Salida Mountain Bike Vacation

Salida, CO is one of those special places left in the world: authentic small-town charm, legit big mountain fun, set picturesquely on the mighty Arkansas River with adventure waiting at every turn.

Whether you’re here to enjoy the Monarch Crest Trail, Canyon Creek or the 30+ miles of local trails adjacent to downtown, Salida, Colorado, has you covered. And either way, you ride, you end up near an award-winning brewery, epic pizzerias, coffee shops to pick you up for another round and stellar bike shops to keep your gear moving. Plus, the river play park, located right downtown, is a great way to cool off after a long ride, perfectly located just behind a great bike shop and restaurant! Salida, CO is a family friendly vacation destination with a welcoming local scene.

Local Tip: with growing popularity, some visitors mistakenly shy away from local trails to avoid traffic; lucky for everyone, that is rarely an issue and often, you’ll make friends with the locals who’ll give you the honest low-down on food and nightlife.

Come explore each section to learn about the best trails, lodging, rentals, and restaurants to explore during your mountain bike vacation in Salida.

Hundreds of miles of trail, both local and alpine
Home to: Elevation Beer Company, Vino Salida Winery and Woods High Mountain Distillery
Camping available near town (no in-town camping allowed)
Stellar food scene, everything from burgers to pho, pizza to farm fresh salads
Local Farmers Market every Saturday in Alpine Park, downtown

Salida Mountain Bike Vacation

Trails

Salida Mountain Trails

Type: Singletrack
Location: Just outside of town
Address: 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 ›

Review five star rating

Lodging

The Woodland Motel

Type: Motel
Location: West of downtown Salida
Address: 903 W. 1st St, Salida CO 81201
Contact: 719 539 4980

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 ›

Review four star rating

The Simple Lodge and Hostel

Type: Hostel
Location: Downtown Salida
Address: 224 E. 1st St, Salida CO 81201
Contact: 719 650 7381

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 ›

Review five star rating

Vacation Rentals: Valley-wide

Type: Vacation Rental
Location: Salida to Beuna Vista
Address: Property Specific
Contact: 800 539 0133

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 ›

Review five star rating

Food & Drinks

Please check back for suggestions about food--drinks.

Coffee

Please check back for suggestions about coffee.

Rentals

Camping

Heart of the Rockies RV & Tent Campground

Type: RV & Tent Campground
Location: 10 miles west of Salida
Address: 16105 W Hwy 50 (Rainbow Blvd), Salida, CO 81201
Contact: 719 539 4051

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 ›

Review five star rating

Bear Creek and the Rainbow Trail, aka County Road 101

Type: Dispersed Camping
Location: County Road 101
Address: County Road 101 past the cattle guard

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 ›

Review four star rating

Cottonwood Trailhead

Type: Dispersed Camping
Location: Cottonwood Trailhead
Address: County Road 173 to left turn on County Road 181 to 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 ›

Review three star rating

Shops

Yolo Clothing

Type: Clothing
Location: Downtown Salida
Address: 100 F St, Salida CO 81201
Contact: 719 539 2150

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 ›

Review four star rating

Sunshine Market

Type: Health Food Store
Location: Downtown Salida
Address: 211 N. F St., Salida CO 81201
Contact: 719 539 7735

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 ›

Review four star rating

Saturday Farmers Market

Type: Farmers Market
Location: Downtown Salida
Address: Alpine Park between 4th and 5th Streets and F and E Streets in downtown Salida.

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 ›

Review five star rating

Tours & Guides

Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center

Type: Guided Mountain Biking
Location: Salida
Address: 14825 HWY 285, Salida CO 81201
Contact: 719 539 2420

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 ›

Review four star rating