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Chaffee County Fast Facts
Chaffee County Weather
Chaffee County Events
Chaffee County Activities & Attractions
Chafffee County Camping
Chaffee County is located in Central Colorado, the Heart of the Colorado Rockies. It stars the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs and Monarch. Fun, friendly and affordable are the hallmarks of this region. Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state's more glamorous destination resorts. You don't need the trendiest clothes or newest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure, we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak. A dozen of the states 53, 14,000 ft paks touch the sky in the Sawatch Range.
In spring, summer, fall and winter, Chaffee County is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, flyfishing,
camping, horseback riding, ziplining, swimming, tennis and golf. Year-around visitors in the "banana belt" can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, beautiful campsites to guest ranches. Find out why we say "Now This Is Colorado!"
Fast Facts
Twelve 14,000 ft peaks in the area, over 300 days of sunshine, mild winter climate, 100 miles of the Arkansas River, more artist owned galleries than any other city in the US and more friendly people per capita than any other county.
Weather
Summer is mid to high 80's during the day and the nights are cool, mountain weather but it begins earlier and ends later then most mountain resorts in Colorado.
2012 EVENTS
See winter events here: http://coloradowinterinfo.com/monarch/salida.html
Monarch Mountain's 6th Annual Kayaks on Snow. April 7
FIBArk Kickoff Party, June 13 - Salida Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Salida SteamPlant Event Center in historic downtown Salida, along the riverbanks of the Arkansas River. Hosted by the Vaqueros (ambassadors to the Salida Chamber of Commerce). $10 entry for food, beer - wine.
64th Annual FIBArk Whitewater Festival, June 14 -17. Located in Historic Downtown Salida. Whitewater Races, Slalom Competition, Freestyle Whitewater Competition, Arts & Crafts, Food, Carnival, Entertainment and Beer! For more information call 877-772-5432 or 719.539.2068 or go to www.fibark.net Questions or Inquires about being a vendor or sponsor, please visit the website, or go to, New Belgium FIBArk Event Coordinator at fibark@gmail.com, or inquire via mail at P.O. Box 762 Salida, CO 81201.
20th Annual Salida Art Walk, June 22 - 24. Located in Historic Downtown Salida, the biggest little Art Town in the West. Inviting all art enthusiasts to the most stimulating art festival in Colorado where the entire town is transformed into an art gallery for the weekend. Over 40 galleries, shops and resturants host this community wide event showcasing nationally known and local artists' work while offering the public the unique opportunity to meet the creative personalities face to face. In addition to exhibition openings, street performers will circulate through the downtown art & park district. For more information, visit www.salidaartwalk.org or call,877-772-5432 or 719.539.2068.
4th of July Celebration in Salida; July 4, Noon till 10 pm. Community parade, music and food in Riverside Park. New larger fireworks show to commence at dusk (weather permitting).Fireworks will start at dusk from the top of S Mtn, watch them from Riverside Park and enjoy this local event featuring local favorites.
32nd Antique Alley Show & Sale at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds, July 14 - 15. Sat. 9-5 Sun. 10-4. Shop till you drop...Huge selection of antiques, craft and collectables. Snack and lunch items available. To participate as a vendor contact, Fabulous Finds Emporium at 719.530.0544. Fairgrounds # 719.539.6151
16th Annual Colorado Brewers Rendezvous. July 14, 1-5 p.m., Riverside Park, downtown Salida. 45 brewers from around the state offer their best. Sorry, no dogs allowed in park. Local food vendors selling a variety of items ranging from burritos, hot dogs, Thai noodles. (719) 539-2068 (877) 772-5432. Sponsored by the Colorado Brewers Guild and the Salida Chamber of Commerce.
Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo. July 28 - Aug 5th
Captain Zipline
877.947.5463
Experience the rush and listen to the cable sing as we guide you over 2000 feet on 6 separate zipline cables while you take in the surrounding raw, rugged beauty.
River Runners
877-378-1972
River Runners Hot Springs & Cool Rafting Packages. Raft with River Runners and get 2 for 1 Hot Spring Tickets. Visit River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort & Grill in Buena Vista, Colorado or River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center in Canon City, Colorado. River Runners the Whitewater Professionals Since 1972.
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Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting
800.824.3795
Since 1969, Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions has offered top quality white water rafting and kayaking trips across many rivers in Colorado.
BV Jeeps
719-395-4418
Rent one of our meticulously maintained 4X4 jeeps by the day or week.
Colorado Gators
719-378-2612
see videos here
Buffalo Joe's Rafting
800-356-7984
Performance Tours
800.328.7238
Rafting in Colorado on a scenic whitewater raft trip is genuine Colorado adventure at its best!
AVA's Colorado Rafting
877.RAFTING
SpringsThe best rafting trips near you with discounts offered every day on our website. AVA offers world-class whitewater, service, and equipment plus FREE wetsuits and splash jackets on every AVA-run trip. Voted "Best of Summit County"Rafting Company 3 times running! With trips on 8 Colorado rivers, zipline tours on our 44-acre mountain property, rock climbing and more, we have an adventure near you. All ages and abilities, all levels rafting. See our website for information, quotes, discounts, videos and live chat help.
Outdoor Recreation
The valley is home to a diverse population made up of ranchers, artists, outfitters, entrepreneurs, teachers, bakers, brewmeisters, just to name a few.
The Vital Arts and Music
scene resounds year around with performers showing their wares or performing at local galleries, cafes and auditoriums.
Mecca for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, flyfishing, camping, horseback riding, swimming & golfing.
In the "Banana Belt"
Year-around visitors can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries, glorious hot springs and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels to guest ranches.
PLUS: Historic Downtowns in Buena Vista and Salida, Monarch Mountain, Monarch Crest Trail, Salida Mountain Trails, Alpine Tunnel, Midland Trails, 12 14er's, the Arkansas River, 18 artist -owned Galleries in Salida, Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, Mt. Princeton Hotsprings, Jumpin' Goat Dairy, Buena Vista Heritage Museum.
From the outdoor active enthusiast to the extended family looking for a place to relax and unwind, Chaffee County has it all. Come discover why we say, "Now this is Colorado".
Camping
Arrowhead Campground
800.888.7320 - 719.395.2323
33975 US Hwy 24 N.
Buena Vista, CO 81211
www.arrowheadpointresort.com
A true country campground on 23 beautiful acres surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks. Cabins and cottages with kitchens and bathrooms. Yurts, spacious RV sites, tent sites in the trees, covered pavilion - large groups/family reunions welcome. FREE WiFi and FREE shuttle to the river when rafting with us.
