Salida Colorado Tourism

Because of the cool, comfortable summers and relatively mild winters, Salida has been called the “banana belt” of Colorado. Salida is best known for its history and water-bound recreational activities.

Salida is famous for river rafting which is the area’s largest source of tourism. Champagne powder and lots of it, makes winters appealing to skiers, snowmobilers and other snow enthusiasts.

Salida serves as the head-quarters of the Arkansas Head-waters Recreation Area featuring the Arkansas River, the nation’s most boated river. Local outfitters offer varied expeditions for class one to four white-water rafting excursions. As the Arkansas River swells to flood stage in mid-June, champion Kayakers challenge a 26 mile course downstream in the FIBArk River Boat Race.

Mild winter weather gives anglers the chance to play the waters of the Arkansas or area ponds and lakes. The Arkansas seldom freezes over and, if it does, it is usually not for long.

If hiking boots and mountain bikes are more your style, challenge yourself on Salida’s Rainbow and Colorado Trails. Salida has become famous for its mountain biking. Downtown Salida is one of Colorado’s largest Historic Districts as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Salida has numerous art galleries to visit and offers a variety of shopping in the historic district.

Salida is also home to Colorado’s largest indoor hot springs pool. These pools and European style hot baths are kept at a comfortable 92 to 100 degrees for visitors to enjoy a soak in.

Possibly the world’s largest Christmas tree of lights on Tenderfoot Mountain overlooking Salida becomes Christmas Mountain USA in late November. The mountain stays lit for the entire holiday season. Holiday Park, at the foot of the mountain, features over 100 Christmas trees individually decorated by families and local businesses.

Visit Salida where it is possible to ski in the morning and take a bike ride or play a round of golf in the afternoon, watch the deer, elk, mountain goats and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep migrate down from the high country.

Salida Kayaks