Salida, Buena Vista | COME TO LIFE 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 summer, the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway will carry you 12,000 feet in elevation for views of the surrounding peaks and nearby Monarch Mountain ski area. Evening Take a distillery or winery tour — 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. Buena Vista and Salida are only a scenic, 30-minute drive apart, so plan to traipse back and forth. Winter Fun Monarch Mountain ski area is just a short drive from Salida, and the area’s deep snow is a playground for snowshoers and snowmobilers. 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: All you need is fatter tires. Several shops rent out fat bikes. FROM LEFT: MONARCH MOUNTAIN; ANDREW MAGUIRE. Near Buena Vista COLORADO . COM 117
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2023: Page 117
