Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marshall Pass and then either cuts down to Poncha Springs on an old railroad grade or
hooks onto the Rainbow Trail. A classic ride, but not for the inexperienced.
Salida Mountain Trails
(
http://salidamountaintrails.org
)
If you don't want to bother with a shuttle, the best place to start
riding in Salida is the Arkansas Hills Trail System just across the river (look for the giant
S). Open year round - yes, you can ride here in winter - it offers a nice variety of short
rides for all levels.
South of town, Methodist Mountain is another spot to check out for fun cross-country
traverses through the high desert. The Little Rainbow Trail (4.7 miles) is a great one for
families.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
BICYCLE RENTAL
Absolute Bikes
( 719-539-9295;
www.absolutebikes.com
;
330 W Sackett Rd; bike rental $40-80, tours from $90; 9am-7pm)
The place to go for bike enthusiasts, offering maps, gear, advice and rentals. Check out the
selection of guided rides, ranging from St Elmo ghost town to the Monarch Crest.
Hiking
With a dozen 14ers poking up from the mighty Sawatch Range, there is some serious
mountain adventure to be had here. Head up Hwy 50 west to Monarch Pass to access the
Colorado Trail, the Waterdog Lakes day hike or the Continental Divide Trail. Hwy 285
south to Poncha Pass passes the Rainbow Trail. The Collegiate Peaks are best accessed
from Buena Vista. The Sangre de Cristo Range is a 1½-hour drive and can be accessed via
Westcliffe (
Click here
) or Crestone (
Click here
)
. Stop by the ranger office (
Click here
) for
maps, route descriptions and camping info.
Other Activities
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
(RMOC; 800-255-5784;
http://rmoc.com
;
14825 Hwy 285; climbing trips from $125)
The local Swiss Army
knife of outdoor adventure, RMOC offers all sorts of guided activities, but is particularly
good for rafting, kayaking and rock-climbing trips. If you want to learn some basic tech-
niques, it also offers instruction in kayaking and stand-up paddling. Rent river gear here.
OUTDOORS
EXTREME SPORTS
Captain Zipline
