Salida (pop. 5,500) is a colorful town situated in one of the prettiest spots in Colorado. Located at the base of some of Colorado's highest and most rugged peaks, the Collegiate Peaks to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the south, great recreation spots are available in all directions.
A hotspot for whitewater enthusiasts, Salida provides easy access to the headwaters of the Arkansas River, some of the most intense and picturesque rapids in the West. Numerous camping and picnicking spots along the river are also within an hour's drive of town. Other attractions like Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Monarch ski area, and the Royal Gorge Bridge are only a short drive away.
Historic buildings decorate Salida's downtown, remnants of its origins as an important railway stop. Its location well off the interstate means Salida hasn't become as homogenized as some towns along major thoroughfares, and still retains much of its Western charm. Dozens of working artists, a small symphony and a theater company provide a bit of culture, and visitors may choose from several refreshingly local lodging and dining providers.
Salida is in south central Colorado, about 100 miles west of Pueblo. To learn more about Salida, select an area of interest from the buttons on the left.
