Galleries roll out the red carpet with special artist receptions, demonstrations and refreshments during monthly Salida Second Saturdays. Award-winning art in an unpretentious setting makes art approachable and gallery-hopping fun.
Jog, hike, bike or drive up aptly named Spiral Drive to the top of Salida’s S Mountain, aka Tenderfoot Mountain, aka Christmas Mountain USA, for panoramic views. From US 291 at the northwest edge of town, turn northeast on CR 175 across from the new hospital, then bear right where the road forks, then another right at the Spiral Drive sign and continue slowly upward.
Bird watching/feed the ducks at in-town lakes. In Salida, Sand and Frantz lakes bookend a multi-use riverside trail near the new hospital at the edge of town. At the only stoplight in Buena Vista, find McPhelemy Park. All three small lakes attract a diversity of birds, waterfowl and raptors.
The Town of Buena Vista hosts free concerts at Forest Square Park, Thursday nights at 7 throughout the summer. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs. On US 24 next to the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.Amateur to professional shutterbugs can find lots of great scenery and wildlife to capture on film and video. Of special interest: glittering blankets of pristine snow on a sun-soaked day in the backcountry; alpine wildflowers hit their peak in July; aspen leaves light the cobalt blue skyline with gold in September; plus wildlife sightings are plentiful, many times right from the car window.
5 Things to do when it rains
Conventional wisdom in Colorado says that if you don’t like the weather, wait 20 minutes. For those rare occasions when the rain or snow lasts a little longer, consider these indoor options.
Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Salida’s indoor municipal pool features geothermally heated water. One end is kept cooler for swimming and diving, the other end is hotter for a relaxing soak. On US 50 at Holman Ave. 719.539.6738 for rates and public hours.
Soak up a little local history by visiting the local history museums open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. The Salida Museum is next to the pool and Chamber of Commerce on US 50; Buena Vista Heritage Museum, including a model railroad museum, is in the former courthouse toward the east end of Main Street.
Salida’s Super Bowl Lanes on US 50 has been offering economical family fun for 45 years. Twelve lanes, rental equipment, snack bar and lounge. Open bowling Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 1 – 5 (later on Saturday); Glow Bowling Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 to Midnight.
Go rafting. Rafting is all about getting wet anyway and trips run rain or shine. Plus, raft companies offer wet suits that keep you dry and warm.
Shop. What better time to shop for souvenirs than a rainy day. Friendly shopkeepers in the walkable, historic downtown business districts of Salida and Buena Vista welcome visitors with great merchandise, clothes and local advice.
5 Pay to play pursuits
Built in 1926, Salida Golf Club is one of oldest courses in the state and offers the only driving range in 60 miles. Collegiate Peaks Golf Course, 1 mile west of the light in Buena Vista, offers up 3,059 yards of golf at drive-enhancing altitude. Both offer green fees that won’t break the bank and million dollar views of 14,000-foot peaks. Both courses are 9 holes that may be played as 18. The valley’s first regulation 18-hole golf course is scheduled to open the front nine in fall 2008 at Friend Ranch, 2 miles west of Poncha Springs on US 50.
Rocky Mountain Mini Golf, the area’s newest 18-hole miniature golf course, can be found on US 50 across from the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Mini golf and go carts are available at Royal Express, just west of the intersection of US 50 and 285 in Poncha Springs.
Take a guided jeep or ATV tour with one of the local pros. Rental jeeps or ATVs and all the necessary safety gear are also available. Most outfitters switch to snowmobile tours and rentals in the winter.
Horseback trail rides are a great way to explore the mountains. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Stables offers rides of varying durations for all abilities including pony rides for the smallest whippersnappers. For a different kind of backcountry experience, try a trip with the kid-friendly shaggy beasts at Spruce Ridge Llamas.
Experience the thrill of an action movie hero flying on six cable rides over 2,000 feet with Captain Zipline Adventure Tours. Open March to December. Rates, reservations and departures at the Country Bounty Restaurant on US 50 in Salida.
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