For so many of us, summer in Colorado means hitting the trail, whether it’s on a day hike, backpacking adventure or mountain bike ride. Getting into the high country is not only beautiful, it’s also a great way to beat the heat of cities and lower elevations. The trail systems that run across our state also create opportunities for those looking for long, extended backcountry treks.
Salida, Colorado is known as the “Heart of the Rockies” for a reason. Its central location within the Rocky Mountain State puts this beautiful town in the middle of it all. The nearby Sawatch Range is home to more 14ers than any other range in the continental U.S. and it’s a mecca for trail hounds.
Within a few miles of town, you’ll find the Monarch Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail. These trail systems bring hikers, trekkers and bikers from all over the world. The beauty, challenge and history of the terrain has made them well-known and well-loved.
The Creekside Chalets’ location could not be more perfect–we’re literally at the center of the action. The Monarch Crest Trail begins minutes up the road from our cabins. You’ll find any kind of trail you’d like to explore within a few miles of our 10 acre property.
The Monarch Crest Trail
Monarch Crest Trail is 35 miles long and begins at 11,312 feet. The altitude can make this a difficult trail, but it also makes it a great spot during high summer when days are long and hot. You can expect to find a mix of singletrack and rocky sections, with beautiful alpine meadows and some forested areas. The high altitude also means great views–throughout the length of the trail you’ll find views of the Sawatch Range, San Juan Mountains, and the Gunnison National Forest.
Many of the people enjoying the Crest trail in the summer and fall are mountain biking. It’s considered one of the best biking trails in the state and has a strong cult following. If you’re an experienced biker, it’s a great trail to check off your list. Just make sure you get your information, like these local tips, and perhaps even look into a shuttle service like this one from the High Valley Center in Poncha Springs.
If you’re day hiking and have your sights set on seeing the whole trail, start early. According to All Trails, this will take about 13.5 hours to complete! However, this isn’t the only way to enjoy The Crest Trail. It begins right at the top of Monarch Pass and many hikers choose to hike out and back, following the trail for as long as they’d like and then returning to their car.
If you love the idea of big views but aren’t interested in hiking long distances, Monarch Mountain at The Crest’s historic gondola could be the perfect in between. This charming tramway takes riders up to a small viewing area. From the 360 degree view, you’ll see down into the San Luis Valley, over into the Gunnison Valley and as far as the San Juan mountains and Pikes Peak. At the base of the gondola the main building has a food truck, ice cream and a great visitors area and gift shop.
The Continental Divide Trail in Chaffee County
The Monarch Crest is actually a segment of the Continental Divide Trail. The CDT is a “bucket list” type of hiking experience, something many thru-hikers set as a lifetime goal. It’s approximately 3,100 miles long and runs through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. It begins on the Canadian border in Glacier National Park, Montana, and ends at the Mexican border at Crazy Cook Monument in New Mexico.
Many hikers who set their sights on conquering the entire CDT will start from the south in early spring, heading north as the weather warms up. It’s very common to meet hikers in Salida and Chaffee County in the late spring and early summer who are attempting the entire trail.
The Colorado Trail near Salida
The CDT isn’t the only long trail system that runs right through Chaffee County. The Colorado Trail is incredibly popular with hikers and sees a lot of action in mid-summer. The Colorado trail begins at Waterton Canyon near Denver and ends in Durango in southwestern Colorado, approximately 567 miles. Hikers who attempt the whole trail are rewarded with a variety of landscapes, from plains and forests to high alpine valleys.
Salida is a very popular resupply town for hikers of the Colorado Trail. It’s almost exactly halfway, and many trekkers take this as an opportunity to stop and rest, spending a day or two back in civilization. If you see someone in town sporting a big pack and looking a little scruffy, chances are they’ve been out on the trail. (They probably deserve a big high five!)
At Creekside Chalets, we love hosting trail hikers of both the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail, either with their hiking companions or as a meet-up with friends and family. Spending a night in our cabins, soaking in the hot tub and cooking a meal with loved ones in a real kitchen is a special treat! Our location on Monarch Pass couldn’t be any better. We’re one of the best places to stay the night when you’re thru hiking the Colorado Trail or CDT.
Day Hikes Near Salida, Colorado
Thru hiking is well and good, but many of us just want a beautiful walk in the woods and to sleep in a comfy bed! If you’re looking for a lovely day on the trail, there are more day hikes in and around Salida than you could possibly explore in one summer, let alone one vacation.
Consider this overview of six of the best hikes in and around Salida. These gems will get you out into some of the most beautiful places in our area. If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, you can try out a 14er summit hike or even a 13er summit hike. Both offer stunning views for fit hikers looking for a challenge.
Whether your summer aspirations include trekking hundreds of miles or just strolling by the creek before you soak in the hot tub, Creekside Chalets is a comfy cozy landing pad for you and your crew. Even just walking our aspen lined property and hearing the sounds of the water rushing by will make you glad you stopped in for a sparkling summer adventure.