Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town

Salida Colorado is a beautiful mountain town in the heart of the Rockies, located along the Arkansas River. In addition to having the largest historic district in the state, it’s also well known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and awesome arts scene.

There are so many things to do in Salida, CO, that you’ll need more than one visit, in multiple seasons, to do it all – and you’ll want to do it all. We loved our visit to this Colorado town, and can’t wait to share more!

Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
(photo by Scott Peterson)

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN SALIDA, COLORADO

  • Best for Pet Owners: This pet-friendly townhome is immaculately-decorated, features amazing mountain views, and is close to restaurants and bars.
  • Best for History Buffs: This Historic Palace Loft in Salida is seriously beautiful! This privately owned condo in the Palace Hotel was built in 1909 and features amazing details and modern amenities. It’s within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and bars too!
  • Best Tried and True Hotel: The Comfort Inn Salida is close to Monarch Mountain ski and snowboard area, and features a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and delicious free breakfast!

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SALIDA COLORADO

All Booked Up is one of three bookstores in Salida Colorado
All Booked Up

EXPLORE THE QUIRKY SHOPS

Forget the standard gift shops, Downtown Salida has funky stores you won’t see elsewhere. You’ll find everything you don’t need at the F Street Five and Dime

There are three bookstores, including Fantasy Games and Comics, which doubles as a gathering spot for weekly magic nights and Dungeon and Dragons events.

Another unique outlet in downtown is Howl Mercantile. Just like an old time general store, this place has everything – gifts, coffee, ice cream, outdoor rental equipment and even an Airbnb!

GET INSPIRED BY LOCAL ARTISTS

Salida was named one of the first creative districts in Colorado, and there is evidence everywhere. Stroll the two-dozen artist-owned art galleries located downtown. 

For something really immersive, visit during the Second Saturday Gallery Art Tour, which features artists’ receptions, openings and live demonstrations.

CREATE YOUR OWN WORK OF ART

Riveting Experience Jewelry has everything you need and expert instruction to make your own unique bracelet or necklace.

The Maverick Potter is a family owned gallery and studio where you can not only see more than 30+ local and regional artist’s work, you can also take a class to create your own treasure. 

DOWNTOWN MURALS

In between all the unique shops, you’ll find several murals on the brick walls. They depict town history, popular activities like whitewater rafting, and plain old advertisements.

PLAY OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAMES

Need a place to keep the kids busy while you wait for dinner? Check out Fun Street Family Arcade – from skeeball to pinball and everything in between, this place is guaranteed to bring out the kid in you. 

GO ON A PROGRESSIVE DINNER

Salida has no shortage of restaurants, so plan to sample a few.

  • Move on to The Fritz on E. Sackett Ave. for tapas on the patio.
  • Save room, your next stop is Amicas for a wood fired pizza or, if you are with friends, split the HUGE calzone.

TAKE A WALK ALONG THE ARKANSAS RIVER

Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
Arkansas Riverfront (Photo by Scott Peterson)

Salida is located along the Arkansas River (or Ark) and you can take its paths to Riverside Park. At Riverside Park, you’ll find the normal park amenities like open fields, a playground, picnic tables, and benches, but there is also a bouldering wall!

HANG OUT AT THE BEACH

Salida has their very own beach area right along the Riverwalk path. Grab a lunch from Sweeties sandwich shop, a book from All Booked Up and enjoy a day near the water.

GO FOR A HIKE

You don’t have to go far to find awesome hikes. The Chamber of Commerce has a trail guide for options right in town, including the popular Tenderfoot Hill or S Mountain – which you can’t help but notice from downtown.

Up for something more strenuous? Hike the Sawatch Range in Chaffee County.

GO BACK IN TIME

The Salida Museum, which is just off F Street, will keep everyone entertained, and you’ll learn a bit about this Rocky Mountain town. You’ll find local historical artifacts and more.

PERFECT DAY TRIPS FROM DOWNTOWN SALIDA COLORADO

Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Mount Princeton Hot Springs

WINE A LITTLE

There a two wineries near Salida, both with magnificent views.  Visit Vino Salida on the weekends for live music or visit their events page for wine classes.

Mountain Spirit Winery offers tours, as well as five acres to roam as you sip your beverages.

SOAK IN A HOT SPRING

Rejuvenate with the healing power of hot springs. There are five within an hour of Salida, including one right in the center of town next to the Chamber of Commerce. We stayed nearby at the Mt Princeton Hot Springs Resort, which offered a more rural experience.

Read More: 17 Best Hot Springs in Colorado You Must Visit

TAKE A DRIVE

If you don’t want to hike up S Mountain, you can drive. Brave the narrow, dirt road up Spiral Drive for spectacular views of the entire town of Salida, as well as the valley below.

Be sure to stop and take a close look at the colorfully painted tree alongside the road — it is a piece of art that was created by Curtis Killom, a local artist and business owner.

SHOOT THE ARK – WHITE WATER RAFTING

Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
Whitewater rafting down Brown’s Canyon (photo by Scott Peterson)

One of the most popular things to do in Salida CO in summer is white water rafting. Explore this area of Colorado with a trip down the Arkansas River.

Peak season is mid-May through Labor Day, with the highest water in June, and the swiftest water levels through mid-August.

LEAVE THE RAFT, GRAB A KAYAK

For fun on the Arkansas River right in downtown Salida, consider a kayak run at the 1,200-foot long Salida Whitewater Park. In summer, you’ll also see stand-up paddleboards and body boards at the park.

CATCH A BIG ONE

In addition to being a hot spot for white water rafting, the Arkansas River is known for its incredible fishing. Near Salida is a 28-mile stretch called Gold Medal Water, a prime spot for trout fishing.

FLY THROUGH THE TREES

Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
Captains Zipline (photo by Scott Peterson)

Captain Zipline is on my list for my return visit. The course has been recognized as one of the best in the USA by the likes of Outside Magazine, National Geographic and USA Today.

VISIT BROWNS CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT

Browns Canyon became a National Monument in 2015. It is part of the Sawatch Range and encompasses more than 21,500 acres, including the San Isabel National Forest where we went snowmobiling and dog sledding.

On my bucket list, a horseback riding tour where we might see big horned sheep, black bears, elk and more! I love seeing wildlife. 

EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS

Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
Downtown Salida (photo by Scott Peterson)

You may find more bikes in Salida than cars. That’s because there are 350 miles of bike trails, ranging from easy to black diamond.

SPEND SOME TIME IN NEARBY BUENA VISTA, CO

Buena Vista is another magnificent mountain town that sits on the Arkansas River. It is about a half hour from Salida and although smaller, has a similar community vibe. Insider tip: Go on Saturdays for the applesauce donuts from Lobacks.

GET OUT IN THE SNOW

Snowmobiling at Monarch Snowmobile tours

Of course one of the most popular things to do in Salida CO in winter is get out in the snow. Monarch Mountain Ski Resort located along Monarch Pass is the main attraction, and is great for all skill levels. It’s also the reason we discovered this gem of an area.

REV THINGS UP

There is plenty to do off the slopes too. Take a tour of Isabel National Forest by snowmobile with the experienced guides at Monarch Snowmobile Tours. The tour is a combination of scenic excursion with sweeping mountain views, as well as a ride by an old mine. Speed demons, don’t worry — there is time to test your skills in an open glade.

LET THE DOGS OUT

Monarch Dog Sled Rides not only offers dog sled rides, but you can also meet the 10th generation Alaskan huskies and learn a bit about the history of the sport. Our tour even including a meet and greet with some adorable puppies!

EXPLORE THE LOCALS HAUNTS

One of the hidden gems in the area is Old Monarch Pass Road. When Highway 50 was put in, this became a favorite destination for local snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

PRACTICE YOUR LUTZ

Another great winter activity is ice skating. In the winter you’ll find locals ice skating on Frantz Lake. Visit Ramps and Alleys in downtown Salida to rent ice skates, then spend the afternoon gliding with a mountain view.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO COLORADO

WHERE TO STAY IN SALIDA COLORADO

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Salida Colorado: 25+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town