Salida between the Arkansas River and cultural heritage

Salida is located at the confluence of the South Arkansas River and the Arkansas River. The town was founded in 1880 as a railroad junction for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. This gives you two specific themes to consider when planning your trip: activities on the river and places where Salida’s history and culture are on display. When looking for hotels in Salida, you can consider whether you would rather spend your time on the water, on the trails, exploring the town’s history, or attending an event.

On the Arkansas River: whitewater and riverside trails

The Salida Whitewater Park runs through downtown along 1,200 feet of the Arkansas River. Four artificial whitewater features made of rock and concrete can be used with kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and bodyboards. Riverside trails and improvements to the riverfront also make it possible to walk along the Arkansas River and access the water. The park therefore includes both whitewater features and riverside trails.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area office is located downtown at the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue. The AHRA Visitor Center downtown offers books and souvenirs; you can also purchase licenses and passes and register recreational vehicles there. If you plan to visit the office or Visitor Center, check the opening hours in advance.

Hiking and biking trails

Along the section from Salida to Vallie Bridge in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, there are hiking and biking trails at several locations along the river. The Salida Mountain Trail System includes the trails closest to downtown and allows for year-round biking. Because trail conditions and seasonal access may change, check conditions before setting out.

The Arkansas Hills Trail System offers hiking and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty. The trails provide panoramic views of Salida, the Arkansas River, and the Sawatch Range. If you are planning a trip, the posted difficulty ratings can help you choose a route; check trail conditions before setting out.

Local history and cultural venues

The Salida Museum has a collection of local historical artifacts that offers an opportunity to explore regional history. Its exhibits cover local history from around 1880, when Salida was founded and became an important railroad center. This allows you to connect the museum’s historical focus with the town’s railroad heritage.

The Salida Downtown Historic District includes 111 buildings and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 1984. Two other historic buildings are the Methodist Episcopal Church, which has been in continuous operation since 1889, and the Kesner Memorial Building, considered the town’s best-preserved historic educational building.

The SteamPlant is a carefully restored historic power plant that now serves as a versatile event venue. It hosts concerts, weddings, community events, and corporate events. The Salida Creative District includes more than 50 galleries, working studios, and cultural venues in the historic downtown. It is Colorado’s largest state-certified Creative District; participation by individual galleries may change.

FIBArk and Salida Hot Springs

The annual FIBArk parade is a festival tradition for locals and visitors, with a family-friendly atmosphere. Parade features include horse-drawn wagons, monster trucks, elaborately decorated floats, and so-called “Hooligan” boats. The FIBArk Boat Races are also part of the event’s history: they have been held every Father’s Day weekend since 1949. Check the specific event dates and program for your travel year.

The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center has two pools filled with pure, mineral-rich spring water. One swimming pool is 25 meters long and has six lanes. Day passes provide access to locker rooms, showers, swimming lanes, the leisure pool, and fitness classes during public swim hours. As operating conditions may change, check current swim hours and offerings before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Buena Vista, Nathrop.

Go to the main travel overview: Chaffee.