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Venture to central Colorado for a high-country getaway with eclectic Arkansas River-side mountain towns, hot springs, dramatic peaks named after colleges (Princeton, Yale and Harvard, to name a few), and unbeatable outdoor recreation — including Browns Canyon, our newest National Monument. COLLEGIATE PEAKS SCENIC & HISTORIC BYWAY, MILES/DENISE CHAMBERS. MORNING Approach the region from the north in Granite and travel down the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway (1) , a 57-mile route that runs along the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the Sawatch Range of mountains. This stretch of the Continental Divide contains the nation’s greatest concentration of peaks higher than 14,000 feet — “fourteeners,” in local parlance. Head to an aerial adventure park: With more than 120 challenges, including swinging bridges and tightrope walks, Captain Zipline is the largest aerial adventure park in the western U.S. Meanwhile, Browns Canyon Adventure Park suspends zipliners above the roaring river, and Arkansas Valley Adventures allows daring visitors to soar from cliff top to treetop on a 44-acre course. BROWNS CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT, TIM BROWN 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 (2), 102 miles of Gold Medal fishing waters and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. VINO SALIDA WINE CELLARS No visit is complete without a go at one of the county’s signature sports: rafting and biking. Dozens of rafting outfitters operate out of Buena Vista and Salida, offering half-day to multiday whitewater thrills. Rent a bike and hit the dirt on top-notch trails, like the Monarch Crest (4), Alpine Tunnel and Salida Mountain Trails or the Buena Vista Pumptrack. COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS, CLASSIC VISIONS Take a distillery or winery tour at one of the many operations in Salida and Buena Vista. Wood’s High Mountain Distillery in Salida and Deerhammer Distilling in Buena Vista are perfect places to taste a local cocktail. And Vino Salida’s (3) tasting room exemplifies a love for Colorado grapes. MONARCH CREST TRAIL, LISA SEAMAN Combined, Salida and Buena Vista have close to 100 breweries, distilleries, wineries, galleries and eateries, so you’ll never lack for something to do. AFTERNOON Rejuvenate at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs (5) or Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Nearby, explore the empty saloons and dancehalls at St. Elmo, Colorado’s best-preserved ghost town. Continue on the byway and head west at Poncha Springs. At the top of Monarch Pass the summertime Monarch Scenic Tram carries passengers up 12,000 feet in elevation — offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and nearby Monarch Mountain ski area. EVENING Finish the byway in Salida, one of the state’s 18 Certified Creative Districts. The historic area is home to dozens of artist-owned galleries and shops. Kids get a kick out of feeding the fish at the Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery, and visitors of all ages enjoy strolling the pleasant streets of downtown. Delicious restaurants abound in Salida; try Shallots, Amícas and Currents for a tasty end to an active day. WINTER FUN Monarch Mountain ski area is just a short drive from Salida, and the area’s deep snow opens a playground for snowshoers and fat bikers, and snowmobilers delight in zooming around Chaffee County’s 400-plus miles of groomed trails. MONARCH MOUNTAIN STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Buena Vista (page 198), Nathrop (page 210), Poncha Springs, Salida (page 211), Twin Lakes (page 214) QUICK TIP About 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista lies St. Elmo, one of the state’s best-preserved ghost towns. Though abandoned by its residents in 1922, wooden storefronts and cabins remain seemingly frozen in time. Rent an ATV from the general store to explore the area’s relics of a bygone mining boom.
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