Salida

Salida is a bike town through and through. To compliment the cruisers, bike lanes and sharrows, this town in southern Colorado also has some seriously sweet singletrack. 

Often known for its high country Monarch Crest - IMBA Epic ride, Salida has some great riding in the Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain trail systems. Some good choices right from town: S Mountain Quick Tour or North Backbone to Cottonwood, or some of the newer trails like Chicken Dinner and Rusty Lung (flowy) or Hooligan and Dude Abides (more technical and demanding) on S mtn. Or try the new Spartan West and East trails as part of a loop via Little Rainbow (beginner friendly) on Methodist Mtn. 

Visit the 3 bike shops - Absolute Bikes, Salida Bike Company, and SubCulture Cyclery - for the best info on where and what to ride.

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.

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.