Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
Known as the “Heart of the Rockies,” Salida is located in central Colorado, providing a perfect base for all sorts of outdoor adventures.
Pronounced “Suh-lie-duh” by the locals, the town sits near the Sawatch Mountains and the Arkansas River, so you’ll discover tons of awesome things to do in Salida, CO.
I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years, and have spent plenty of time playing and exploring in Salida. In fact, it’s one of my favorite spots for a quick weekend away!
If you’re looking to travel like a local, not a tourist, I’ve got the inside scoop on things to do in Salida, CO for you.
About this Guide to Salida, CO
Inside this local guide to all the epic things to do in Salida, CO, you’ll find:
- Why Salida, CO is worth visiting
- Comparing Salida to Buena Vista
- Things to do in Salida, CO
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
Is Salida, CO Worth Visiting?
Salida is sometimes overshadowed by more well-known Colorado mountain towns, but it is absolutely worth visiting this hidden gem.
With a variety of outdoor adventure opportunities, along with great food – and wineries! – and cultural institutions, Salida has something for everyone.
In fact, Salida Colorado is a great place to live if you’re looking for a centrally located home base in the Rockies.
Local Tip: Salida is fun to visit in winter, during the low season, if you want to try skiing at nearby Monarch Mountain. For local Coloradans, this is a great change of pace from the hectic traffic on I-70!
Salida vs Buena Vista
Salida is less than half an hour away from another one of the great places to visit in Colorado, Buena Vista. Salida is bigger than Buena Vista, with about double the population, so it has a larger downtown area to wander around and check out.
But for a cool weekend getaway from Denver or a hot Colorado summer vacation, visit both Salida and Buena Vista!
Overall Buena Vista is a better locale if you’re into hiking in Buena Vista or climbing. Salida is much better to visit if you love river sports. But since they are so close, it’s easy to visit both in one trip.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, CO
Whether you want to raft down the river, zipline in the sky, or keep your feet firmly planted on solid ground, you’ll find your perfect activity on this list of things to do in Salida, CO.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, CO in the Summer
Summer is the time to get outside and explore with these things to do in Salida.
1. Go Whitewater Rafting
One of the very best things to do in Salida, CO is whitewater rafting. The Arkansas River is an awesome spot for Colorado whitewater rafting, especially through Browns Canyon National Monument.
You can take a lazy float over gentle rapids or get your adrenaline pumping on the serious whitewater.
Many guide companies provide Salida whitewater rafting experiences, and I’ve personally used Salida River Adventures and had an epic time!
2. Explore Browns Canyon National Monument
Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses part of the San Isabel National Forest as well as BLM land.
The canyon is a beautiful place for outdoor recreation, including rafting, fishing, and hiking. Several great hikes start from the Ruby Mountain Trailhead.
Browns Canyon is one of the newer Colorado national parks and monuments and is definitely worth visiting when you’re looking for things to do in Salida, CO!
3. Rock Climb the Cliffs
Rock climbers will enjoy plentiful climbing of all types, from roadside sport routes to granite multi-pitch trad, near Salida.
Most of the climbing is closer to nearby Buena Vista, and you can find some granite towers in Browns Canyon National Monument.
Local Tip: For multi-pitch, this is definitely more of an “adventurous” climbing destination. With fewer trafficked routes, beta can be tough to find!
4. Go Ziplining
Captain Zipline offers ziplines and an aerial park so you can spend several hours playing in the air high above Salida.
This adventure is one of the most fun things to do in Salida in summer – especially if you do the sunset zipline tour!
5. Ride the Tramway
For a stunning perspective of one of the prettiest places in Colorado, take the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway up to the top of Monarch Pass and experience breathtaking birds-eye views of the Continental Divide.
6. Go Horseback Riding
Experience horseback riding in Salida at the base of the stunning Sangre de Christo mountain range with Granite Mountain Outfitters.
You can do a short one or two-hour tour, or spend a half or full day riding around the Rockies at an elevation ranging from 8,500ft to 10,500ft.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, CO in the Winter
Skiing is certainly the big draw, but there are lots more things to do in Salida in the winter, too.
7. Ski at Monarch Mountain
Obviously, one of the best things to do in Salida in winter is to go skiing!
Monarch Mountain is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Colorado and it also is way less crowded than the more popular, big-name resorts.
That makes Monarch an excellent mountain for families and intermediate skiers to hit the slopes for a good value without lift lines.
8. Go Dog Sledding
For one of the (literally) coolest things to do in Salida in winter, take a dog sled tour!
Monarch Dog Sled Rides offers private, personalized tours where you get to meet the fluffy, lovable dogs then let them take you on a ride through an alpine forest and along a stream surrounded by glorious mountain peaks.
9. Splash in Salida Hot Springs
Salida Hot Springs are unique among Colorado hot springs. Instead of small outdoor pools, this aquatic center features one of the largest indoor hot springs pools in the country.
So this isn’t your typical relaxing hot springs, but it’s a fun spot to swim and splash around.
If you want to soak in a more serene environment, check out nearby Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
The Best Year-Round Things to Do in Salida, CO
Enjoy these fun Salida activities that you can do all year long.
10. Head Up Spiral Drive
Take a scenic drive on the winding road up Tenderfoot Mountain. Spiral Drive corkscrews to the mountain top, past the giant “S” you can see from town.
From the summit of the mountain, you’ll have panoramic views of the town, the Arkansas River valley, the Sangre de Christos, and the Collegiate peaks.
11. Stroll Through Riverside Park
Riverside Park is the perfect place to spend some chill time in Salida.
Grab a snack or a meal from one of the downtown restaurants – like Bunny & Clyde’s – then stroll the path along the river and stop for a lovely al fresco picnic.
12. Visit Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery
Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery raises fish, primarily trout, which will eventually be transported to stock lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout Colorado for anglers to catch.
You can take a free guided tour (daily during the summer) of the fish hatchery to see the process.
13. Make Your Own Pottery
For one of the unique things to do in Salida, CO, pay a visit to The Maverick Potter and learn the process of creating ceramic pottery.
Take a group class or private lesson or visit during open studio hours to create your own clay masterpiece.
14. Do a Wine Tasting at Vino Salida
Vino Salida is all about the local Colorado community with a gathering space featuring wines made from grapes from Palisade, CO.
Try a wine flight or sip a martini or Manhattan with house-made vermouth while enjoying live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday.
15. Raise a Glass at Mountain Spirit Winery
Mountain Spirit Winery is a bit off-the-beaten-path on CR-220 west of downtown Salida, but it’s a worthy detour to visit the five-acre farmland.
Enjoy a tasting flight outside and bring your own picnic or savor a few of the snacks offered. Dogs are welcome, and you can play lawn games, including mini frisbee golf, corn hole, and lawn darts.
16. Have a Hearty Sandwich
Nothing beats a serious sandwich to fuel an outdoor adventure, and Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop is the place in Salida to satisfy that craving.
And don’t forget to grab some cookies or an ice cream sandwich for a sweet treat to finish your meal.
17. Grab a Pie and a Pint at Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub is a funky local favorite that serves top-notch pies and has 16 of their seasonally rotating beers on tap.
Plus, every Monday, they donate 10% of sales to different community organizations in Salida.
18. Learn About History at Hutchinson Homestead
The Hutchinson Homestead has preserved the historic ranch originally established in 1868 so modern-day visitors can learn about what the past was like in the western town of Salida.
You can drop in for a quick visit to learn on your own or take a guided tour to go more in-depth into history.
19. Spend the Night at Silver Ridge Lodge
Silver Ridge Lodge is a throwback to the 1960s – but with modern amenities – making it a super fun place to stay while in Salida.
Enjoy the elevated sundeck for 360-degree mountain views and soak in the outdoor hot tub after a big day of adventuring.
20. Enjoy Dinner at The Fritz
Don’t miss dining at The Fritz (named after a little spotted dog) while you’re visiting Salida.
The modern menu changes constantly, but it’s always mouthwatering whether you’re enjoying brunch or dinner. The inventive cocktails really top off the meal (and they make mocktails, too).
Local Tip: The Fritz is closed on Wednesdays, so you’ll have to check out one of the other tasty local spots in Salida.
21. Visit the Salida Museum
Check out the Salida Museum to learn more about the history of the heart of the Rockies, from mining to railroads and more. The museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 pm.
22. Get Spooked at a Ghost Town
Salida is surrounded by several ghost towns which you can visit to imagine what life was like in the past here in central Colorado.
Turret is a well-preserved Gold Rush-era ghost town that is now privately owned, so if you visit, be sure to avoid trespassing on private property while looking around.
Saint Elmo is a little farther away in Chalk Creek Canyon but it is a picturesque drive, and the town is much more open for exploring.
You’ll find buildings including a saloon, a jail, and old homes. Plus, the General Store is actually open in the summer, selling souvenirs and snacks.
More Local Colorado Travel Resources Just for You
Ready to explore Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Check out these incredibly local recommendations:
