We are so excited to celebrate with you! Salida is one of our favorite places, sitting at 7,000 feet and surrounded by the beautiful Sawatch Mountain Range.

This weekend also happens to be the local "Fibark" Whitewater Festival. Downtown Salida is an absolute party this weekend. Check out the schedule here. And be nice to the river rats (Caroline used to be one) !!

To help you make the most of your trip, here are some of our local favorites.

☕ Coffee & Breakfast

Howl Coffee: Quick coffee inside a cool mercantile shop.

The Biker and the Baker: A local favorite for a reason. Incredible pastries, fresh sourdough, and the "Biker Bennie." Plus a patio with mountain views.

Brown Dog Coffee: A classic mountain coffee house. For a quick coffee or breakfast burrito.

Shavano: Farm to Table breakfast or brunch!

🍔 Lunch & Casual Dinner Eats

Highside! Bar & Grill: Our favorite spot! Right on the river, their smash burgers and chicken sandwich are the best!

Benson’s Tavern & Beer Garden: A classic downtown hangout with a fantastic outdoor beer garden.

Sweetie's Sandwich Shop: High-quality, creative sandwiches. Perfect for grabbing a picnic and eating by the river.

🍽️Nicer Dinner

Shavano: Voted best restaurant in Salida in 2025. Make reservations for groups 6 or more!

Lago Trattoria: New Italian restaurant. Sister restaurant of Shavano. Have heard great things!

🍦 Sweet Treats

The Pharmacy (Salida Pharmacy & Fountain): Our favorite ice cream / shake spot. Get the S'mores Sundae!

🍻 Local Brews

Tres Litros Beer Co: Just off the main drag, this brewery specializes in easy-drinking lagers and IPAs—perfect after a day on the river.

Whitewater Rafting: June is peak whitewater season! Enjoy Class III & IV rapids in Browns Canyon. We recommend booking with River Runners or American Adventure Expeditions. Just a 20 minute drive from town. We recommend the morning trips!

Fishing: The Arkansas River is known for some of Colorado’s best fishing! These two shops in Salida offer various guided fishing options to choose from, ArkAnglers and The Next Eddy.

Hot Springs: Relax and check out the Mount Princeton Hot Springs just a 25 minute drive from Salida.

Running: Want to test your altitude lungs? The FIBArk Festival offers a 5k and 10k road race on Saturday morning June 20th. Sign up here.

Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway: Located about 20 minutes west of town, this tram takes you up to 12,000 feet for panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Website here.

Hiking the "S" Mountain (Tenderfoot Mountain): You can’t miss the giant "S" on the hill. Enjoy a chill hike right from town up S Mountain. Route

Mountain Biking: Salida has some of our favorite trails. If you're feeling up to it, rent a mountain bike in town and hit the S Mountain Trails! Text us for our favorite trails ;)

Shopping: Stroll around downtown Salida and check out all the great shops the town has to offer.

Other Hikes:

HARD: Want to hike a Colorado "14er"? AKA a mountain over 14,000 feet. Try Mt. Shavano. A 10 mile, strenuous trek. But one to check off the bucket list! Start EARLY (by 7am), bring lots of food and water. 45 minute drive from town. Need 4wd to access. Route

MODERATE: Browns Creek Falls. 30 minute drive from town. 5.8 mile hike with a bit of everything. From waterfalls to aspen groves. Route

EASY: Narrow Gauge Trail. 30 minute drive from town. 4.4 mile hike through a beautiful valley surrounded by 14,000 foot mountains. Route