Salida - South Central Colorado
Salida grew quickly in the 1880s when the railroad made it a hub. This rip-roaring town had a famous madam, Laura Evans, who ran a bordello in from 1896 to 1950! Today, it's still a roaring town, roaring with rapids, that is. Salida boasts the headquarters for the Arkansas River Headwater that flows north and east of town. The town has one of the largest, indoor, hot springs pools' in the nation.
The Arkansas River is a launching point for some of the best whitewater rafting and is the most boated in the country with rapids ranging from easy to challenging. Accessible from this area is the Colorado Trail for mountain bikers and hikers to enjoy. In the winter try skiing at the much-praised, less-visited Monarch Ski Resort whose basin traps 300 inches annually of fluffy powder.
Located at the junction of US 285 and 50, PONCHA SPRINGS (AKA the Crossroads of the Rockies) is an excellent jumping-off point for a Colorado adventure. The town was named after a local natural hot spring by frontiersman Kit Carson. Today water from the springs is piped into Salida's Hot Springs Pool. Mountain bikers can hop a shuttle from the local gas station to the famed Rainbow Trail. There are several short loop and riverside trails that link to other trails running into Salida. Poncha Springs is also home to an 18-hole golf course and a popular Disc golf area.
The Collegiate Peaks Byway, was designated in November of 2005 and stretches 57 miles north to south connecting Granite, Buena Vista, Salida and Poncha Springs. This byway also connects to the nearby Top of the Rockies and West Elk byways. The impressive Collegiate Range, lies to the west with the most concentrated number of peaks above 14,000' in Colorado, and abounds with hiking trails, ATVing trails, Jeeping along old rail beds, mountain bike trails and is riddled with ghost towns. The snowmobile areas around Salida offer groomed trail riding with large meadows, snow play areas, and steep hill climbing. Snowmobile trails are in the Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests.
In the heart of Pleasant Valley, 13 miles east of Salida, is HOWARD quiet and peaceful, and popular among recreational vehicle travelers. With the famed rushing waters of the Arkansas running right through Howard, this area is a popular whitewater rafting site and trout fishing area. To the west, the San Isabel National Forest provides many opportunities for adventure, from hiking to crystal-clear mountain lakes, looking for black bear, elk, wild turkey and mountain lions to ATVing to an old gold camp.
Salida is near: Buena Vista, Northern San Luis Valley & Royal Gorge Area
Salida Featured Businesses
$AVE MONEY, LONGER STAY! In the Heart of the Rockies, 2 miles east of Salida. Full RV hookups on level, grassy sites by the churning Arkansas River. 3 new cabins. Open all year. Multi-night discounts.
Ride the Divide! Guided or unguided, you choose. Open all year. Enjoy our spectacular Fall Color Tours. Come enjoy the fun of riding through back country of Rocky Mountains near Salida and Buena Vista.
Located in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies, between Salida and Buena Vista. Fun, exciting raft trips for all ages and abilities, all with FREE WETSUIT USE! DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE.
All Salida Businesses
$AVE MONEY, LONGER STAY! In the Heart of the Rockies, 2 miles east of Salida. Full RV hookups on level, grassy sites by the churning Arkansas River. 3 new cabins. Open all year. Multi-night discounts.
Ride the Divide! Guided or unguided, you choose. Open all year. Enjoy our spectacular Fall Color Tours. Come enjoy the fun of riding through back country of Rocky Mountains near Salida and Buena Vista.
This private vacation home is located in a spectacular alpine setting between Buena Vista and Salida. Soothe your body and soul -- Soak in the private hand-built soaking hot mineral springs pool!!
Serving Salida and Buena Vista areas with Jeep or pop-up camping trailer rentals -- No need to tow your camper across country. We also offer guided Jeep tours through Over the Top Jeep Adventures.
Historic creekside cabins each have a PRIVATE NATURAL HOT SPRING pool out your backdoor. They are in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Colorado's fourteener region, near Buena Vista and Salida.
Near Salida, Arkansas Headwaters is one of the nation's premier recreation areas! Camp (no drinking water), fish, raft, kayak, picnic, hike, mountain bike all along 150 miles of the Arkansas River.
2000 foot frontage on beautiful Arkansas River with great fly fishing. WI-FI on-site. Campground & cabins with kitchenettes. Motel rooms. Family rates. Riverside pavilion for groups. Near ATV tours & trails.
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
Between Salida & the Royal Gorge by the Arkansas River. Cabins, motel rooms, RV & tent sites, WI-FI. COWBOY DINNER SHOW with live western music, poetry -- lodging not required. Fish, Hike, Jeep.
AKA Broken Arrow Resort. New Ownership renovated. Along Highway 50, 10 miles from Salida with full service RV sites, campsites and motel rooms. Susies' Out-West Cafe is "home-style" - EAT IN OR OUT.
1-1/2 miles from downtown. It's a different world!! 37 private & secluded acres. Stunning mountain views. 5 lodge style cabins nestled in the pines. Fully equipped kitchen. Dogs welcome. No cleaning fees.
Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking and hot springs pools. Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6.
In Nathrop near Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Enjoy your mountain vacation at this historical log cabin built in 1878 with a kitchen, BBQ grill & claw-foot tub. Walk to Wright's Lake stocked with rainbow trout.
In the Rockies of Central Colorado, Hayden Creek is surrounded by National Land between Canon City and Salida off Highway 50. Clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pool, teen center, adult lodge and mini-golf.
Halfway between Monarch Mountain and the town of Salida along scenic Highway 50 in the Heart of the mountains for a great adventure! See high country ghost towns. FREE WI-FI. Tents separate from RVs.
Enjoy western hospitality at our small mountain town motel, with the modern amenities of a big city hotel chain. Indoor pool & hot tub. Free wireless high speed internet. Deluxe continental breakfast bar.
A full service RV dealership featuring America's top brands of travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers & pickup campers. New & Used. Service & Parts Departments.
What you expect from a Colorado ski area -- natural snow & friendly people. Enjoy the terrain of a big resort at Monarch but you will lose the crowds, not your friends. Snowcat skiing is available.
In Howard, between Salida and the Royal Gorge off US Hwy 50. WI-FI access. RVs, campers & tenters welcome. The Arkansas River runs next to the park providing great fishing -- 2 miles of private access.
Acclaimed by guests as "Colorado's Garden of Eden" with a majestic settings & grounds in Poncha Springs on 600 acres. Specializing in weddings & reunions near Salida surrounded by mountains.
Located in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies, between Salida and Buena Vista. Fun, exciting raft trips for all ages and abilities, all with FREE WETSUIT USE! DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE.
BIG RIGS & tenters; large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft, fish. On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, campfires & live music.
NO TRAILERING -- trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
Walk to the Arkansas River. Summer & Winter Camping in Colorado's Banana Belt! 12 miles east of Salida nestled under tall pines with cool shade. FREE WI-FI. Full hookup RV sites. Creekside tent sites.
Relax on 37 acres. Stunning mountain views. Salida 1-1/2 miles. 6 spacious B&B rooms & suites with private baths and King & Queen beds. Full Breakfast, WI-FI, air-conditioning, Hot tub. Horse stabling.
RV Sales, Service & Rentals
Serving Salida and Buena Vista areas with Jeep or pop-up camping trailer rentals -- No need to tow your camper across country. We also offer guided Jeep tours through Over the Top Jeep Adventures.
A full service RV dealership featuring America's top brands of travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers & pickup campers. New & Used. Service & Parts Departments.
For more travel information contact:
Salida Activities and Maps
Scenic Byways:
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
Hiking Trails:
Rainbow Trail Hiking
Fishing:
Arkansas River Headwaters - East
Arkansas River Headwaters - North
Rafting & Kayaking:
Arkansas River
Jeep & 4WD:
Salida & Monarch Jeeping & ATV Trails
Hot Springs:
Salida Hot Springs
Ski Areas & Resorts:
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
Cabins/Cottages
Motels & Hotels
Lodges
Vacation Homes
Condos & Suites
Bed & Breakfast
Tent Camping
RV Parks
RV Sales & Rentals
Romance Packages
Family Friendly
Pets Welcome
By Water Rentals
Swimming Pools
Guest Horses
Groups/Reunions
Weddings & Elope
Winter Lodging
Transportation
Colorado Maps
Events
National Parks
Scenic Byways
Hot Springs
Horse Riding
ATVing
Jeeping & 4WD
Rafting/Kayaking
Attractions
Golfing
Restaurants
More Fun Stuff
Hunting
Snowmobiling
Skiing/Boarding
Snowshoeing
Cross-Country Ski