Looking for a quick and easy day trip from Parker? When we need a place to go or things to do away from Parker we head to Westcliffe, Colorado. It's a little over two hours but well worth it. In the summer warmer months they have great shops, festivals, a rodeo and parades. Kids actually like walking around the town since there are plenty of kid shops, bakeries and ice cream stores to keep them busy. We love it and enjoy visiting there anytime of year. The valley is beautiful and the mountains are often compared to the Alps. No kidding!

There's plenty of hiking, biking, horseback riding, 4 wheeling and 4wheeler trails and whatever else you can hope to find in a small Colorado town.

Directions. Head south on I-25 to the Springs then west on 151 to Florence. Follow the signs from Florence to Westcliffe. There is only one small pass to cross and I've crossed it year round and never had a problem.

Photo: Sunset Westcliffe Colorado November 29, 2008.

Steven Beam is a Full Time real estate broker in Parker, Colorado.