Salida
Named as one of Outside Magazine's top twenty "Dream Towns and Adventure Hideouts," Salida (population 5,500) offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and in town amenities.
Activities
Biking
Mountain Bikers love Sailda's mild climate, and the trail variety around town is second to none, (not to mention the great scenery). Fat tire enthusiasts believe the Rainbow Trail and the Monarch Crest Trail are some of the finest single-track in Colorado.
Camping
There are many camping opportunities in the area. The Forest Service offers a vast selection of U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds located in the surrounding mountains, as well as some State Park Campgrounds along the Arkansas River. There are also a number of private campgrounds.
Climbing Fourteeners
Salida is located in Chaffee County, home to the Sawatch Range, which includes 15 peaks of more than 14,000 feet in elevation. The county has more 14ers than any county in the U.S. Topography maps and guidebooks about the 14ers are available at local businesses in the area.
Fishing
The Upper Arkansas Valley offers a tremendous range of angling opportunities, whether in pristine mountain streams and lakes, or on the Arkansas River. This area is known for its world class, Blue Ribbon fly fishing and a fisherman's dream: Fly fishing on the Arkansas during the Caddis-Hatch in the spring.
Four Wheeling and ATVs Chaffee County offers many Off-Road opportunities. There are many old railroad grades and mining roads into the mountains to discover Colorado's mining and railroad history.
Golfing
Salida has a beautiful nine-hole course that is well known for its mountain views and well-maintained greens. The Salida Golf Club offers a restaurant and bar, a PGA professional, and tournaments.
Hiking
From easy to expert, forests to Aspen groves, the Salida area has it all. There is hiking in the Sawatch Range, the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. Or you can stroll along the Salida Trail as you walk through the city.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an important part of the area's experience. High country trail rides and equestrian specialists provide pack trips, half and full day trips and riding lessons.
Hunting
The Salida area is well-visited every year during hunting season due to the abundance of deer and elk in the surrounding mountains.
Rock Climbing
The Salida area has several world renowned climbing venues including Penitente Canyon and Shelf Road. The upper Arkansas Valley also offers many high quality rock climbing outings.
Rockhounding
Modern-day prospectors will find that mineral and fossil treasures abound in Chaffee County. This rich heritage has produced a history of mining evident in the many abandoned mines in the surrounding hills and mountains.
Snowmobiling
Deep snow in the surrounding mountains, back country wide open bowls and old mining roads provide many snowmobiling opportunities.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
The Salida area has some of the best Forest Service and National Forest trails in Colorado for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Old Monarch Pass is nearby and local guides are available.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area is perched high atop the Continental Divide and has been in operation since 1939. Monarch is renowned for its snow and wide variety of terrain for a small ski area. The ski area lies 20 miles west of Salida on U.S. 50. Monarch has great powder and relatively no lift lines. Today it remains one of Colorado's most affordable yet excellent skiing experiences.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The rafting season begins in May and the season extends into September. The Arkansas River offers so much variety that it has become one of the most popular rivers in the nation. Rapids vary from easy Class 1 float trips, to the extreme challenges of Class V and V1 whitewater.
In Town Amenities
Antiques
Salida has some excellent antique shops. There is an annual antique show, called "Antique Alley."
Cinemas
There are two movie theaters in Salida; the double-cinema, Storyville Cinema, and the Unique Theater. Storyville Cinema also has a lounge-area that serves wine and beer and hosts live music performances.
Hot Springs
Relax in one of Salida's local hot springs. Enjoy indoor or outdoor mineral pools, either in town or out in a mountain setting.
Shopping & Historic Downtown
The beautifully preserved and restored historic buildings of downtown Salida house some wonderful shopping opportunities. Browse the many art galleries, antique stores, and wares from the many shops that feature local artists and crafters.
Skateboarding
Salida has it's own skateboarding park in the historic downtown area.
So what are you waiting for? Visit Maytag Mountain Ranch and Salida today.
