About Salida, Colorado
Salida is nestled at the foot of the scenic Central Colorado Rockies on the western bank of the Arkansas River at an elevation of 7,038 feet. U.S. Highways 24, 50 and 285 meet near this historic railroad town making it the “Crossroads of the Rockies”. Downtown Salida is on the National Register of Historic Places and is Colorado’s largest historic district. Because of the cool, comfortable summers and relatively mild winters, the area around Salida is called the “banana belt” of Colorado.
Salida Golf Club distance from Colorado airports:
- Less than a 3-hour drive from Denver International Airport
- 2-hour drive from Colorado Springs Airport
- 2-hour drive from Pueblo Memorial Airport
- 4 miles from Salida Airport at Harriet Alexander Field (private & charter)
Salida was first established in the 1800s as a stagecoach stop and later as a stop over for travelers on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Downtown Salida is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has the finest collection of historically significant buildings in the state and is Colorado’s largest historic district. A walking tour of the downtown Salida district will bring this history to life. Named “Best Arts Community” in the West by Sunset Magazine, visitors to Salida’s historic downtown district will find a wide array of galleries exhibiting the stimulating works of local artists, sculptors, jewelers, potters, and goldsmiths. Many of these galleries are working studios and are housed in historically significant buildings. Gallery hopping is a great way to spend an afternoon in historic downtown Salida. Check out Salida’s First Fridays art events around town!
Salida is the home of the legendary FIBArk (First In Boating The Arkansas) Festival. This four-day festival held each year in mid-June is the venue for the oldest down river race in America. FIBArk draws whitewater raft, canoe, and kayak racers from around the world. This event includes North America’s longest kayak race (26 miles) and a whitewater rodeo event where the only qualification is that the craft you race cant be a boat. The festival includes a full range of activities for spectators including live entertainment.
Looking for more information about Salida? Below are some popular links:
- Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce “First Timer’s Guide” to Salida, Colorado
- Colorful Colorado’s Explore Historic Salida guide
- Colorful Colorado’s Visitors Guide PDF
- Salida Mountain Trails website
- Salida-area Parks, Open-space & Trails (SPOT)
- Salida Restaurants
- Salida Lodging