Winter Sports in Westcliffe, CO
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While the summer season might attract more tourists, the fun certainly doesn’t stop come winter in Westcliffe. The snow-capped, jagged peaks create even more dramatic scenery, while sunny days and a semi-arid climate make many outdoor activities pleasant year-round. And there are so many ways to get involved in the action, whether you like snowmobile, ski, snowboard, ice fish – you name it!
If you’ve never experienced winter in Westcliffe before, you’ll want to check out this quick overview.
Snowmobiling
In the Wet Mountains, just southeast of Westcliffe, you’ll find over 60 miles of incredible, groomed trails for snowmobiling and other winter sports, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Come summer, these trails are popular among ATV riders. The Ophir Creek / Greenhorn Mountain area trails are maintained by the Sangre Snowrunners Snowmobile Club.
In the Wet Mountains, just southeast of Wesctcliffe, you’ll find over 60 miles of incredible, groomed trails for snowmobiling and other winter sports, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Come summer, these trails are popular among ATV riders. The Ophir Creek / Greenhorn Mountain area trails are maintained by the Sangre Snowrunners Snowmobile Club.
Sangre Snowrunners Snowmobile Club
Headquartered in Westcliffe, the Sangre Snowrunners Snowmobile Club is an active chapter of the Colorado Snowmobile Association. Winter sport enthusiasts will find a welcoming home here. The club meets throughout the season—in the Wet Mountains or various other locations around Colorado.
where to go
Deer Peak
Ophir Creek Snowmobile Trail System
The Ophir Creek trail system is in the Wet Mountains, a sub-range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just east of Westcliffe.
The trails are located off Highway 165 near mile marker 11. Heading past the Ophir Creek campground sign, you’ll turn west in about 2 miles to arrive at the Ophir Creek Trailhead. From there, you’ll follow the Elmer Canyon Trail (Trail C) to Deer Peak (Trail B).
Greenhorn Road
Ophir Creek Snowmobile Trail System
Greenhorn Road, which spans 2 to 5 miles in width, follows a 16-mile ridgeline. Starting from the Ophir Creek campground, take Ophir Creek Trail to Mammoth Gulch Trail. Turn left on Greenhorn Road. There are several trails that loop off the main trail, Trail E (see map below).
Additional directions can be found on the Colorado Snowmobile Association website.
Explore more
Monarch Snowmobile Tours
- snowmobilemonarch.com
- 719-539-2572
- 22763 Hwy 50, Monarch, CO
The closest destination for snowmobile rentals or guided tours. 18 miles west of Salida near Monarch Ski area.
Sangres Snowrunners Snowmobile Club
- snowmobilecolo.com
- 303-979-6074
- PO Box 14, Wetmore, CO
The active local chapter of the Colorado Snowmobile Association. Contact for membership and volunteer opportunities.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Closest to westcliffe
Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain
Less than 1.5 hours away, Monarch Mountain earns high reviews for its fresh powder and short lift lines. You won’t find an après ski culture here, like you would in Vail, Aspen, or Telluride. But you also won’t find the crowds. Many Westcliffe residents who enjoy the sport have season passes to Monarch. With 54 trails, two terrain parks, and an extreme terrain area called Mirkwood, there’s much to explore on Monarch Mountain.
