Salida has quietly become one of Colorado's premier mountain bike destinations. The Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) network on Methodist and S Mountain offers 50+ miles of cross-country singletrack ten minutes from downtown. Above town, the Monarch Crest Trail delivers one of the most famous high-alpine rides in America. You can ride out the door for a week without repeating a trail.
In-town singletrack
S Mountain (Tenderfoot) has 10+ miles of beginner-to-intermediate flow — Frontside, Backbone, and connector trails that work as a 1-2 hour after-work ride.
Methodist Mountain is the bigger network — 40+ miles ranging from beginner cross-country to technical descents. The Cottonwood Lake to Methodist Lake loop is the classic intermediate big day.
The Monarch Crest
The Monarch Crest Trail is a 35-mile high-alpine point-to-point starting at the top of Monarch Pass (11,312 ft), following the Continental Divide south, then descending the Rainbow Trail or Silver Creek back to the valley. Shuttle services in Salida and Poncha will deliver you to the top. Above-treeline exposure for the first 11 miles — expect wind, weather, and 12,000+ ft sustained elevation.
Local insider tips
- →Absolute Bikes downtown rents quality bikes and knows every trail.
- →Crest shuttles fill up — book the day before in summer.
- →Hydrate aggressively at altitude — even strong riders bonk above 11,000 ft.
- →Methodist Mountain trails dry out earliest — best spring riding.
- →Avoid muddy trails after spring melt — SMT does massive trail-building each year and asks riders to give wet trails time.
Frequently asked
Is the Monarch Crest hard?+
Yes — high altitude, long, exposed, with significant climbing on tired legs. Strong intermediate to advanced. Most riders allow 5–7 hours.
Where can I rent a mountain bike in Salida?+
Absolute Bikes downtown is the local standard. Subculture Cyclery is another solid option.
Last reviewed: May 2026