Salida

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, Cottonwood Hot Springs, Salida Hot Springs Pool make any season is a great season for a hot springs visit,especially when surrounded by the beauty and grandeur of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From rustic to elegant, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for a natural, relaxing hot springs experience.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resortnear Nathrop offers soaking in pools as well as in hot springs bubbling up alongside Chalk Creek. Spa treatments, sauna and a variety of accommodations from poolside rooms to log cabins are available. The resort also offers a restaurant, conference facilities, tennis courts, yoga and, for the kids, a 300-foot waterslide to add to the excitement.

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spaon Cottonwood Pass outside Buena Vista sits creekside with three geothermal, gravity-fed mineral stone pools. The historic lodge rests within the confines of the San Isabel National Forest. A cold plunge is available as well as a sauna. It is an adult-oriented resort and the focus is on the healing aspects of the springs and the surrounding atmosphere.

Salida Hot Springs Pool and Aquatic Centeris a year-round facility conveniently located within walking distance of many of Salida’s motels on US 50. Built in 1937, the pools have undergone recent upgrades. Featured are a 25-meter, six-lane pool which ranges from 82-88 degrees all year. A smaller, 4-foot deep pool offers a warmer soaking experience at approximately 92-102 degrees. The aquatic center’s natural hot springs water is piped 5 miles from just south of Poncha Springs. The center is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Arkansas River runs right through the heart of Historic Downtown Salida  Stroll the river where kayakers play in the waves in one of Colorado’s Premier Whitewater Parks. If you are looking for the perfect river community, your search just may end here. The mighty Arkansas River flows through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing the downtowns of both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals.

For rafting enthusiasts,Browns Canyon is sure to please as splashy class III whitewater winds through a dramatic canyon. Daredevils can head upstream to class IV-V sections like Pine Creek and the Numbers, where even the most seasoned boaters tremble in their booties. Or, if drifting in warm sun is more to your liking, try a mellow float trip. Regardless of your choice, outfitters will help you find just the right trip.

For play-boating kayakers,both Salida and Buena Vista have world-class playholes right downtown. Park the car, unload your boat and show off your skills and river savvy.

The river corridoris part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, which spans 150 miles from Leadville to Pueblo. The AHRA features some two dozen fee-required recreation sites with abundant opportunities for picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle travel, sightseeing at pullouts and camping at one of six AHRA campgrounds. The recreation area is managed through a unique 20-year partnership between Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Historic Downtown Salida, the biggest little Art Town in Colorado, is home to 18 artist owned galleries, great restaurants and unique shopping. These everyday people have made a choice in life to be close to a wonderful source of uplifting energy.  The community of artists in this creative oasis has transformed the historical downtown buildings into working studios and galleries where locals and visitors can watch and interact with talented artists.  The renaissance of the Salida SteamPlant Events Center has added to the arts culture by offering a variety of year-round musical and theatrical performances, activities and art shows and displays. This cool small town has everything a Colorado resort town has without the pretense and high prices.  Fun, friendly locals are happy to share their town with visitors from far and near.  The Arkansas River run through town and Riverside Park will be the epicenter of the Salida Stage Start celebration.