The waters of the Arkansas River are warmer now than they’re likely to be all year long. But still cold enough to be super refreshing. We strongly recommend the cold plunge on a hot afternoon.

Just 80 miles southeast of Salida is the sweet little town of Fort Garland, Colorado. The old army fort has been converted into a museum that offers eye-opening exhibits on local history and art. You can read about it in the August issue of Colorado Central Magazine.

Just 1.7 miles from SipapuSki area is a hidden gem of a swimming spot in the Rio del Pueblo, which empties into the Rio Grande just south of the Taos Gorge.