Approximately 130 miles from Denver, the town of Salida is just 30 minutes south of Buena Vista. It’s located in the San Isabel National Forest, an area surrounded by 15 mountain peaks of 14,000 feet or more, also known as “Fourteeners.”
Quaint Town with Good People
This area is known for its mild temperatures, abundant recreation, and blossoming arts scene. This charming historic town was recently named as one of the ‘Ten Best Places to Live” by the Fine Living Program on HGTV. Incorporated in 1880, the town of Salida has been welcoming tourist and visitors for years now, as their main source of revinue comes from the year-round influx of summer mountain enthusiasts and winter skiers to the Monarch Ski Resort. The town itself has a wonderful town square, with a walkway along the Arkansas River, local restaurants with excellent original dishes, and local shops for the art and mountain gear lover. Nearby the town, there is also a unique set of non-motorized trails systems, opening up the amount of open-space land dedicated to hikers, connecting the downtown area to Tenderfoot Mountain.
Things to Do
The fourteeners of the area provide a spectacular backdrop for rafting, rock-climbing, backpacking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping among other activities like soaking year-round in nearby world famous natural hot springs. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is not a far drive and Buena Vista is just up the road. The area lodging and accommodations options are numerous and range from camping to motels, hotels, and nice private properties, some that come equipped with an outside hot spring pool.
Getting Here
We recommend flying into Colorado Springs. Spend a day visiting the Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak, then hit the road for the Salida area. The drive is scenic, traveling through the canyon, along the Arkansas River. Just drive south, to CO-115, and hop on the US-50 heading west toward the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and follow signs to Salida.
Summer Vacation Deals
Visit this site any time you want to know more about the area you wish to visit, and when you are ready to save on your next summer escape to the mountains. We’ll have discounts and deals for your lodging, activities like bike rentals, horseback riding tours, and white-water rafting, as well as generals savings all around.
