Colorado mountain towns are some of the best places to spend a weekend in all of North America. And the town of Salida is one to visit if you’re craving outdoor adventure, fun restaurants, quirky shops, and a cool, small town vibe. Plus, you’re surrounded by mountain peaks, so you’ll find plenty of views to go with it!
A great place for all ages, Salida has something to offer everyone and you won’t be able to pack it all in one trip! These are the best things to do in Salida, Colorado, and below you will find plenty of details to help you choose what adventures to add to your next trip!
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado
- Whitewater Rafting
- Browns Canyon National Monument
- Riverside Park
- Captain Zipline
- Mountain Biking & Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Ski Monarch Mountain
- Hot Springs
- Howl Mercantile & Coffee
- Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop
- Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub
- Amica’s
- Vino Salida Wine Company
- Maverick Potter
- Bookstores
- Shops and Boutiques
- Spiral Mountain Scenic Drive
A few quick questions to get out of the way first…
Where is Salida, Colorado?
Salida, Colorado is located in the heart of the Rockies of central Colorado. A part of Chaffee County, Salida is off of Hwy 50 and just east of the popular Hwy 285. It’s a half hour from Buena Vista, 2 hours (2.5 for the scenic route) from Colorado Springs, and 2.5 hours from Denver.
What is Salida Known For?
A fun, quaint mountain town in the Rockies of Colorado, Salida is known for impeccable scenery, including Browns Canyon National Monument, Arkansas River whitewater rafting, and Monarch Mountain downhill skiing.
In addition to ALL of the classic Colorado adventure, the downtown area is the perfect place to spend a day hoppin’ around in and out of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Salida, Colorado.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado: Outdoors
There are ENDLESS outdoor activities in Salida, Colorado, so if you are looking to visit like a true Colorado local, make sure to add a few of these to your list.
Whitewater Rafting
Known for its watersports, whitewater rafting is best done in Salida, Colorado! The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is 148 miles of river park and you can opt for a knowledgeable guide to help you navigate the waters or choose to raft, kayak, or paddleboard on your own. (Tour guide recommended if you’re new to river adventures!)
TIP: We used The Adventure Company for our whitewater rafting experience and LOVED it—this was out of Buena Vista, Colorado. (Independent Whitewater is recommended right from Salida.) There are options for all skill levels and our tour was inside…
Browns Canyon National Monument
Colorado’s newest National Monument! And for good reason because this place is gorgeous. Here you will find more rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding, along with hunting, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and backpacking. Looking to fish? The Arkansas River in Salida has up to 5,000 trout per mile!
Riverside Park
If you visit in the warmer months, hang out on the beach of the Arkansas River right downtown Salida, Colorado. It’s a chill spot to hang out for the day and the whole family will enjoy it. There are picnic tables if you want to bring your own lunch, a fun park, pathways for strollers and wagons, and restrooms.
Ziplines
Outdoor adventure with some serious thrill (and great views) with Captain Zipline! Check out ariel views as you glide through the air that includes mountains, the river, wildlife sightings (watch for black bears!), and Colorado’s beautiful landscape.
Love heights? Also, check out the Monarch Scenic Tram that takes its riders 12,000 feet up for panoramic views along Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide.
Mountain Biking and Hiking
Get your exercise on with impeccable views with challenging terrain and variety. Opt for 175 of the best hiking routes in Salida or one of the epic biking trails in Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain trail systems. The AllTrails list can help you out!
Hot Springs
The Salida Hot Springs Pool is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country. Soak in locally sourced, hot, underground spring water from the Rocky Mountains. Sounds nice, huh!?
Horseback Riding
Granite Mountain Outfitters is known to be some of the best for camping or horseback riding throughout Salida, Colorado. Rides can be short, medium, or long and you are sure to have a memorable adventure.
Ski Monarch Mountain
Less than 30 minutes from Salida, ski and snowboarding families love this destination which offers a variety of options for all skill levels. And if someone in your family isn’t into the slopes, they can give snow tubing a go, or hang out at the restaurants and shops around Ski Monarch Mountain.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado: Eat & Drink
There are so many options for food and drink in the Salida area. Here are some of the top spots.
Howl Mercantile & Coffee
A MUST-STOP and the perfect place to start your day. Howl Mercantile & Coffee is one of the best places to visit because you not only get a fantastic cup of coffee but can explore fun goods and gifts. Outdoor adventure gear, boutique-style goods from local makers, and music flood the walls in an aesthetically pleasing space.
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub
Beer and pizza in a laid-back space? What more do you need on a fun weekend away? Visit Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub and enjoy a locally sourced slice with a good beer—there are 16 house brews to choose from. Handmade dough, beers and snacks, and an outdoor terrace make this one of the top things to do in Salida Colorado.
Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it—you must visit Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop if you visit Salida, Colorado. I think this is the BEST THING to do here; it’s that good. Over 60 original artisan sandwiches along with pastries, soups, and salads have earned them many accolades in the area and they are well-deserved. There is no better place for lunch!
TIP: Rob’s Roast Beef Sandwich is next-level. And if you want a salad option, the Nosher Salad is primetime highlighting a great tuna salad among delicious veggies.
Amica’s
A tap house with a made-from-scratch kitchen using local ingredients, Amicas is the perfect place to come for sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, salads, and other items from a weekly rotating menu. These guys are also top-notch when it comes to giving back to their community including school lunch programs and the Boys and Girls Club.
Vino Salida Wine Company
Looking to sip reds, whites, and desserts in a beautiful atmosphere? Head to Vino Salida Wine Cellars where grapes are grown locally and you can choose from glasses and/or flights while enjoying the mountain views.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado: Shopping & Art
Stop in a gift shop, one of the art galleries, bookstore. or a fun general store, all along the Main Street. A few good options:
- Maverick Potter: Family-owned pottery studio in Salida where customers learn techniques to working with clay and find beautiful pieces to buy. This shop represents 30+ Colorado artists with pots, paintings, and gifts.
- All Booked Up: One of three bookstores in the area. There’s also Fantasy Games & Comics. Stop in one for a new book and head on over to the beach!
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado: Spiral Mountain Scenic Drive
Mountain ranges for days! Head out of town and onto a, you guessed it, spiral that leads to gorgeous mountain views. The Spiral Drive is one to remember.
The Best Things to Do in Salida, Colorado (2023)
The historic downtown Salida is a fun place for the whole family. Within the Heart of the Rockies, this Colorado town is full of fun things to do and will make a memorable day! Have fun 🙂
Nearby Salida, Colorado
Wondering what you can do in the surrounding area? Southern Colorado is full of cool places just a short drive away:
- National Park: Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
- A Day in Buena Vista, Colorado
