The Wet Mountain Valley, surrounding peaks and hills overflow with history, culture, wildlife and some of Colorado’s most stunning scenery. The Wet Mountain Western Pilgrimage will change that with biannual events, in September and May, that help residents and visitors alike learn more about a region key to Colorado’s early ranching and mining history, but only gently touched by the state’s more r
ecent progress. The initial pilgrimage is set for Sept. 16 through 18 in Westcliffe, neighboring Silver Cliff and surrounding areas, when the weather and scenery are at their best. The affordable, family-friendly weekend will focus on the area’s history, with participating Custer County organizations that include: All Aboard Westcliffe, Bear Basin Ranch, Beckwith Ranch, the Historic Jones Theater, Music Meadows Ranch, the CattleWomen’s Association, Friends of the Willows School and the Silver Cliff Museum. Expect lectures, demonstrations, ranch cuisine and special showings of the 1965 musical comedy film “Cat Ballou” at the Jones Theater on Westcliffe’s Main Street. The weekend will prove enlightening, educational and fun for visitors, ranging from students of history, geography, geology and anthropology to families and touring seniors. Learn more, purchase tickets, see the schedule and contribute at: wetmountainwesternpilgrimage.com. Or call 719-783-9163 for more information.
