Clifton Cliff Jail
A distinctive Old West jail carved directly into the rock cliff in Clifton, preserving a vivid piece of the town’s early mining-era history.
At a Glance
Outdoor Type
Historic Site
Season
Year-round
Access
Verify visitor access and hours
Duration
30-60 minutes
Fees
No general admission fee is advertised by the county; verify current visitor access locally.
Overview
The Clifton Cliff Jail was blasted and carved into solid rock in the late 1870s/early 1880s to hold prisoners in the rapidly growing mining settlement. Two rock-cut cells were secured with heavy iron bars, and local tradition says builder Margarito Varela became the jail’s first inmate after celebrating its completion too enthusiastically. The jail remained in use until the major 1906 flood, when prisoners had to be rescued and sediment filled the structure. It was later restored and remains one of Clifton’s best-known historic landmarks, near the historic railroad locomotive display.
Safety
Route & Practical Details
Access Notes
Along US 191/Coronado Boulevard in Clifton near the historic railroad locomotive display and Chase Creek historic area.
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Location
Connected to This Community
Nearest Community
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