Salida Mountain Bike Vacation
Trails
Monarch Crest Trail
The Monarch Crest trail is, without a doubt, one of the most desirable mountain bike rides in the state, maybe the country; with consistent top rankings and admiration, the Monarch Crest Trail delivers incredible high altitude single track with lots of long downhill options, descending thousands of feet back to Salida.
To begin this ride, shuttle from Salida at 7,000 feet up to Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet – remember, the high elevation gives you the awesome views and photo ops! Most days, you can see six distinct mountain ranges as we ride: Pikes Peak and the Mosquito Range to the east; the Sangre de Cristos to the southeast; the San Juan Mountains to the southwest; the Uncompahgre Plateau to west; the Elk Mountains to the northwest; and the Sawatch Range to the north.
One of the greatest aspects of the Monarch Crest Trail are the options. As we see it, there are routes for intermediates to experts –everything from an out-and-back adventure along the highest, above-treeline section of the trail to longer rides that continue out and down the glorious ribbons of singletrack that spill from the Crest. These options include:
South Fooses Creek trail, for those looking to experience the Monarch
Crest but are pinched for time. This trail lands you back on HWY 50
where you can easily coast back to Poncha Springs.
Greens Creek trail (experts only!), for those looking for a long descent
with rugged drops, epic lines and lots of hooting and hollering.
Agate Creek, for those who parked or arranged a ride from the Gunnison side of Monarch Pass, Agate Creek offers almost 10 miles of descending, marked with amazing lines, epic beauty and at least four creek crossings.
Marshal Pass Road (passenger vehicle road), for those who want the views but not the technical descending the singletrack offers, Marshall Pass Road is a great option.
Poncha Creek (ATV road), not recommended, as it is rugged and littered with ATV expeditions.
Starvation Creek, one of the highest recommended descents as it gives you great technical riding and beautiful views and ends on a road that lets you catch your breath and regroup before the HWY 285 descent to Poncha Springs.
Silver Creek (to Rainbow Trail/Meers Junction, or to Silver Creek Road), for those looking for the classic Monarch Crest experience. This route offers even more singletrack and with that, a bit more climbing, but gives you the glory of completing the classic route.
Salida Mountain Trails
The Salida Mountain Trail (SMT) system is a stacked loop design, built entirely by local volunteers, with the more challenging trails higher in altitude and farther out from the... Read More ›
Salida Mountain Trails
The Salida Mountain Trail (SMT) system is a stacked loop design, built entirely by local volunteers, with the more challenging trails higher in altitude and farther out from the trailheads. Don’t let the proximity to town fool you, there are some double black diamond trails for those who enjoy a no-fall zone. That being said, from any SMT ride, you are rewarded with stunning views of both the Continental Divide’s 14,000 foot peaks as well as the majestic Sangre de Cristo range.
Access to SMT is super simple: from anywhere in town, look towards the small mountain with the S; head toward that S; cross the F Street Bridge and veer to the right once through the parking area, from there you can access both Front Side Trail and County Road 173, which both lead you to a kiosk with a trail map and let the adventures begin.
Recommended route for a quickie: Front Side to Lil Rattler to Backbone to Sanddunes.
Recommended route for a ride with length: County Road 175 to North Backbone to Backbone to Sweet Dreams.
Recommended route for a long day: Front Side to North Backbone to County Road 175 (turn right) to Salsa to Rumba to Cottonwood to Sweet Dreams.
Nearly every SMT route lands you back in Salida, on the Arkansas River and near cocktails and grub. You can thank us later.
Lodging
The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel, a boutique hotel with historic elegance and a perfect location, bike storage available, continental breakfast included with every room, locally owned and operated, recently renovated to historic standards, an excellent option for riders looking for a luxury vacation. Not kid or pet friendly.
The Woodland Motel
The Woodland Motel, a longtime establishment in Salida, is quaint, tidy and has a great location, pet and kid friendly, with easy parking options and access to new town trails that roll... Read More ›
The Woodland Motel
The Woodland Motel, a longtime establishment in Salida, is quaint, tidy and has a great location, pet and kid friendly, with easy parking options and access to new town trails that roll along the riverside, easily the cleanest and most affordable place to stay on a budget.
The Simple Lodge and Hostel
The Simple Lodge and Hostel, was created by a fellow cycling enthusiast nearly a decade ago and has since flourished into a staple for mountain bikers, Tour Dividers and passer bys... Read More ›
The Simple Lodge and Hostel
The Simple Lodge and Hostel, was created by a fellow cycling enthusiast nearly a decade ago and has since flourished into a staple for mountain bikers, Tour Dividers and passer bys alike, with exceptionally comfortable beds, a fun and social atmosphere, with kitchen access to boot, bike storage available, kid and pet friendly, great location with easy access to downtown and trails.
Vacation Rentals: Valley-wide
Colorado Mountain Vacations, longtime residents of Salida and Colorado, Pam and Steve have some of the best vacation rental properties in the Valley, with a very user friendly website,... Read More ›
Vacation Rentals: Valley-wide
Colorado Mountain Vacations, longtime residents of Salida and Colorado, Pam and Steve have some of the best vacation rental properties in the Valley, with a very user friendly website, you can select the house by size (one bedroom, two bedroom, etc) or location (Salida, neighboring Buena Vista, etc), bike storage available, pets negotiable and always kid friendly, available nightly, weekly and monthly.
Food
Cafe Dawn
Café Dawn, ridiculously good coffee and small breakfast offerings, great patio, definitely a locals spot that has been discovered.
Little Red Hen
Little Red Hen, breakfast and lunch, fresh baked goodness every day, they sell out early so be there early, you won’t regret it.
Sit down or to-go, limited menu, indoor and patio... Read More ›
Little Red Hen
Little Red Hen, breakfast and lunch, fresh baked goodness every day, they sell out early so be there early, you won’t regret it.
Sit down or to-go, limited menu, indoor and patio seating
The Fritz
The Fritz, lunch and dinner, small plates and big burgers, must get the Truffle Fries!, great craft cocktails and excellent selection of beer, bike parking... Read More ›
The Fritz
The Fritz, lunch and dinner, small plates and big burgers, must get the Truffle Fries!, great craft cocktails and excellent selection of beer, bike parking available.
Amicas Pizza
Amicas Pizza, lunch and dinner, wood fired brick oven pizza with local ingredients and a conscience, crazy good salads, use the homemade spicy oil on everything!
Sit down or to-go,... Read More ›
Amicas Pizza
Amicas Pizza, lunch and dinner, wood fired brick oven pizza with local ingredients and a conscience, crazy good salads, use the homemade spicy oil on everything!
Sit down or to-go, indoor seating only, almost always a wait and always worth it.
Little Cambodia
Little Cambodia, lunch and dinner, fresh and flavorful Cambodian and Thai food, daily specials, part of the Victoria Bar so you can get cocktails.
Sit down or to-go, indoor and... Read More ›
Little Cambodia
Little Cambodia, lunch and dinner, fresh and flavorful Cambodian and Thai food, daily specials, part of the Victoria Bar so you can get cocktails.
Sit down or to-go, indoor and patio
Drinks
Elevation Beer Company
Elevation Beer Company, tap room, tasting room, tours, food truck; happens to be on the route back to Salida from the Monarch Crest Ride, amazingly good beers.
Woods High Mountain Distillery
Woods High Mountain Distillery, tasting room and bar, craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, often offer live music and events; be warned: drink here the day of the ride, not the... Read More ›
Woods High Mountain Distillery
Woods High Mountain Distillery, tasting room and bar, craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, often offer live music and events; be warned: drink here the day of the ride, not the night before! Delicious cocktails, housemade whiskey and gin.
HubBub Brewery
HubBub Brewery, a brand new brewery with decades of experience, everyone in town is excited about the evolution of HubBub... Read More ›
HubBub Brewery
HubBub Brewery, a brand new brewery with decades of experience, everyone in town is excited about the evolution of HubBub Brewing!
Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden
Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden, bar with food, one of the best hangouts in town, Bensons is in the heart of downtown with a sunny patio, lots of live music and an airstream... Read More ›
Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden
Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden, bar with food, one of the best hangouts in town, Bensons is in the heart of downtown with a sunny patio, lots of live music and an airstream trailer to boot.
Rentals
Absolute Bikes
Absolute Bikes, full service bike shop, huge selection of rentals (townies to full suspension carbon), excellent reputation for rentals and guided rides and mechanics. They also have a comprehensive website full of information on Salida area rides and trails.
Camping
Salida East
Salida East, beautiful camping along the Arkansas River, just east of Salida on HWY 50, easy access to Bear Creek or the Rainbow Trail and all Salida Mountain Trails. Car, tent and rv campsites.
Heart of the Rockies RV & Tent Campground
Heart of the Rockies RV & Tent Campground, a RV park with 45 sites and 25 tent sites. Great amenities include free wireless internet, community room, convenience store, playground,... Read More ›
Heart of the Rockies RV & Tent Campground
Heart of the Rockies RV & Tent Campground, a RV park with 45 sites and 25 tent sites. Great amenities include free wireless internet, community room, convenience store, playground, laundry, restrooms, hot showers. It is 10 miles west of Salida with beautiful views; plan to drive to trailheads and riding destinations.
Bear Creek and the Rainbow Trail, aka County Road 101
Bear Creek and the Rainbow Trail (aka County Road 101) is not only stellar riding but it’s also Forest Service property so there is dispersed camping throughout County... Read More ›
Bear Creek and the Rainbow Trail, aka County Road 101
Bear Creek and the Rainbow Trail (aka County Road 101) is not only stellar riding but it’s also Forest Service property so there is dispersed camping throughout County Road 101 past the cattle guard. No amenities but does have a mellow flowing creek, amazing views and near perfect access to stellar singletrack.
Take Highway 50 east out of Salida, right turn on County Road 101 to dispersed camping beyond the cattle guard.
Cottonwood Trailhead
Cottonwood Trailhead, tent/dispersed camping at Cottonwood trailhead is only ideal if you have a shuttle in place to bring you home as you are camping at the beginning of an awesome,... Read More ›
Cottonwood Trailhead
Cottonwood Trailhead, tent/dispersed camping at Cottonwood trailhead is only ideal if you have a shuttle in place to bring you home as you are camping at the beginning of an awesome, flowy fun descent 7 miles to Salida.
http://salidamountaintrails.org/arkansas-hills-trail-system/
Shops
Salida Mountain Sports
Salida Mountain Sports has camping gear, hiking information, and a great staff to help you find your way around the area, including 14’ers and rock climbing. With everything from functional to fashionable apparel, Salida Mountain Sports is a great spot to stop and shop in historic downtown Salida.
Yolo Clothing
Yolo Clothing is owned by one of the most epic mountain bike chicks to ever step foot in Salida who just so happens to be chic, fashionable and fun, this is an amazing place to shop... Read More ›
Yolo Clothing
Yolo Clothing is owned by one of the most epic mountain bike chicks to ever step foot in Salida who just so happens to be chic, fashionable and fun, this is an amazing place to shop while in Salida, cute and chic clothing, gifts and a stellar sock collection, stop by for a gift or for yourself.
Sunshine Market
Sunshine Market, is a locally-owned natural apothecary and health food store, conveniently located downtown, with everything from raw ride food to refreshing bottled drinks and... Read More ›
Sunshine Market
Sunshine Market, is a locally-owned natural apothecary and health food store, conveniently located downtown, with everything from raw ride food to refreshing bottled drinks and teas.
Saturday Farmers Market
Saturday Farmers Market, 9am – 1pm, highlights Salida’s local food scene, with a variety of fresh, delicious locally grown and crafted vegetables, fruits, baked goods,... Read More ›
Saturday Farmers Market
Saturday Farmers Market, 9am – 1pm, highlights Salida’s local food scene, with a variety of fresh, delicious locally grown and crafted vegetables, fruits, baked goods, coffees and other products made by local artisans and craftspeople, always promoting sustainability and wellness for central Coloradans.
Alpine Park between 4th and 5th Streets and F and E Streets in downtown Salida.
Tours & Guides
Absolute Bikes
Absolute Bikes is not only the only guiding game in town, they have over 75 years combined experience guiding in and around Salida. They offer a sense of security and support on big rides, like the Monarch Crest trail, and are generally helpful and stoked on all rides, which include everything from Town Tours to Aspen Ridge and the Monarch Crest Trail. Absolute Bikes also teams up with American Adventure Expeditions to offer dual sport guided days.
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, located between Salida and Buena Vista, offers guided mountain biking adventures in and around the area, including Adventure Weekends with rock climbing,... Read More ›
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, located between Salida and Buena Vista, offers guided mountain biking adventures in and around the area, including Adventure Weekends with rock climbing, rafting and kayaking options.