It's hard to believe that the Westcliffe-Monte Verde community was only established in 2008. That makes it one of America's newest Amish settlements, yet the breathtaking mountain backdrop gives it a timeless quality that feels like it's been there forever. I remember reading about Colorado's growing Amish presence in the late 2000s and being fascinated by the idea of Amish life set against the Rocky Mountains.
Among Colorado's growing Amish settlements, Westcliffe enjoys a unique position as one of the most dramatically situated Plain communities in America. The Amish didn't arrive in Custer County until 2008, when families from Iowa and other eastern states arrived, seeking some room to spread out in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. What makes Westcliffe special is its combination of traditional Amish values with stunning mountain vistas that provide a backdrop unlike any other Amish community. This is a more progressive Amish settlement with some having electric, making it somewhat different from the most conservative Swartzentruber communities.
Westcliffe is located in south-central Colorado, about 2.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs. The heart of the Amish community spreads throughout the Wet Mountain Valley in Custer County, with the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range providing a stunning backdrop. The approach to town is awe-inspiring, with the Sangre de Christo mountains leaping out of the plains like a snow-covered serpent. When visiting, I enjoyed just exploring the valley roads and taking in views that most Amish communities simply can't offer. The best way to experience Westcliffe's Amish community is to take a scenic drive through the valley and visit the various businesses that welcome visitors.
❓ What makes Westcliffe's Amish community unique?
The community's founding can be traced to horse trainer Enos Yoder, formerly of the Bloomfield, Iowa Amish settlement. According to a 2010 LA Times piece on the community, Yoder had originally visited the area to deliver horses, and "couldn't get the isolated, unspoiled beauty out of his head." A few years later, he moved his family to the area.
The community has grown to around 125 residents and now includes two church districts - the Antelope Valley Church and the Westcliffe Amish Church. There are two church districts in Westcliffe—one in the south and one in the north near the town of Hillside. Interestingly, the Ordnung is different enough between the churches that there is one bishop in each community rather than the typical shared leadership.
The Colorado Amish have found they need to be entrepreneurial to make ends meet in the mountain environment. "What's interesting is they are all entrepreneurs, every one of them," said county Commissioner Sandoval. Like many mountain residents, the Colorado Amish have found they need several jobs to make ends meet. Businesses operated from the Amish homesteads include manufacturing vinyl windows, keeping bees, growing greenhouse vegetables, repairing wagons, fixing tack, making rustic furniture, creating pseudo river rock for construction, performing cement work, breeding dogs and running stores.
🏪 Amish Businesses to Visit in Westcliffe
The Westcliffe Amish community offers visitors several opportunities to experience authentic Plain culture through their businesses. Here are the must-visit establishments:
Worth the Drive Bakery : 5475 E County Rd 8 S, Monte Vista, CO 81144: Classic Amish bakery. Definitely worth the drive. This is one I definitely want to check out sometime, here is a sample of a Tripadvisor review of the place, they are all glowing:
This bakery is AMAZING!!! You must stop if you are anywhere near it. We were headed back to Texas from our vacation in Southfork, CO. We sampled their turnovers and when we went back for more they were completely sold out. They were wonderful. Flaky crust and delicious filling (pecan, apple, apricot, raspberry, chocolate) you name it, they have it. So we made a stop on our way back to Texas. Boy, were we in for a treat! Every single item we purchased was awesome! Bacon Cheddar Bread, Carmel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, a frozen breakfast casserole (devine!) and of course the turnovers. They have free coffee and donuts set out for customers! Wish I would have bought more, truly!
Yoder's Home Furnishings, located at 57965 CO-69, Westcliffe, CO 81252, is the cornerstone business of the community. Open since the settlement began, Yoder's Home Furnishings has been a mainstay on Westcliffe's Main Street. It sells quilts made by Amish women in the community and hardwood furniture crafted by Amish back East. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. "Business has picked up this year," said Ruth Troyer, who works in the store. "People are more freely spending, and the word is getting out." At Yoder's, they only source the highest quality materials. Their furniture is built by the best Amish craftsmen in the country and will last for generations to enjoy. Imagine every time you walk out the front door of this workplace you see the magnificent Sangre de Cristo mountain range in front of you.
Sugar and Spice Mountain Bakery, located at 411 Main St, offers fresh baked goods with that unmistakable mountain atmosphere. This local favorite serves fresh doughnuts, bread, and traditional Amish baked goods.
SLV Discount Grocery, S Co Rd 5 E, provides bulk foods and grocery items with the personal touch you'd expect from an Amish-operated store.
The area also features numerous home-based businesses scattered throughout Custer County. Many families operate small enterprises from their farms and homes, offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted items.
🎪 Westcliffe's Special Mountain Experiences
One of the unique aspects of visiting Westcliffe is the combination of Amish culture with spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities:
Sunset Ranch Amish Wagon Rides - Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Wet Mountain Valley from a traditional Amish wagon while taking in some of the most spectacular mountain sunsets in America. These rides offer a perfect blend of Amish tradition and Colorado's natural beauty.
Dark Sky Stargazing - Westcliffe has been designated an International Dark Sky Community along with nearby Silver Cliff, making evening stargazing after visiting Amish businesses an unforgettable experience. The Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe features a dark skies observatory complete with a retractable roof and a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Seasonal Activities - The dramatic elevation and mountain climate mean seasonal activities are spectacular. In spring, you might see snow-covered peaks while visiting warm valley businesses. Summer offers perfect weather for exploring, while fall brings aspen colors that create an incredible backdrop for buggy rides and farm visits.
Photography Opportunities - The contrast between traditional Amish life and dramatic mountain scenery creates unique photographic opportunities (always ask permission before photographing people or private property).
🚗 Getting There and Around
Westcliffe is located about 2.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs via Highway 69 south. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, winding through mountain valleys and offering spectacular views.
From Denver: Take I-25 south to Colorado Springs, then Highway 69 south through Westcliffe From Colorado Springs: Take Highway 115 south to Highway 69 south The town of Westcliffe has all the supplies visitors and Amish families need: a grocery store, an ACE hardware, and other small shops that serve the community.
Driving Tips:
- Be extremely cautious for horse-drawn vehicles on all county roads
- The mountain elevation (about 8,000 feet) may affect some visitors
- Weather can change rapidly - dress in layers
- Mountain roads can be challenging in winter conditions
Best Times to Visit: Spring through fall offers the best weather and road conditions. Summer is peak season with warm days and cool nights. Fall brings spectacular aspen colors. Winter visits are possible but require careful attention to weather and road conditions.
The climate can swing from extreme heat to cold in the valley. An Amish writer - in the month of May - wrote how it "started snowing and by Friday morning we woke up to 2 inches of heavy wet snow."
Visitor Etiquette: Remember that this is a working community, not a tourist attraction. Be respectful when visiting businesses, ask permission before taking photographs, and don't interrupt daily activities. The Amish here are generally friendly and welcoming to respectful visitors.
The Westcliffe Amish community represents something truly unique in the Plain community world - traditional Amish values and lifestyle set against some of the most spectacular scenery in America. Whether you're interested in quality furniture, fresh baked goods, or simply experiencing a different way of life, Westcliffe offers an unforgettable glimpse into how the Amish have adapted to life in the American West.
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