Tourism Surges In Salida. Here's Why…
Tourism is moving full steam ahead in Salida, Colorado– a reinvented railroad town that has all the fixins’ for a sweet getaway. Steps from the colorful Main Street, you can find the multi use Arkansas Trail System, which climbs across varied terrain to meet any skill level. Recreation is available every season with rafting, kayaking and white water surfing on the Arkansas River (which runs right through town) or powder hounds can cruise on over to the nearby Monarch Mountain Ski area. Then mix in the historic and hoppin’ Main Street filled with art galleries and shops, delicious places to chow down and a local winery and distillery to top off the experience. Salida is a town you just feel good being in – a place where it’s easy to eat local, hop on a sunshine covered mountain and support business owners who all champion for one another. Here are just a few reasons to hop on 285 for a scenic drive to this sweet spot.
1. Salida Palace Hotel
Old world charm combine with modern amenities at this 15 suite historic hotel set up across from the park, next to the Arkansas River and in the middle of several restaurants and watering hotel. Owners, Vicki and Fred Klein, overhauled the property from a former railroad hotel to one of the most sought after places to stay. For the complete experience, stay in suite 301- which overlooks the most well known mountain in town that is trademarked with a big white “S” on the mountain face. Come morning, a friendly knock means breakfast is served and ready to be enjoyed from your suite with fresh ground organic coffee brewing. For anyone looking for a more laid back night, find a full kitchen to put those culinary skills to work. Grab local ingredients at Ploughboy and maybe even a bottle of wine from the liquor store next door.
Room Rates: Weekdays: $147.45 for a queen suite – $231.42 for a two bedroom suite + sofa sleeper. Weekends: $172.60 for a queen suite- $281.30 for a two bedroom suite + Sofa Sleeper.
204 North F Street
2. Get Outfitted with Absolute Bikes
Comfort and a trail plan will make for a great experience mountain biking on the Arkansas Trail System, which is why seeking out the pros at Absolute Bikes is key. Here, shop employees custom fit bikes and gauge trail experience to help you come up with the perfect route. For beginners, check out the Backbone and the Pepper Trails and more advanced riders can stomp the tech along Uncle Nazty and Sand Dunes. Or, ride with a guide with a ‘Bike Adventure.’ Tour options range from beginner to advanced trails along spots like Monarch Crest.
330 W. Sackett Ave, Salida, CO
(The shop is just north of downtown on the frontage road to the Arkansas River)
Pricing: $40-$80 a day for rentals depending on frame design and wheel set. Bike tours range from $90.00- $195.00 depending on tour.
More on the shop: It’s easy to support a shop that is quick to give back. Whether fundraising for trail up keep, heading up youth programs to encourage exercise or advocating for bike safety, this shop is at the helm of it. Shawn Gillis, who has owned the shop for 16 years, is excited to see more bike advocacy pick up in the town through trail expansion and added bike racks downtown. Before exiting the shop, take a look at the bike museum where ranges of old mountain bikes from the 1980’s to the early 2000’s hang on display.
3. Woods High Mountain Distillery
An 1880 pot still from Germany ignited motivation to open this rustic mountain distillery. After brothers PT & Lee Wood renovated the still to working condition, it was game on to get to work crafting whiskey and gin made with water sourced from the Continental Divide. Come in for the Tenderfoot Whiskey, made with grains that include a smoked barley malt and chocolate barley malt, giving this spirit a smooth finish. For those who side with lighter spirits, the Treeline Gin combines 9 botanicals including Colorado juniper berries, licorice and pepper notes, making this a refreshing choice. Cocktails are created with house made syrups and fresh organic fruits. Try the peach smash- made with Paonia peaches, Treeline Gin, apple bitters and fresh squeezed lemon.
Pricing: $7 Tasting Flight, $7 Gin Cocktails, $8 Whiskey Cocktails
144 W 1st St, Salida, CO
Carri’s Catch: Sit in a pasture to hand feed 250 Tibetian yak who graze the field at ChoKuRei Ranch in Moffat, about an hours drive from Salida. For anyone looking for a unique experience with animals, it’s worth the trip. Board a canopy topped war wagon before heading out to meet these high altitude bovines that eagerly run to the back of the truck for alfalfa treats. The tour isn’t just about yaks- you are sure to meet plenty of chickens, wild turkeys and a few emus. Afterwards, head down the road for a nourishing lunch at the Yak ‘N Cracker, a farm store and café. Find local grocery products and a unique menu serving everything from traditional proteins and even yak-raised onsite. Try the yak burger, topped with pulled yak, BBQ sauce, goat cheese and a side salad made with veggies sourced from the farm’s greenhouse.
Phone: 719-256-470
