead, over the summit, lies the vast sand dunes. The trail parallels Medano Creek which you will cross several times. After you enter the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, it is 4 miles to the Visitor's Center. To return to Westcliffe by paved roads, take Hwy 17 south to Alamosa, US 160 east to Walsenburg and Hwy 69 north to Westcliffe.

Mining Loop

A pleasant country drive through the hills of north central Custer County. 34 miles round trip, trip time 1 1/2 hours.

From the Chamber, head east on Hwy 96. About 6 miles from the Chamber, turn left on County Road 260 (Brush Hollow Road). the next 27 miles are well maintained gravel roads. About 1.6 miles on CR 260, you will cross Johnson Gulch. Just 1/2 mile down the road you will pass an abandoned settlers cabin. Three miles further down the road you will pass the old one room log schoolhouse, now a private residence. Less than a quarter of a mile is Dry Lake. Just past Dry Lake turn left on County Road 271. As you approach County Road 265, stay to the right on County road 271. Head 3.9 miles to County Road 274. This is a National Forest access road and an opportunity for a side trip in the Wet Mountains. Continue the tour on CR 271. It is just seven-tenths of a mile to the historic mining camp of Ilse. An old mill and a large water pit mine are all that remains of this town. Four miles down CR 271 brings you to Fremont County Road 66. Turn left on CR 66. You will pass an old sawmmill on your left. At County Road 255, take a left and enjoy the drive back to Westcliffe.