2019-12-09 01:00:10
Venture to central Colorado for a high-country getaway in the Arkansas River-side mountain towns of Salida and Buena Vista’s hot springs, dramatic peaks named after colleges (Princeton, Yale and Harvard, to name a few), and unbeatable outdoor recreation. The towns of Buena Vista and Salida are only a scenic, 30-minute drive apart, so plan to traipse back and forth between them during your stay. MORNING Travel along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, a 57-mile route that runs along the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness (3) 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. @BrownsCanyonAdventurePark Next, visit 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 state. Meanwhile, Browns Canyon Adventure Park (5) suspends zipliners above the roaring river, and Arkansas Valley Adventures (AVA) allows daring visitors to soar from clifftop to treetop on a 44-acre course. 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. Locals consider May and June the best times for rafting. No visit is complete without a go at one of the area’s signature sports: rafting and biking. Dozens of rafting outfitters offer half-day to multiday whitewater thrills. Rent a bike and hit the dirt on top-notch trails, like the Monarch Crest, Alpine Tunnel and Salida Mountain Trails or the downtown Buena Vista Pump Track (which also has a Frisbee golf course). 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 (1), 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 sweeping 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, so you’ll never lack for something to do. Stroll through downtown Salida (4), one of the state’s 23 Certified Creative Districts and the largest National Historic District, with 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, Amicas and Currents for a tasty meal. If you’re still looking for fun, consider Buena Vista’s vintage Comanche Drive In Theatre for a nightcap. QUICK TIP These towns are serious about mountain biking, and winter doesn’t stop them from getting their ride on. How to stay atop the snow? 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 wintery trails. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Buena Vista (page 193), Nathrop (page 202), Poncha Springs, Salida (page 203), Twin Lakes 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 the area’s 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. @MonarchMtn
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