Salida, CO, has established itself as a favorite travel destination. Nestled deep within Colorado, this watersports town offers families, groups, and individual travelers an opportunity to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. The current COVID-19 pandemic shouldn’t prevent you from planning a trip to Salida. Local authorities encourage visitors to follow CDC guidelines to minimize COVID-19 exposure. Here are five ways of maintaining social distance when visiting Salida:
- Avoid overcrowded places
- Check a recreational facilities status before visiting
- Pack everything you need during excursions
- Avoid risky behavior
Things to Do in Salida
Tourists get lured to Salida by the wealth of fun activities that they can engage in. The city lies in the Arkansas Valley and is an ideal location for both relaxation and adventure. When visiting Salida, these are some of the fun and recreational activities that you can engage in:
Rafting on the Arkansas River
Salida is renowned for its world-class rafting facilities. The Arkansas River flows through the city, and for more than seven decades, Salida has hosted FIBArk. This is America’s longest-running water rafting competition. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation park offers more than 140 miles of natural playing ground for rafters, stand-up paddle boarders, and kayakers.
Mountain Biking on the Trails
If you’re a keen biker, you’ll love the rugged terrain in Salida. The city borders the Continental Divide of the Americas, which features plenty of trails where you can engage in mountain biking. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable road ride or a challenging descent in the mountain trails, there’s always something for you.
If you’re an experienced mountain biker, you can test your endurance on all-day high altitude singletrack. Guided biking trips are offered, but you can also customize a trip to fit your itinerary. Some of the popular mountain biking trails in Salida include:
- Monarch Crest to Silver Creek trail
- South Fooses Creek trail
- Rainbow trail
Fishing
The Arkansas River is not only filled with lots of challenging rapids but is also home to world-class fishing spots. Some sections of the river have up to 5,000 trout per mile. Considering that Salida offers over 70 miles of public access to the river, there are dozens of sites to launch your boat and catch plenty of fish.
Although fishing on the Arkansas River is more prevalent during summer, it’s an all-year-long activity. If you’re a fly fishing enthusiast, you have plenty of reasons to visit Salida. There are plenty of fishing outfitters and local fly shops where you can buy or rent fishing gear. Some of the shops offer guided trips, and updates on current conditions on the river. UpRiver Fly Fishing specializes in float and walk-wade trout fishing adventures and offers excursions suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Horseback Riding
There’s nothing quite like riding through beautiful mountain scenery on the back of a horse. If you’re interested in horseback riding adventures, head to Granite Mountain Outfitters. They’re located about a 20-minute drive southeast of our cabins. They offer a variety of rides, lasting from one hour to all-day trips.
Whether you’re very experienced with riding horses or this will mark your first time, the professionals at Granite Mountain will ensure that you’re matched with the perfect horse. For your trip, you’ll be taken along the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and treated to stunning views every step of the way.
ATV and Jeep Rentals & Tours
Experience the beauty of the backcountry by way of ATV. With All Seasons Rentals, you have the option to rent an ATV and explore on your own or take a guided tour. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy an amazing and exciting experience with plenty of beautiful scenery. If an ATV isn’t quite your style, why not explore the high country in a Jeep? Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals makes it easy for you to have a four-wheeling adventure in the Rocky Mountains with delivery options and pick-ups available at the Salida and Buena Vista airports. They also offer Rock Hounding Tours with the hosts of the TV show, Prospectors.
Why You Should Book Your Accommodation at a Dispersed Resort
The Coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly ground the tourism industry to a halt. In Colorado, stay-at-home orders and state regulations about essential businesses kept many resorts closed. Now that the resorts are gradually reopening and tourists are flocking to Salida, it’s best to book your stay at a facility that adheres to all CDC guidelines and allows you to maintain a safe distance with other guests.
To avoid crowds, look for dispersed resorts that offer naturally spread out rooms. At Creekside Chalet’s we have implemented, taken the BBB pledge, and have been safely welcoming guests since May 2020. Our private chalets with no shared facilities offer free wifi, fully equipped kitchens in each unit, and private patios and dining areas, all set in nature’s open air. These amenities make Creekside Chalets the perfect Dispersed Resort. While preparing for a day trip to Salida’s outdoors, it’s advisable to pick destinations that are closer to your accommodation.
Visiting distant spots makes you less prepared for unforeseen circumstances such as coming into contact or traveling with non-household members. From a traveling perspective, it’s best to organize private trips when visiting Salida. This way, you won’t expose yourself to groups of people who might be infected. Road trips offer you an affordable, flexible, and assessable mode of transport. Nevertheless, you should still maintain social distancing during stops along the way.
Are you planning a thrill-seeking trip to Salida? Book your accommodation at Creekside Chalets & Cabins to savor the fun and recreational activities on offer all year long. The facility is eco-friendly, pet friendly, and provides room for social distancing.