activities

Near Westcliffe

Hiking, Camping, Four Wheeling, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains shadow Hillside and trail-heads can be reached within 15 minutes. The Sangres provide recreation for all skill levels with hikes of varying difficulty and length. Some trails are accessible to four wheel vehicles and there are many campgrounds in the area. Activities for the nicer seasons include hiking and mountain biking while the winter season allows for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The Rainbow Trail is noteworthy, extending over 100 miles of the Sangres. * More Information: http://www.coloradoswildareas.com/sangre-de-cristo/

Camping, Fishing, Boating

Lake Dewese Reservoir is just outside of Westcliffe and about 15 minutes from Hillside. The reservoir provides locals and visitors great camping areas, fishing, and boating opportunities. An ice fishing tournament during the winter season is a tradition for the area. The lake is also the location of the valley's Fourth of July Celebration.

Herons, Bald Eagles, and Many More

The rural setting of the Hillside and Westcliffe areas provide endless opportunities for sighting different types of wildlife including birds. * More Information: http://coloradocountybirding.org/ByCounty.aspx?CountyID=15

http://custercountyco.com/outdoor-sportsman

Within 40 Minutes

White Water Rafting, Fishing

The Arkansas River is reachable from Hillside within 20 minutes. It is renowned for world class fishing and white water rapids. Fishing and camping is available along the length of the river. There are numerous rafting companies in Salida and Canon City. We recommend Royal Gorge Rafting * http://www.royalgorgerafting.net/index.html

Classic, Extreme Courses

Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours provides guided zip line tours outside of Canon City that last between 1 and a half and 3 hours on both a Classic and Extreme Course. These courses consist of multiple zip lines are are a must do for any adventure seeker! * http://www.royalgorgeziplinetours.com/

Sky Glider Swing, Suspension Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge. It is just outside of Canon City and is above the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park provide opportunity for exploration, rides, and attractions. * http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/

Train Ride

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad provides a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge, next to the Arkansas River. The route goes under the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. In addition to open car and dinner cars, a murder mystery option is sometimes available. * https://royalgorgeroute.com/

Skiing

Monarch Mountain is just outside of Salida and has world class skiing. It is a smaller terrain mountain and avoids the crowds of the bigger Colorado ski areas. * http://www.skimonarch.com/

Salida * http://salida.com/ * Canon City * http://www.canoncity.com/what-do

An Hour and a Half Commute

Guided Cave Tours, Outdoor Adventures

The Cave of the Winds is a 500+ year old underground cave system just outside of Colorado Springs. It is a not to miss natural attraction of Colorado. * Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 * Phone: (719) 685-5444 * Info:http://caveofthewinds.com/

Rock Formations, Hiking, Sight Seeing

The Garden of the Gods is a natural landmark in Colorado Springs. The red rock formations are a perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, biking, and sight seeing. * Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 * Phone: (719) 634-6666 * Info: http://www.gardenofgods.com/

Waterfalls

Seven Falls is a tourist destination of seven cascading waterfalls outside of Colorado Springs. It is a breathtaking natural wonder. The 224 steps allow visitors to explore all seven distinct falls. * Address: 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 * Phone: (719) 476-6708 * Info: http://www.sevenfalls.com/