Salida
Visiting Tips
The trails in the Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain trail systems are ride-able almost year round due to the arid climate and the Salida "bubble".
The Monarch Crest and other high country trails (Colorado Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Rainbow Trail, Canyon Creek) are usually snowed in until mid-summer. Be prepared for afternoon storms when riding those alpine trails.
Free camping on BLM or Forest Service land starts 15-30 minutes away from the city of Salida. Please leave your spot cleaner than when you arrived. Salida is starting to feel the pressure of short & long-term visitors.
Food & Drink
Pizza and Local Brews: Amicas, Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub
Caffeine or decaf; Café Dawn.
AM and PM Burritos: Mo Burrito!
Pizza (and local brews): Amicas and Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub.
Killer sandwiches: Sweeties.
Beer: Soulcraft Brewing, with food container.
Post-ride river watching: Boathouse Cantina or Seasons Café.
Life music; Bensons or the Vic.
Recommended Routes in Salida - 14
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Recommended Routes
![View of S Mountain from North Backbone.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095199_smallMed_1713210531.jpg?cache=1725104732)
North Backbone Out-and-Back
6.2 mi 10.1 km • 458' Up 139.52 m Up • 457' Down 139.41 m Down
![Climbing the Frontside Trail.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095203_smallMed_1713213712.jpg?cache=1725104732)
S-Mountain via Frontside
3.4 mi 5.5 km • 496' Up 151.04 m Up • 495' Down 151 m Down
![View from the top of S-Mountain.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095201_smallMed_1713213612.jpg?cache=1725104732)
S-Mountain via Backside
2.0 mi 3.2 km • 492' Up 150.05 m Up • 492' Down 149.99 m Down
![Climbing the Frontside Trail.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095203_smallMed_1713213712.jpg?cache=1725104732)
Sand Dunes - Pano Loop
3.9 mi 6.3 km • 924' Up 281.56 m Up • 924' Down 281.5 m Down
![Climbing the Frontside Trail.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095203_smallMed_1713213712.jpg?cache=1725104732)
Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint
12.2 mi 19.6 km • 1,836' Up 559.67 m Up • 1,836' Down 559.66 m Down
![Views of the Sawatch Range from Double Rainbow.](https://hikingproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7095509_smallMed_1716478994.jpg?cache=1725104742)
Double Rainbow - Pot-O-Gold Out-and-Back
11.9 mi 19.2 km • 1,510' Up 460.25 m Up • 1,510' Down 460.21 m Down
Trails in Salida - 64
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
2.7
mi
4.4
km
#1Beasway Trail
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
2
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0.8
mi
1.3
km
#2Tenderfoot
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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2.2
mi
3.6
km
#3Rumba Trail
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.3
mi
0.6
km
#4Poblano
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.7
mi
1.2
km
#5Prospector Trail
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.2
mi
0.3
km
#6Sgt Pepper
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.8
mi
1.4
km
#7Pano Trail
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.4
mi
0.7
km
#8Labyrinth
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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0.7
mi
1.1
km
#9Backside
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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1.4
mi
2.3
km
#10Spartan West
Salida, CO
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Salida, CO |
1
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Photos of Salida - 30
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos