Salida (Colorado)
Get in
Do
- River running: The nearby Arkansas River has famous whitewater, and the Brown's Canyon section is a classic. If you're not equipped for a float or paddle, try one of the several outfitters in the region. (Advance reservations are a very good idea.) Whitewater Voyageurs, jct. US 50 and US 285 in Poncha Springs, +1 800 255-2585 (web site seems to be misbehaving as of November 2006) and Four Corners/Buffalo Joe's Rafting, +1 866-283-3563 , are well-regarded outfitters; try also Arkansas Valley Expeditions, +1 800 833-7238. Several others are along US 24 on the way to Buena Vista and are listed in the Buena Vista article.
- Hot springs: There is a public bathhouse and hot-spring-fed pool on Rainbow Boulevard (main drag through town) that draws water from Poncha Spring near the town of the same name. The main pool is rather cool by hot-spring standards and is "family oriented," but there is also a smaller "therapeutic" pool with temperatures over 100 F, and private hot tubs are available for rental.
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address: The Arkansas River/Riverside ParkAnnually, this four day festival welcomes all generations to a great time and positive vibe. National, International, and Olympic tryout competitions, mainly for river kayaks are the core of this festival; but a parade, a foot-race hill climb, a skate-bowl competition, a Hooligan race (locals goofy fun river race on anything Except a boat), a pancake breakfast, a carnival in Riverside Park, and more make FIBArk what it is today.
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address: F & 1st Streets, and about 2 blocks in each directionSalida Art Walk is an annual arts celebration in Colorado's largest historic district — downtown Salida, Colorado. Nationally known artists, sculptors, jewelers, and an ever-growing field of stimulating art and artists are available to the art enthusiast. Come and discover for yourself why Salida has been named one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America" by John Villani. Meet local world-class, and emerging artists during the festive artist receptions that will be taking place Saturday evening at many of the galleries.
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July 4th Parade and Fireworks
address: Downtown SalidaA fun community day parade, culminating later in the evening with a community gathering along the Arkansas River in downtown Salida, to watch the fireworks show put on by the Fire Department atop 'S Mountain'. Casual and fun for any age group. -
address: Downtown SalidaOne of several bicycle races in the Salida area over each summer.
Chaffee County Fair & RodeoA fun week of mutton bustin, cutting horse competition, ropin, riding and just a great time at the County Fair. Typically the last week of July during the perfect weather and just one block north of main street in Poncha Springs (US-50). Dates for 2013: July 31, 2013 August 04, 2013. Other community events often occur the same week to allow visitors to experience a wide variety of fun and with the free admission, come and go as you please.
Monarch Crest TrailThis is one of the premier singletrack (with option of a shuttle) rides in Colorado. With over 30 miles of mostly singletrack trails and all of the best scenery Colorado has to offer, this trail is a must for mountain bikers. As a shuttle ride, you will start in Monarch Pass and you'll climb about 2,300 feet (much of it above 11,000 feet) and you'll descent about 6,000 feet total. The first part of the ride is above treeline where you'll top out at about 11,960 feet and then begin the first major descent. For the hearty rider, starting in Poncha Springs and climbing Monarch Pass yourself, then returning via the Monarch Crest Trail is very popular loop. The use of the shuttle service from the High Valley Center in Poncha Springs to get up Monarch Pass is also very popular. More trail and shuttle information: http://www.monarchcrest.com/maps.htm
Eat
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Grimo's Italian Restaurant
phone: +1 719 539-2903Despite its ill-chosen name, the conventional Italian fare is quite good.
Drink
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Benson's Tavern
phone: +1 719 539-9391address: 128 N F StBar food and drinks draw a young crowd to this hang-out. -
phone: +1 719-539-5258address: 115 Pahlone Parkway, Poncha SpringsElevation Beer Company is a Colorado microbrewery specializing in adventurous and seasonal barrel-aged beers for the craft beer fanatic. Summer Tasting Hours: Mon 3-8PM, Weds-Fri 3-8PM, Sat-Sun 12-8PM Closed Tuesdays - Brewery Tours: Mon-Fri 5PM, Sat-Sun 1, 3 & 5PM. Located at Pahlone Pkwy and CR-120 (one block north of US-50, also on the CR-120 bike path from Salida) in central Poncha Springs.
Sleep
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Best Western Colorado Lodge
phone: +1 719 539-2514address: 352 W. Rainbow Blvd -
phone: +1 719 539-8500address: 7400 U.S. Hwy 50 West
Go next
- Monarch Mountain downhill ski area is a short distance west of town.
- You can continue up-valley to Buena Vista for more outdoors activities. Many of the state's highest mountains are in the Sawatch Range west of US 24 between Salida and Buena Vista and are reachable by trails. (Pay attention to the possibility of altitude sickness before venturing into them, however, and have good maps and equipment; although most of the Sawatch are gentle, people still die there.)