Big Hearts, Small Town Grit: Spotlight on Westcliffe & Silver Cliff’s Local Legends
- KCStark
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
By KC Stark
My Sangre de Cristo adventures just keeps getting better! As someone that has been self-employed since 1994 and a carpenter's son, I notice and admire the local people that make a city hum. Have I got two for you!
About two hours SW of Colorado Springs, rise two small towns—Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado. They are like the Wild West towns of old - resilience and reinvention are alive and well. The area is run by self-employed entrepreneurs who are crafting a new kind of rural economy. Some are locals, born and raised. Others left city skylines behind for starry skies and community-first living.
I'd like to highlight two local folk that display the true grit of America's Wild West and can-do attitude.
Hunger Buster: The Valley’s Favorite Drive-Thru
Owned by the always-smiling Paige, Hunger Buster is more than just the only drive-thru for 50 miles—it’s a community staple. Whether you’re cruising in from a fencing job or grabbing lunch before a hike, this roadside gem serves up classics that hit the spot every time!
Menu Highlights:
The Buster Burger (double patty, made with local grass-fed beef)
Philly Cheesesteak
Mozzarella Sticks & Jalapeño Poppers
Vanilla-Chocolate Twist Cones & Root Beer Floats
I do like Paige's house-made Buster’s Sauce—a tangy, savory mystery that keeps regulars coming back for more. My personal go-to? A Buster Burger, side of fries, dunked in that sauce, with a sweet tea to go!
Check out the video from the breaking news: local grass-feed beef! Thanks ranchers!
Open year-round, Hunger Buster feeds the valley with flavor, friendliness, and service that doesn’t cut corners.
Colorado Forestry & Earthworks: Keeping the Land Wild, Safe, and Usable
This dirt slinger did the work on my home from ground up - highly recommend! Run by the highly respected Shawn Gaide, Colorado Forestry & Earthworks (CF&E) is a powerhouse in sustainable land management. With over 25 years of experience, Shawn and his crew have built a reputation for high-quality work in some of the most rugged terrain in Colorado.
FYI: New address at 822 Main Street!
Services Include:
Fire Mitigation & Tree Thinning
Stump Removal & Timber Harvesting
Access Roads & Foundations
Septic Tank Installation
Erosion Control & Site Preparation
Licensed, insured, and locally trusted, CF&E helps homeowners, ranchers, and landowners manage their land responsibly—one project at a time. Thanks for all the work you and your crew have done on my land!
Explore more at coforearth.com
A Tale of Two Towns: Tradition Meets Tenacity
Let's talk dinero! I couldn't resist digging into the twin sisters demographics and economies. While cattle and hay still dominate the landscape, the economic engine of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff is increasingly driven by entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creative problem-solvers. From forestry experts to drive-through operators, this is a place where people make their own luck—and their own livelihoods.
Let’s take a quick look at the numbers:
Westcliffe | Silver Cliff | |
Population | ~459 | ~783 |
Median Age | 54.1 | 39.5 |
Median Income | $65,074 | $32,083 |
Poverty Rate | 9.78% | 17% |
Self-Employed | 37.6% of workforce | 25.4% of workforce |
Source: DataUSA.io, City-Data.com
A Note on Housing & Growth
As a licensed mortgage broker and home builder, it seems fitting to look into the local housing markets.
Median home values hover around $261,000 in Westcliffe, and slightly lower in Silver Cliff. With increasing interest from remote workers and retirees, a 2022 housing study flagged the need for more affordable, workforce-friendly housing options. Many locals wear multiple hats—contractor, rancher, artist, barista—and they’re looking to stay, not just pass through.
Community Under the Stars
I like dark sky, how about you? Both towns are proud to be designated International Dark Sky Communities, meaning you won’t just find a good burger or forestry expert—you’ll find some of the clearest night skies in the country. It’s a lifestyle that’s rugged, real, and deeply rewarding.
My Observation
Are you drawn by the self-made lives, bold backdrops, and communities where your name matters—Westcliffe and Silver Cliff might just be calling you home 🏠 . Whether you’re biting into a Buster Burger or clearing land with CF&E, you’re supporting a way of life that’s as strong as the mountains themselves.