About 100 straight south of Salida, CO, stands the shell of what was once a mission church at Las Mesitas, Colorado....
What to do
360-degree Colorado Aspen grove fall colors
The golden and amber hues of a Colorado river valley in the fall…unbeatable.
Kenosha Pass Leaf Peeping
Kenosha Pass is the place to be! So avoid it if you’re in a hurry. Sources say the fall colors will take their time making the southward journey across the fair state of Colorado. Here’s to a nice, long leaf-peeping season and many golden hikes and bike rides!
Benson’s Beer Garden, on F Street, Salida, CO
Check it out, Benson's Beer Garden has food specials again! And occasional live music on that amazing outdoor stage....
Uncle Ed Retires!!!! Salida’s best loved clown
You guys know Uncle Ed, right? He’s the one who’s been making balloon art for years at all the Salida town festivals, farmers markets, circus performances and what-have-ye. Did you know he’s also been a professional rodeo clown and bull rider for most of his life? Last weekend at the Chaffee County Fair, he had his last ride and is set to retire. Read all about it in this coming week’s Mountain Mail, “Salida Natives” column.
Mount/Chief Ouray, just outside Salida, CO
The Devil’s Armchair! This is the bowl under the peak of Mount Ouray, visible from Salida if you look southwesterly. The hike up to it only takes about 2.5 hours (+1.5 to get down), and there are several stream crossings to keep you cool along the way. Local legend has it the feature got it’s name …
Live music listening room in Poncha Springs, @vinosalidawinebar
What an amazing place to experience a singer/songwriter! Thanks, Vino Salida, for creating such an intimate and...
Purple/pink cones of the ancient Bristlecone Pinetree
Ever seen the bright magenta pine cones of a Bristlecone pine tree? Look for them just below treeline where this OLDEST KNOWN SPECIES thrives. This tree can live for over 4,000 years!
Broken Strings Guitar Shop Window Display
Two young, aspiring musicians ogle the guitars in Broken Strings guitar shop, on F St. in Salida. If you’re in the market for a guitar, check this place out! They’ve got scads of great axes!
Poet Mark Irwin to read at Salida’s Museum of Authenticity…
Poetry event in Salida! Anytime something comes to town that’s not bluegrass or Grateful Dead (no disrespect to either, of course), get out there and show your support! Keep Salida interesting!
Spring Rain and Snow is Melting off Fast in Salida!
Salida got several inches of wet, heavy spring snow and rain over the weekend, making for a pretty murky Arkansas River. But it’s clearing up gorgeously, and this could be our greenest spring in a while! The sun is back out and melting everything off nicely, so the trails should be ride-able by Wednesday. Come play in Salida this weekend! Book directly on StayinSalida.com to get the best deal on your stay!
Monarch’s Ski Season just got EXTENDED!
Thanks to all the recent storms, Monarch’s new closing day is not until April 14th!!! Don’t miss the annual chili cook-off in the parking lot. It’s a great time to carouse around with the locals between runs and get yourself a delicious, free meal! And don’t forget to join or watch the rowdy race down Gun Barrel.
Moose Playing around Beaver Creek near Fairplay, Colorado
Less than a mile north of the cute little town of Fairplay, Colorado, on the Beaver Creek trail. These four moose made a brief appearance before disappearing back into the forest above the creek. Ski it, snowshoe it, or just hike it (likely not fit for bikes for at least a couple more months). It’s an easy trek you can make as short as you like, or follow it around all day!
Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River
Spectacular sunny views from the hiking and biking trails just outside of Royal Gorge Park. This time of year, there’s almost no one on them, and they’re surprisingly dry and warm. Miles and miles of easy biking and hiking trails to explore, and
Hidden ski trail and creek near Monarch, Colorado
Not far from Monarch Ski Area, this little gem of an unofficial trail was ripe for laying down fresh tracks.
Powder Alert: Monarch is getting hammered this weekend!
Powder days all Presidents Day weekend long at Monarch Mountain, starting today and it’s slated to keep getting pounded through Monday at least. Get your fattest skis on and get out there, shredders!
Durango Speakeasy
Ever entered a hidden bar/lounge through a library wall in a barber shop? Welp, head on over to Durango, CO, and you can do it. Excellent cocktails and ambiance.
Old Monarch Pass XC trek on a bluebird mornin…
Sunrise above the Continental Divide, with a sliver of a moon visible on the other side of the trail. Old Monarch Pass is all dressed up in snow and ready for your cross county outings!
Monarch is Opening this Wednesday, 12/6!
Opening day will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023!
Happy Halloween, from Salida!
If you’re on F Street tonight, make sure to watch for that Thriller-dancing flash mob! And if you’re not on F Street, why the heck not?!
Labor Day Weekend in Riverside Park this Sunday
Salida’s Hometown Picnic in the Park returns to Riverside Park Sunday from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. and will feature free, live music including the CMC Jazz Band at 2:00 p.m., the San Luis Valley Big Band at 4:00 p.m. and 6 Volt Rodeo at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverside Park Bandshell.
Live Theater is BACK in Salida, thanks to Sventastik Productions!
Into the Woods was an ambitious choice for a premier, and Salida’s new theater troupe, Sventastik, nailed it! Next up they’ll bring The Little Mermaid to the Steamplant stage. Can’t wait to see all the magic this impressive group throws down. So fun to see so many locals cast in unpredictable roles!
Gothic, CO – ghost town turned climate research station
The gorgeous little ghost town of Gothic was named for the rocky spires that overlook the town like so many medieval church towers. The town has a handful of hearty, year-round residents, but in the summer it is mostly populated by climate researchers and hikers heading up into the Maroon Bells Wilderness area.
Greetings from the King of Upper Como, Colorado, one of the state’s favorite railroad ghost towns
If you’re in the area Aug. 19th, check out Como’s Railroad Day festival! They’ll have the roundhouse fired up and will offer little pumpcart rides on the rails. See you there!
Beware the Dam! ….Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting
White water rafting is super fun, but can also be super dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Please follow all posted guidelines!
Cross-country ski trail, about to become a summer playground!
Cross-country ski trail near a section of the Colorado Trail, just past the Angel of Shavano Campground. About to become a beautiful hiking area along the North Fork Creek.
Tandem Bike Rentals in Salida, Colorado
Tandem bike rentals here! Got bored teenagers loafing around in their pajamas this break? Time to bust out the old...
Cairn Alert!
Cairn Alert! You can catch Cairns on Colorado Hiking Trails. A cairn is a human-made stack or pile of rocks used as a...
Scout Wave in Salida, Colorado
In case you ever wanted to know how they create those awesome play holes in the Arkansas River in downtown Salida like The Scout Wave in Salida, Colorado…
Karaoke Night in Salida, Colorado
If you get sick of the downtown scene, don't forget the bowling alley, Split Happens, has karaoke night in Salida on...
Christmas in Salida, Colorado
Black Friday is Multicolored Friday in S-Town. To kick off Christmas in Salida, Colorado – the annual Parade of Lights strolled through Salida’s downtown..
Salida Summers on the Arkansas River
It's that time to head to the river, Salida!
Salida’s Music in the Park
Salida’s Music in the Park. Every summer, the last day of school is celebrated with a line up of local youth bands performing to an ecstatically bouncing crowd of their peers.