Itineraries, seasonal advice, scenic drives, hidden gems — the long-form guides we send to friends who are coming to visit.
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Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Two days. Rafting, hot springs, brewery dinner, sunrise hike.
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Summer Guide
Peak season strategy — when to raft, what to skip, where to escape the heat.
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Winter Guide
Monarch powder days, Nordic skiing, hot-spring soaks, quiet downtown.
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Fall Colors
Cottonwood Pass, Aspen Ridge, Independence Pass — peak weeks and routes.
ExploreScenic Drives
Five drives worth the gas, from 20 minutes to a full day.
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Where Locals Drink Coffee
Howl, Cafe Dawn, Bongo Billy's — and how to pick.
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Hidden Gems Tourists Miss
The drives, soaks and viewpoints we don't put on Instagram.
ExploreFrequently asked
When is the best time to visit Salida?+
June through early October is the prime window. July and August are peak. September is locals' favorite — warm days, cool nights, fewer people, early aspen color.