I do love the Colorado mountains! I lived in Colorado for 17 years before I hit the road and only traveled to Salida once!! I had the pleasure of RVing in the area for 2 months a couple of summers ago and fell in love. So, when I was looking for a place to spend the summer, Salida was at the top of the list.

Salida sits at 7,083’ in the Upper Arkansas Valley with the Arkansas River running through town, besides having a lot of actives right in town, Salida is close to so much outdoor activity and other fun things. The Methodist Mountain trail system is just south of town, Buena Vista and Leadville are right up the road, the Collegiate Peaks are right there and Salida is not far from the Royal Gorge (58 miles) and even the Sand Dunes (90 miles). 

Besides all I mentioned above here are 5 things to do when visiting the town of Salida.

Click on red for links to these awesome places

1. HIT THE RIVER - With the river going through town, river actives are a plenty! Rent a tube and tube down the river from right from town, you can also kayak and fish….there is even a place to river surf right in town. Of course the most popular river activity is river rafting! There are many commercial rafting companies that will take you down the exciting rapids of the Arkansas River. There are many companies, here's ONE to start with

2. GET A COCKTAIL - After a long day on the river, get a signature cocktail from Woods Distillery. They make custom cocktails from their own whiskey, gin and vodka. A staple in Salida since 2012 it’s a must visit for cocktail lovers! I suggest trying the WHISKEY SMASH!!

3. DO A TOURIST ACTIVITY- Salida, like most mountain towns have a rich and interesting history, what else does it have? Ghosts!!! Take the SALIDA GHOST & MURDER TOUR and for 90 minutes walk the haunted streets of Salida’s past with your knowledgeable guide on this spine-chilling tour!

4. TAKE A DAY TRIP - You are in the mountains, let's go see them! From Salida go though Buena Vista up to Twin Lakes; two large, sparkling glacial lakes reflecting some of the nation’s highest peaks. Take a quick hike, grab a coffee at the General Store and it’s time for a beautiful drive up to Independence Pass. A beautiful drive to 12,095 feet with places to pull off, hike or just enjoy the scenery. From there you are only a few miles from Independence Pass Ghost Town, located just below the Continental Divide, the ghost town is a “don’t-miss stop” on Independence Pass along the Top of the Rockies’ Scenic Byway. Don’t want the day to end? Continue 16 miles to the historic Aspen for lunch before your drive back.

5. WALK THE DOWNTOWN - Sometimes the best way to see a town and really get to now it is to just walk! Salida is very walking friendly. Start at Riverside Park, behind the music stage is the Riverside trail that goes along the Arkansas River for a peaceful shaded stroll. Next walk the historic downtown. Grab a quick bite at The Fritz or coffee at Black Dog. There are some cool shops in town to find a gift for a friend. The F Street Five and Dime has a reputation for carrying some of the best souvenirs in town and be sure to check out the WWII Chaffee County Honor Roll Board. From there you have the choice of many wonderful places to eat and drink. Here are a couple I have enjoyed: Shallots for something a little fancy,  Moonlight Pizza for good pizza and beer on the patio, Chill for something sweet and Tres Litros for a cold beer and maybe some live music.

I hope this gets you excited! I’ve only scratched the surface of the activities here in wonderful Salida. Enjoy and happy RVing!