Travel Colorado - Outdoor Recreation

The Salida area is famous for the abundance of outdoor activities and it is an integral role in the area's character and economy. Visitors from around the world as well as the local inhabitants revel in the opportunity to enjoy a full four seasons of outdoor recreation. With this area hosting the largest quantity of the nation's 14,000 foot peaks not only are the views spectacular, but the natural run-off of outdoor entertainment is plentiful.

Without a doubt Chaffee County is widely known for its rafting and kayaking and fishing. The reason for that is the Arkansas River originates only 60 miles north of Salida and generates a multitude of rapids that packs a tremendous amount of excitement for whitewater enthusiasts as well as fishermen. For this reason, the summer season draws visitors from around the world to partake in the area's river activities.

When one is not rafting or kayaking there is no better hiking and camping in the area which hosts the most 14,000 foot peaks in the Continental United States. One doesn't have to look far for hiking trails, campsites, picnicking or four wheel drive opportunities in the region's vast open lands. The 14,000 foot peaks attract mountaineer enthusiasts from around the world and the wealth of trails including the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail lends itself to anything from extended packing trips to easy day hikes with the family.

In recent years mountain biking and road biking has grown both in popularity and stature. The spectacular scenery, variety of terrain and trails and a mild mountain climate combine to make the 14'ers region one of the top mountain biking centers in the West. Salida is a popular stopping point for Ride Across America and Ride the Rockies and plays host to numerous Bike Festivals and races including the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Loop Race.

As if that wasn't enough, possibly the best outdoor activities to partake in are the less strenuous ones such as golfing, rock-hounding, soaking in the numerous hot springs, or visiting the wealth of nearby ghost towns. Salida and Chaffee County offers all that and more.

The West's reputation for the finest trout fishing in the United States began in the Rocky Mountains region and has its heart right here in the Fourteeners region. Although this area is famous for it first class fly fishing, especially during the spring caddis hatch, thanks to the region's mild climate, anglers can ply the valley's river and mountain lakes throughout the year.

Salida and the surrounding area is blessed with several natural hot springs pools. The Salida Hot Springs Swimming Pool, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort or Mineral Hot Springs Spa are the three most popular spots to soak. All of these spas have natural, crystal clear mineral water.

Golfing fanatics and amateurs alike will enjoy a relaxing sun-drenched day amidst spectacular views at the Salida Golf Course. The nine-hole course is open to the public.

Due to the area's rich history of mining many of the West's best known ghost towns are in this region, including St. Elmo, Turret, Winfield, and Vicksburg. They are a must see.

Rock hounding enthusiasts and prospectors can dig for gems of many kinds on 14,269 foot Mt. Antero, world-famous for its aquamarine crystals, or hunt for garnets and other crystals on Ruby Mountain.

Since Salida and the surrounding area was once thoroughly entrenched in mining activities there now remains an elaborate system of old mining roads and trails that not only lead to interesting abandon mines but provides ATV and Four Wheel Drive enthusiasts enough to do for years and years.