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Westcliffe
Eden Index
Climate
6.9
•
Recreation
2.4
•
Community
1.7
•
Safeguard
4.0/10
Westcliffe is a picturesque town located in Custer County, Colorado. Situated at an elevation of 7,880 feet in the Rocky Mountains, it offers a stunning mountainous landscape and a mild alpine climate. Summers are warm with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F, while winters can be cold with average temperatures between 20°F and 40°F, accompanied by snowfall.
The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Isabel National Forest. Westcliffe is known for its pristine lakes, such as Deweese Reservoir and Lake Isabel, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The region is also home to diverse wildlife, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the mountains and forests, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife. In addition, Westcliffe is a gateway to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, famous for its rugged peaks and backpacking opportunities.
Overall, Westcliffe, Colorado offers a beautiful mountainous setting, a mild alpine climate, and a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 6.9
Westcliffe receives approximately
370mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 74%
and air temperatures averaging around
6°C.
Westcliffe has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Arkansas
Area Rivers
Upper Arkansas
Snowpack Depths
Upper Arkansas
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Arkansas
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.4
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park | None | 6,160 ft | |||
| Cove | 4 | 8,457 ft | |||
| Spillway | 23 | 8,461 ft | |||
| Alvarado | 50 | 8,962 ft | |||
| Eleven Mile State Park | 350 | 8,616 ft | |||
| Oak Creek | 15 | 7,649 ft | |||
| Springer Gulch | 15 | 8,324 ft | |||
| Pinyon Flats - Sand Dunes National Monument | 88 | 8,261 ft | |||
| Five Points - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area | 12 | 6,084 ft | |||
| Lake Creek | 11 | 8,262 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 1.7
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.