5 Days
Spend a little extra time and explore laid-back Salida, and the neighboring towns of Buena Vista and Poncha Springs, this winter.
Sustainability Activity
Volunteer with GARNA
Join forces with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association as an Upper Arkansas Wilderness volunteer!
Insider's Tip
Watch the Weather
Don't be surprised if you need flip-flops and shorts in the middle of winter. Chaffee County's Banana Belt climate lends itself to allow skiing in the morning and boating in the afternoon. Check the NOAA weather predictions and check the area's trail conditions.
Day 1
activity
Monarch Dog Sled Rides
We offer thrilling dog sled rides through the beautiful San Isabel National Forest. Tours can last from 1.25 hours to 3 hours. Come learn about the…
lunch
Sprockets
We serve gourmet burgers, an assortment of mouth-watering appetizers, and other great dishes for you to enjoy alongside your beer.
activity
Fattees
We are Salida's premier T-shirt shop and screenprinting service, and purveyors of unique and interesting garments worn around the world! Buy online…
dinner
High Side Bar & Grill
Atmosphere and good eats. Nothing more to say, except the view of the river will keep you coming back!
activity
Benson's Tavern & Beer
Beer garden, live music, salads, sandwiches, house favorites and more.
lodging
Circle R Motel
Retro-inspired motel with remodeled rooms. Check out our great reviews! Relax in our hot tub. Dog friendly rooms available, centrally located, charge…
Day 2
breakfast
Tacos El Tapatio
Full-service restaurant in downtown Salida. Enchiladas, burritos, combo plates, street tacos and much more.
activity
Monarch Mountain
Abundant natural snow, great terrain and an easy-going, friendly vibe. Monarch is perfect for families; all runs flow back to a single base lodge.
Free,…
lunch
Sidewinder Saloon
The Sidewinder Saloon at Monarch Mountain features full-service sitdown dining, locally crafted beer and spirits, and a full menu. We are famous for…
activity
Rent a Fat Bike
Try something new! Rent a fat bike from SubCulture Cyclery. Take it around town, on Salida Mountain Trails and then take it up to the snow!
dinner
Currents Restaurant
Currents is the place to be for steak and seafood. We offer something for every budget and taste; from steak and crab cakes to fried chicken and fresh…
activity
Fun Street Family Arcade
Come play your favorite classic arcade games as well as pool, shuffleboard, air hockey and so much more.
lodging
Circle R Motel
Retro-inspired motel with remodeled rooms. Check out our great reviews! Relax in our hot tub. Dog friendly rooms available, centrally located, charge…
Day 3
breakfast
Alba Bakery & Coffee
Fresh, handmade pastries, classic treats, breads of many styles, single-bean coffee, espresso drinks, and blended beverages.
activity
More Biking!
Absolute Bikes has the most updated trail conditions in our valley. Check them out with the link above. Take out a fat bike and hit the trails up on…
lunch
Hunger Shack at Poncha Lodge
Poncha Springs has barbecue and tater tots. And this barbecue is the real thing. Go get some after your big work out.
activity
Vino Salida
Our Colorado wines are crafted in small batches from Colorado grapes and local honey. Tours and tastings are always available.
dinner
Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub
A community center need only serve great pizza. We take pride in the freshness of our dough and veggies. Our dough was made today. It wasn't made in…
activity
Chill
Come taste the best ice cream in Colorado! Slow-churned Colorado goodness. Enjoy all of the classic flavors, but be ready to try a few featured flavors…
lodging
The Manhattan Hotel
The Manhattan Hotel offers the only boutique hotel on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River. Located in the heart of downtown Salida, you are steps…
Day 4
breakfast
High Rockies Cuisine
Locally sourced breakfast food truck in front of Sacred Grounds Coffee in Salida!
activity
Take a Drive
Drive over Poncha Pass toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
lunch
It's Sweetie's Time!
Enjoy your takeout from Sweetie's at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
activity
Take a Hike!
Explore the Methodist Mountain Trail System. If there's snow on the ground, just grab some Yaktrax at Salida Mountain Sports.
dinner
The Fritz
Gastro-Pub? Americana Bistro? Global Cafe? Call it what you want, we call it delicious, and hopefully you will too. Sandwiches by day, Small and large…
activity
Salida Walking Tours
Ghost Tours, Private Tours, History Tours, Brewery Tours, & Audio Tours. Looking for things to do in Salida? How about chasing ghosts? Or travveling…
lodging
The Manhattan Hotel
The Manhattan Hotel offers the only boutique hotel on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River. Located in the heart of downtown Salida, you are steps…
Day 5
breakfast
Bunny and Clyde's Corner Café and Market
Open every day for breakfast, lunch and the best coffee! Indian lunch specials noon-4pm.
activity
Drive to Buena Vista
Drive down north to Chaffee County and visit Buena Vista. You won't want to miss their historic downtown, nor their newest part of town at the South…
lunch
Biggies Subs & More
While we are best known for our steak and cheese hoagie, we also serve reubens, gyros, salads, cold subs and a wide selection of fried foods. Try one…
activity
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
Come soak in Colorado's purest, geothermal, gravity-fed mineral spas. Historically noted for their medicinal and therapeutic value, the springs were…
dinner
216 Ferraro's
Specializing in fresh house-made pasta daily, including spaghetti, fettuccine, linguini, pappardelle, rigatoni and ravioli. Fresh Oysters & Daily…
activity
Soulcraft Brewing
Soulcraft Brewing is a production craft brewery with onsite food container, beer garden and tasting room with 16 taps located in Salida, Colorado.
…
lodging
Surf Hotel & Chateau
Welcome to the Surf Hotel, a boutique hotel in the adventure town of Buena Vista. Inspired by the understated elegance of European hospitality and the…