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 Advertisers
In the Heart of the Rockies. Multi-night discounts. Full RV hookups on level, grassy sites by the churning Arkansas River. 3 new cabins. 2 miles east of Salida. Open all year. SAVE MONEY, LONGER STAY!
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 12 OR MORE.
All Salida Advertisers
In the Heart of the Rockies. Multi-night discounts. Full RV hookups on level, grassy sites by the churning Arkansas River. 3 new cabins. 2 miles east of Salida. Open all year. SAVE MONEY, LONGER STAY!
The vacation home is between Buena Vista and Salida providing mountain views and secluded privacy. Come to the mountains and soak in magical mineral waters along the rustling waters of Chalk Creek.
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: wagon ride, dinner & western music--lodging not required. Fish, Hike, Jeep.
Beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Full service rustic resort: modern cabins, motel, big rigs sites, along The Arkansas River with excellent fly-fishing. Between Salida & Canon City in Coaldale.
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.
The only individual cabin rental on the Big Bend of the Arkansas River with easy access to 1,100 feet of private fishing. "Where relaxation is a year round activity." Five milies from historic downtown salida!
Ideally located in Salida, Colorado to take advantage of the entire Arkansas River from Brown's Canyon to the Royal Gorge, offering multi-day rafting trips, group rafting trips, and full day trips.
Only 1-1/2 miles from downtown . . . It's a different world!! At the top of the hill at the end of the road on 37 private & secluded acres near Salida. Five chalets are surrounded by mountain views. Pets welcome.
Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6. Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking & hot springs pools.
The "Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat" provides the opportunity to view gators and reptiles in a natural setting, to fish and go boating, nature trail hiking and picnicking. 19 miles from Alamosa on Highway 17.
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.
Along scenic Highway 50 just 10 miles west of Salida & 11 miles east of Monarch Mountain in the Heart of Mountain Adventures and high country mining 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. Free wireless high speed internet. Deluxe continental breakfast bar. Indoor pool & hot tub.
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.
Specializing in weddings & reunions near Salida surrounded by mountains. Acclaimed by guests as "Colorado's Garden of Eden" with a majestic setting & gorgeous grounds in Poncha Springs on 600 acres.
5 miles West of Salida on US 50 in Poncha Springs. 2 Cabins. 10 motel rooms. Kitchenettes. Monarch skiing is 20 minutes. Near fishing, hiking, jeeping, rafting, hot springs, restaurants. Pets welcome!
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 12 OR MORE.
Step-back in time while still enjoying the modern conveniences of an original log cabin homesteads; or a 1,385 square foot home constructed in 2001 with private 5-person hot tub! Both near Poncha Springs.
BIG RIGS & tenters! On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. Campfires & live music. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft & fish.
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.
Summer and Winter Camping in Colorado's Banana Belt! 12 miles east of Salida nestled under tall pines with cool shade. FREE WI-FI. Walk to Arkansas River. Full hookup RV sites. Creekside tent sites.
On the Arkansas River. Small, peaceful, relaxing. Close to Royal Gorge, Canon City, Salida & Westcliffe. WI-FI. On-site fishing and bird watching. Rafting, hiking, wildlife viewing, ATV and Jeep trails nearby.
Soak in our outdoor hot tub. Relax on 37 acres bordered by mountains near Salida. Six spacious B&B rooms and suites all with private baths and King & Queen beds. Hiking trails start on the property.
For More Information Contact:
Salida Maps
Downhill Skiing
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
Fishing
Arkansas River Headwaters - East
Arkansas River Headwaters - North
Hiking Trail Maps
Rainbow Trail Hiking
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Salida & Monarch Jeeping & ATV Trails
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Arkansas River
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Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
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