Skip to main content

Sponsored

Salida

A person mountain bikes on a thin path along a ridge in the summer. The town of Salida sits below with green grasses and trees below a blue sky.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the friendly town of Salida invites exploration. Surrounded by the towering Sawatch Range, iconic Monarch Mountain and the bountiful Arkansas River, this Chaffee County gem offers endless possibilities for visitors, from outdoor adventure and history to art, boutique shopping and flavorful dining.

Explore nearby Buena Vista and Poncha Springs.

Browse
Downtown Salida at dusks Western buildings lights have started to come on with cars in the street. In the distance green covered hills meet a light-blue sky.
Downtown Salida
People wait to jump into the river on a blue-sky summer's day in Salida. There's a mountain in the distance and green trees thrive on both riverbanks.
Salida Whitewater Park
A person mountain bikes on a thin path along a ridge in the summer. The town of Salida sits below with green grasses and trees below a blue sky.
Mountain biking above downtown Salida
A couple embraces in a pool at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. There are rock-faced buttes with evergreen trees in the background.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Victorian-era architecture in historic downtown Salida. In the distance green hills roll into a white sky.
Victorian-era architecture in historic downtown Salida
Six kayakers sit in the Arkansas River in downtown Salida. There are trees with green leaves and the bank of the river has boulders.
The Arkansas River flows through downtown Salida
Two children toss a beach ball back and forth while a woman swims with a toddler near a life ring at the indoor Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.
Family fun at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
On a dark night, a flat-lay light display showcases a Christmas tree atop a mountain in the distance. In the foreground, a Christmas tree is lit on a patio.
Holiday festivities in Salida
A family soaks in a calm pool Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa surrounded by green vegetation.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
Two-story brick buildings sit on the side of a street with cars parked parallel.
Artistic details in artsy Salida
A couple soaks in a riverside pool at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort on a blue-sky day.
Creekside soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Two-story Victorian buildings sit on a street with a green tree below a blue sky.
Historic flourishes in downtown Salida

Things to Do in Salida

With so much packed into this charming mountain town, choosing your next adventure might be the hardest part. Below is just a sampler of what’s in store in the “Heart of the Rockies.”

Hiking & Biking 

The Arkansas Hills Trail system delivers a range of hiking and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty, along with panoramic views of Salida, the Arkansas River and Sawatch Range. The popular Rise-N-Shine trail provides great views and a potential glimpse of bighorn sheep. 

If the road less traveled is calling, take your pick of dirt roads and gravel tracks for gravel biking. Drink in the alpine views and follow trails through ghost towns and rugged landscapes. Thanks to Salida’s warmer banana-belt weather in winter, biking is virtually a year-round activity.

Hot Springs

Tired and sore after a long hike? The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is the nation’s largest indoor hot springs pool, offering cozy temperatures and mineral-rich water to wash your stress away. Or check out the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Whitewater Rafting & Fishing

Thousands flock to the Arkansas River’s sparkling waters each year. Experience the thrill of riding the rapids — the Arkansas is Colorado’s most popular river for commercial rafting — or fish for trout in its Gold Medal waters.

For more water activities, Salida’s whitewater park offers a festive beach scene with an alpine twist. 

Off-Roading

Off-roading near Salida leads into designated motorized routes, where you can explore unpaved backcountry roads, high-clearance 4WD trails and expansive public terrain.

Winter Wonderland

While lower elevations enjoy mild winter conditions, higher terrain just 20 minutes from town offers quality powder for cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. 

Dining, Shopping, Art & Libations 

Nature and adventure are hallmarks of Salida, but there’s more to enjoy. Explore the shops and thriving art gallery scene in Colorado’s largest National Historic District and the state’s first Certified Colorado Creative District. Restaurants range from casual brews and bites to international cuisine and fine dining. Experience live music year-round at intimate venues and summer concerts at the Riverside Park Rotary Amphitheater.

Salida is the type of place where every season opens the door to something new. Start planning your visit today

Sponsored

Nearby Accommodations
Loading...
Pikes Peak Wonders