Salida, CO Road Trips

River running: The nearby Arkansas River has famous whitewater, and the Brown's Canyon section is a classic. If you're not equipped for a float or paddle, try one of the several outfitters in the region. (Advance reservations are a very good idea.) Four Corners/Buffalo Joe's Rafting, +1 866-283-3563 is a well-regarded outfitter; try also Arkansas Valley Expeditions, +1-800-833-7238. Several others are along US 24 on the way to Buena Vista and are listed in the Buena Vista article. Hot springs: There is a public bathhouse and hot-spring-fed pool on Rainbow Boulevard (main drag through town) that draws water from Poncha Spring near the town of the same name. The main pool is rather cool by hot-spring standards and is "family oriented," but there is also a smaller "therapeutic" pool with temperatures over 100 °F (38 °C), and private hot tubs are available for rental. FibArk Whitewater Festival (Father's Day Weekend, June), The Arkansas River/Riverside Park (From Hwy 50, turn towards town on F street, and continue to traffic light. Go past light, find place to park, walk to river.). Thursday -Sunday. Main events are Saturday, and also biggest crowds (they're happy though). Annually, this four day festival welcomes all generations to a great time and positive vibe.

Grimo's Italian Restaurant (Just south of jct. US 50 and US 285 in Poncha Springs), ☏ +1 719 539-2903. Tu-Sa 4-9PM. Despite its ill-chosen name, the conventional Italian fare is quite good.

Benson's Tavern, 128 N F St, ☏ +1 719 539-9391. Bar food and drinks draw a young crowd to this hang-out. Elevation Beer Company, 115 Pahlone Parkway, Poncha Springs, ☏ +1 719-539-5258, [email protected]. Elevation Beer Company is a Colorado microbrewery specializing in adventurous and seasonal barrel-aged beers for the craft beer fanatic. Summer Tasting Hours: M 3-8PM, We-F 3-8PM, Sa Su noon-8PM, closed Tuesdays - Brewery Tours: M-F 5PM, Sa Su 1, 3 & 5PM. Located at Pahlone Pkwy and CR-120 (one block north of US-50, also on the CR-120 bike path from Salida) in central Poncha Springs.

Best Western Colorado Lodge, 352 W. Rainbow Blvd, ☏ +1 719 539-2514. Holiday Inn Express, 7400 U.S. Hwy 50 West, ☏ +1 719 539-8500.

The Salida airport is for civil aviation and charter flights, and has no commercial service. The nearest airports with commercial service are in Pueblo and Colorado Springs some 100 miles to the east; Denver, slightly more distant, is a major air hub. Salida is on US 50, while Poncha Springs is on US 285. Both of these roads go over fairly high passes near town, to the west and south respectively; Poncha Pass on 285 is usually open through the winter except immediately after snowstorms, while higher Monarch Pass on 50 can take longer to re-open after it snows. Chains or 4WD are useful when driving in this area in the winter. Travel time from western metro Denver to Salida is approximately 2½ hours. To get the latest travel information visit the official website for Salida.