Lichen speckled rock outcroppings! Go on, say it aloud for poetic effect. Lichens abound in these high desert...
Arkansas River
Northern Lights over S-Mountain in Salida, CO
Did you all get a chance to see Tenderfoot Mountain (S Mountain) awash in the Northern Lights? It was spectacular! Big thanks to StayinSalida guest Timothy Dwenger for providing these gorgeous shots of it!
Moose on the Loose in Downtown Salida
This juvenile moose created quite a stir last week when he pranced into downtown Salida, briefly chased some fool who tried to approach him, and then slipped into the Arkansas River for a quick dip before moseying out of town into the Arkansas hills.
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.
Salida Firefighters in Action!
The Salida Fire Department responded to two emergencies Friday, May 10th: a swift water rescue on the Arkansas River, and a traffic accident on U.S. 50. They handled both simultaneously. In this picture, they are training future firefighters for swift water rescues amid the rushing spring run-off in downtown Salida.
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!
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.
Day of the Dead, Salida-Style
Salida’s Dia de Los Muertos procession ended at the F street bridge where folks were invited to throw ashes and flower petals into the river in memory of their loved ones.
Fall colors in Salida and thereabouts…
Aspens up high are just starting to turn and should peak this weekend-ish. In the meantime, enjoy the gorgeous yellow blossoming of the chamisa, also known as gray rabbitbrush. Just love how it makes this graffiti along the South Ark pop!
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.
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!
Music by the River, Anyone?
Just 7 miles upstream from Salida, The Drift in serves delicious cocktails, tacos, nachos, jokes at the bar, music on the stage…they’ve really got it all! Ride your bike out or float in. However you get here, you’re gonna have a blast and no doubt run into some of your local pals.