The Arkansas River Valley is one of the densest outdoor playgrounds in Colorado: Gold Medal water, Class III–V whitewater, fifteen 14ers within an hour, IMBA singletrack, three hot springs, and Monarch Pass on the doorstep.
Pick your adventure
Whitewater Rafting
Browns Canyon, the Numbers, the Royal Gorge — Salida is the rafting capital of Colorado.
Explore
Hiking & 14ers
From riverside walks to Mt. Princeton — every level, every season.
Explore
Mountain Biking
Methodist Mountain, Salida Mountain Trails, the legendary Monarch Crest.
Explore
Fly Fishing
45 miles of Gold Medal water on the Upper Arkansas.
Explore
Hot Springs
Mt. Princeton, Cottonwood, Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.
Explore
Rock Climbing
Granite at Brown's Canyon, Penitente, Shelf Road and more.
ExploreLocal insider tips
- →River flows peak mid-May to early July — book guided trips early for Browns Canyon.
- →Monsoon thunderstorms roll in by 1–2 pm in summer. Start 14ers before dawn.
- →Free hot springs aren't a thing in this valley — all three are commercial. Mt. Princeton is the dramatic one, Cottonwood is the soaking one.
Frequently asked
When is rafting season in Salida?+
Mid-May through August. Big water is mid-May to early July; family-friendly flows are mid-July through August.
What 14ers are closest to Salida?+
Mt. Shavano, Tabeguache, Mt. Antero, Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale are all within roughly an hour drive.