Mountain Madness Preview

DAY 9 – ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY
Monday June 27, Buena Vista to Westcliffe (71 Miles)
Buena Vista to Westcliffe is a short day with no major mountain passes. Cruise easy and take a recovery day on the bike. The ride heads south out of Buena Vista along the Arkansas River. Enjoy the rolling terrain and beautiful views of the Sawatch Range as you ride along Highway 285 toward Salida. The valley hosts a thriving river rafting industry with boating companies stretching as far as the eye can see. Turn east at Salida and follow the Arkansas River into a red granite canyon to the confluence with Texas Creek. At Texas Creek, the road will climb gently (mostly) to the co-joined towns of Westcliffe and Silvercliffe. Westcliffe and Silvercliffe have a long and storied gold and silver mining history. Go poke around the mining ruins east of town and enjoy spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Range with the knowledge that you won’t have to climb them in the morning.

It should be an easy day. Accommodations will be at the Westcliffe Inn which is a short walk from town. No frills but you can visit the library, have a cappuccino or just hang out and relax.

Below you will find a view from Keyhole showing the start of the day at the bottom (with a larger pushpin) and the end of the day at the top (with a smaller pushpin).

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***