“Heart of the Rockies”
Salida is known as the “Heart of the Rockies” for good reason. Located at the southern end of the Arkansas Valley, three different mountain ranges converge where the Arkansas River makes its turn to the east and its eventual meeting with the Mississippi. The very northern part of the Sangre De Cristos ends at the southern edge of town with Methodist Mountain. The Southern end of the Mosquito range terminates in some smaller peaks on the east side of the river behind “S” Mountain known as the Arkansas Hills and the 14,000-foot peaks of Mt. Antero and Mt. Shavano of the Sawatch range rise to the west.
All the surrounding mountains moderate the climate – giving rise to the term “Banana Belt” to describe the area. Average highs of the mid-forties in the winter are warmer than one would expect. Summer-time average highs in July reach the mid-eighties. Night time lows range from teens in the dead of winter to about fifty in July. Sitting in the rain shadow of the surrounding mountains keeps the climate arid as annual precipitation is under ten inches. July and August are the wettest due to the annual monsoon in Colorado. Total snowfall for the winter averages about 40 inches, mostly occurring during a few big spring storms. Salida enjoys close to 300 sunny days a year.
What to do in Salida
The moderate climate, the river, and the mountain ranges provide for year-round outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding – the opportunities are endless.
In addition to the outstanding outdoor activities, the town of Salida has great shops and dining. The downtown area was one of the first creative districts created in Colorado. Dozens of artists have galleries in the downtown area using media ranging from watercolors to metal working. Add to those numerous other boutiques and a few resale shops and you can easily spend a full day going from shop to shop.
Dining options are also numerous, both along Highway 50 and throughout the downtown area. You can dine more formally or “mountain casual” which is, in summer, shorts, sandals, and a tee shirt. In winter you often see people out in their ski clothing from their day on the slopes. Several restaurants are right on the banks of the Arkansas River, which provides excellent scenery. While it is easy to focus on the downtown area, several excellent restaurants are along Highway 50 as well. The Salida area also is home to several breweries, a winery, and a craft distillery. There is also a weekly farmers market that sets up in Alpine Park during the warmer months.
Salida Arts and Festivals
Performing and arts and music also are important to the culture of Salida. The Steam Plant is a renovated electric utility building from the 1880’s that hosts numerous concerts, dances, and other events year round. (It is even available for weddings.) Several local restaurants and bars have live music on a regular basis. In addition, there are weekly outdoor concerts during the summer at the Riverside Park amphitheater.
Salida holds a variety of annual events and festivals, a rodeo, holiday parades and art fairs, and there is always something happening in Salida. The bigger events are FIBARK (First in Boating the Arkansas), Colorado Brewers Rendezvous, Fiber Fest, Wine Fest, Shedfest and the Salida Bike Festival. In addition, there are numerous other smaller events and art fairs.