Visitors are lured to Salida by the abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries and shops, local history and the natural scenic beauty of the area. Bordered on the west by the Continental Divide and on the east by the Arkansas River, Salida’s location is ideal for both adventure and relaxation. The Arkansas River runs through downtown Salida and is a playground for rafters, kayakers, paddle-boarders and “beach lovers.” For over 70 years Salida has been the site of FIBArk, the nation’s longest-running whitewater-rafting competition held annually in mid-June. The Arkansas River is recognized as a Gold Medal designation with the highest quality cold-water habitat for fish.
Salida is the closest town to the Monarch Ski Area which sits directly west of Salida near the top of Monarch Pass on U.S. Highway 50. While in the winter Monarch Pass offers the closest lift served skiing to Salida in the summer both Monarch and Poncho Pass to the south of town offer access to great cycling and hiking trails once the snow has melted off.
Salida is also a great place to relax, with spas, wellness centers, and hot springs. The downtown Creative District is packed with art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, antique shops and all types of boutique shopping. Treat the kids to the adventures awaiting in family-friendly Salida.
