2021-12-03 10:37:50
Make the easy trek to central Colorado for a getaway in the Arkansas River-side mountain towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Hot springs, dramatic peaks and unbeatable recreation await. The two towns are only a scenic, 30-minute drive apart, so plan to traipse back and forth during your stay. Morning Travel along the Collegiate Peaks scenic byway, a 57-mile route along the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the Sawatch Range from Salida north to Buena Vista and beyond. This stretch contains the nation’s greatest concentration of peaks higher than 14,000 feet — “fourteeners,” in local parlance. Next, visit an aerial adventure park: With swinging bridges, tightrope walks, ziplines, via ferrata and other challenges, Captain Zipline, Browns Canyon Adventure Park and Arkansas Valley Adventures (AVA) all deliver adventure with a side of stunning scenery. Buena Vista is a popular access point for rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and backpacking adventures centered around the Arkansas River, including Browns Canyon National Monument, 102 miles of Gold Medal fishing waters and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Dozens of rafting outfitters offer half-day to multiday whitewater thrills. Give it a go at one of the area’s signature sports: mountain biking. Rent or BYO-bike and hit the dirt on topnotch trails, like the Monarch Crest, Alpine Tunnel and Salida Mountain Trails or the downtown Buena Vista Pump Track. Stop into the Buena Vista & Salida Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map of all the area’s recreational opportunities. Afternoon Rejuvenate at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa or Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Or head to the top of Monarch Pass: In the summer, the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway carries passengers up 12,000 feet in elevation — offering views of the surrounding peaks and nearby Monarch Mountain ski area. Evening Take a distillery or winery tour at one of the many operations in the area — combined, there are close to 100 breweries, distilleries, wineries, galleries and eateries. Stroll through downtown Salida, one of the state’s Certified Creative Districts, with dozens of artist-owned galleries and shops. Kids get a kick out of feeding the fish at the Mount Shavano Fish Hatchery. Delicious restaurants and shops pepper both historic downtowns, and Buena Vista has a vibrant music scene. If you’re still looking for fun, consider the vintage Comanche Drive In Theatre for a nightcap. Stay & Play Options Buena Vista (page 180), Nathrop (page 185), Poncha Springs, Salida (page 186), Twin Lakes RENT A TUBE AND PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (OR BRING YOUR OWN) AND HIT SALIDA’S WHITEWATER PARK — A HOT SPOT FOR WATER BABIES RIGHT IN TOWN NEAR THE F STREET BRIDGE ON AN OVERNIGHT BROWNS CANYON RAFTING TRIP, YOU’LL SLEEP AND ENJOY MEALS BY THE RIVER, AND GET SOME WILDERNESS DOWNTIME IN BETWEEN RAPID RUNS. WINTER FUN MONARCH MOUNTAIN SKI AREA IS JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM SALIDA, and the area’s deep snow opens a playground for snowshoers, while snowmobilers delight in zooming around the 400-plus miles of groomed trails. The valley floor is often dry in the winter, perfect for rock climbing, a round of golf, hiking and biking year-round. These towns are serious about mountain biking, and winter doesn’t stop them from getting their ride on. All you need is fatter tires. Several shops in the area rent out fat bikes and will point you in the direction of the best wintry trails.
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