Salida - South Central Colorado

Includes Howard, Monarch, Poncha Springs

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.

Fishing, Arkansas River, Salida, Colorado, The CVD
ATVing, Salida, Colorado, The CVD
 

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

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Salida Featured Businesses

4 Seasons RV Resort  email this Colorado cabin Photos available on Colorado vacation page Link to special offers and discounts icon
$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.

cabins RV Parks and Resorts Lodging by water Fishing 


All Season Adventures Inc. - Snowmobile & ATV Rentals & Tours  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

ATVing and Offroading Snowmobiling 


Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

Groups and Reunions Whitewater Rafting 



All Salida Businesses

4 Seasons RV Resort  email this Colorado cabin Photos available on Colorado vacation page Link to special offers and discounts icon
$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.

cabins RV Parks and Resorts Lodging by water Fishing 


All Season Adventures Inc. - Snowmobile & ATV Rentals & Tours  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

ATVing and Offroading Snowmobiling 


Alpine Hot Springs Hideaway  email this Colorado cabin link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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!!

cabins vacation homes Hot Springs 


Anderson Jeep & Pop-Up Camper Rentals  link to Colorado vacation
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.

Jeeping and Offroad Vehicals RV Services, Sales and Information 


Antero Hot Springs Cabins  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins Lodging by water Hot Springs 


Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area  Colorado vacation make reservations
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.

Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Whitewater Rafting 


Arkansas River KOA & Loma Linda Motel  email this Colorado cabin Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins motels Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Family Friendly Pets Welcome Lodging by water Pool on site Groups and Reunions Hiking Trails Fishing 


Arrowhead Point Campground, Cabins & RV Park  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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!

cabins Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Groups and Reunions Hot Springs ATVing and Offroading Whitewater Rafting 


Bandera's Bunkhouse, Cabins, Motel, RV Park & Cowboy Dinner Show  email this Colorado cabin link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page Link to special offers and discounts icon
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.

cabins motels RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Guest Horses Scenic Byways Fishing Horseback Riding Jeeping and Offroad Vehicals Whitewater Rafting 


Black Bear RV Resort & Susies' Out-West Cafe/Steakhouse  link to Colorado vacation
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.

RV Parks and Resorts 


Chalets at Tudor Rose  link to Colorado vacation
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.

cabins Pets Welcome Guest Horses Fishing ATVing and Offroading Downhill Skiing 


Chalk Creek Campground, Cabins & RV Park  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Family Friendly Lodging by water Scenic Byways Fishing Hot Springs ATVing and Offroading Jeeping and Offroad Vehicals Whitewater Rafting 


Connie's Mountain Orchid Cabin Rental  Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins Lodging by water Hiking Trails Hot Springs 


Cutty's Resort Hayden Creek  email this Colorado cabin link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Family Friendly Pets Welcome Pool on site Groups and Reunions Hiking Trails Horseback Riding Whitewater Rafting 


Heart of the Rockies Campground, LLC  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts 


Holiday Inn Express - Salida  email this Colorado cabin Colorado vacation make reservations
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.

motels Whitewater Rafting 


Holiday RV - WELCOMING TRAVELERS to SALIDA!  link to Colorado vacation New Colorado vacation business
A full service RV dealership featuring America's top brands of travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers & pickup campers. New & Used. Service & Parts Departments.

RV Services, Sales and Information 


Monarch Mountain
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.


Pleasant Valley RV Park of Howard  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page Map showing location of Colorado vacation
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.

RV Parks and Resorts Lodging by water Fishing Hot Springs 


River Orchard Place - Cabins on the South Arkansas River  link to Colorado vacation
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.

cabins Weddings, Elopements & Honeymoons Lodging by water 


Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

Groups and Reunions Whitewater Rafting 


Snowy Peaks RV Park  link to Colorado vacation Colorado vacation make reservations Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

cabins Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Scenic Byways Fishing Hot Springs ATVing and Offroading Whitewater Rafting 


St Elmo General Store, Inc. ATV Rentals  link to Colorado vacation Photos available on Colorado vacation page
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.

Groups and Reunions ATVing and Offroading 


Sugarbush Campground & Store  link to Colorado vacation
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.

Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Whitewater Rafting 


Tudor Rose Bed & Breakfast  link to Colorado vacation
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.

bed and breakfast Romance Hot Springs 



RV Sales, Service & Rentals

Anderson Jeep & Pop-Up Camper Rentals  link to Colorado vacation
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.

Jeeping and Offroad Vehicals RV Services, Sales and Information 


Holiday RV - WELCOMING TRAVELERS to SALIDA!  link to Colorado vacation New Colorado vacation business
A full service RV dealership featuring America's top brands of travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers & pickup campers. New & Used. Service & Parts Departments.

RV Services, Sales and Information 



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


 

Places to Stay & Facility Features
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Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attraction | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross - Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | Friendly Neighbors

Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation,warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.