Playing Among the Collegiate Peaks / COME TO LIFE 5 2 3 kayaking, fishing, hiking and backpacking adven-tures centered around the Arkansas River, including Browns Canyon National Monument (2) , 102 miles of Gold Medal fishing waters and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park . 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. @BrownsCanyonAdventurePark CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BROWNS CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT, TIM BROWN; SALIDA CREATIVE DISTRICT, BETH SCHNEIDER; BROWNS CANYON ADVENTURE PARK; MONARCH MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, DAVE LEHL; COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS, CLASSIC VISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY. 4 offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and nearby Monarch Mountain ski area. 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 Coman-che Drive In Theatre for a nightcap. 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 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. 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, galler-ies and eateries, so you’ll never lack for something to do. Stroll through downtown Salida (3) , one of the state’s 23 Certified Creative Districts and the AFTERNOON Rejuvenate at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort , Cottonwood Hot Springs (4) 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 — STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Buena Vista (page 192), Nathrop (page 202), Poncha Springs , Salida (page 203), Twin Lakes @MonarchMtn COLORADO.COM / 137
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 137
