If you’re planning on taking a trip to Colorado in the near future, then Salida is one city you can’t miss! Known as the “Heart of the Rockies”, Salida is located within Chaffee County in central Colorado. This beautiful city, with so much to see and do, anchors the Upper Arkansas River Valley. An amazing mild climate, relaxed atmosphere, and top notch recreational opportunities make Salida a place you may never want to leave. Here are 7 cool places to visit in Salida.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, and Salida is the perfect place to stay if you want to take advantage of everything the Ark has to offer. Check out Arkansas Valley Adventures White Water Rafting and Ziplines to take a guided trip on the Ark! In addition to whitewater rafting try your hand at fly fishing or kayaking before having a gorgeous scenic picnic on the shore.
Monarch Mountain
If you’re planning your visit to Salida in the winter months, then Monarch Mountain is the ski area you can’t miss. Reasonable prices, lots of snow, and a massive mountain are just some of the things that make Monarch awesome.
Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
Salida is home to the largest indoor hot springs pool in the country! The clear and order-less water is piped in from a natural underground hot spring, just 8 miles from the pool. Come enjoy the hot spring that was first used by the areas original inhabitants, the Ute Indians.
Check out one of Colorado’s 14’ers
Colorado’s massive mountains are world famous, especially the 54 peaks stretching over 14,000 feet into the sky. These mountains are affectionately referred to as the 14’ers. It just so happens that 15 of Colorado’s 14’ers are located in Central Colorado, just like Salida. So do some research, grab your gear, and get going!
Salida Art Galleries
There are over a dozen incredible art galleries throughout Salida. Local artists draw inspiration from their gorgeous Rocky Mountain surroundings to produce the masterpieces displayed in these galleries. Check out Art and Salvage, Brooks Gallery, or any of the other breath taking galleries.
The Salida Museum
Learn about the unique history or one of one of Colorado’s mining towns, The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and the Arkansas River Valley all in one place!
Mountain Spirit Winery
A 5 acre, family owned winery that opened in 1995, Mountain Spirit Winery produces a fabulous variety of wines. Stop in and check out how they make their wine, and maybe even bring a bottle home with you.
As you can see, there is no lack of things to do, places to explore, or history to learn about, in gorgeous Salida, Colorado. This short list is just a place to start, but the sky is the limit in Salida!
