“Simple Pleasures-Profound Peace” Our beloved “Wet Valley” has changed so little over time. We watched others towns all change beyond recognition. Not our Westcliffe. With all of its beauty, the biggest change has been the designation of our lake as a state wildlife reserve and the area as a Frontier Pathway-Scenic Byway ensuring they remain unchanged in perpetuity. Westcliffe is known as the place where successful people come to be regular Joe’s. That sums it up. Nobody puts on airs in Westcliffe. Remember what “It” was in the Billy Crystal movie “City Slickers”? If you get “It”, if you understand what is important in life- hard work, playing hard and the love of friends and family, then you will “get” Westcliffe and come to think of it as part of your family history. We chose to purchase the property in Westcliffe because we could own the land and waterfront. We knew that this would always be so because the Lake has now been closed to further development and designated as a state wildlife refuge. Its proximity to Cripple Creek sold us on the place, it is close to home. Finally, Westcliffe is one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado! There are some cabins near the lake, there are only three families that own their land and beach on the lake.
Our favorite guests are folks who like rustic mountain cabins, love wildlife, campfires and low-key vacations. Understand that manicured lawns with non-native flower beds are NOT part of a wildlife refuge. This is not a place if you don't understand that birds need grass seeds and bugs to eat. This is not the place for you if you are not charmed by our muskrats feeding at sunset or a harmless gopher snake. This is not the place for you if you need a sanitized Disneyland. The lodge is clean, comfortable and cozy. It is our home-not a hotel. You will have everything our family wants in a vacation rental.