Playing Among the Collegiate Peaks: Buena Vista & Salida / COME TO LIFE 5 2 3 of Gold Medal fishing waters and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park . 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 . 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. Combined, Salida and Buena Vista have close to 100 breweries, distilleries, wineries, galleries and eateries, so you’ll never lack for something to do. 4 AFTERNOON Rejuvenate at Mt. Princ-eton 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 sum-mertime Monarch Scenic Tram carries passengers up 12,000 feet in elevation — offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and nearby Monarch Mountain ski area. WINTER FUN T 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 Chaf-fee County’s 400-plus miles of groomed trails. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BROWNS CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT, TIM BROWN; VINO SALIDA WINE CELLARS; COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS, CLASSIC VISIONS; MONARCH MOUNTAIN; MONARCH CREST TRAIL, LISA SEAMAN. 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. Sha-vano 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. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Buena Vista (page 198), Nathrop (page 210), Poncha Springs , Salida (page 211), Twin Lakes (page 214) COLORADO.COM / 141
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2017: Page 141
