Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
highest summits, Mt Harvard and La Plata Peak. (Princeton, Yale, Oxford and Columbia
are the 20th, 21st, 26th and 35th highest respectively.)
But the best hikes here don't necessarily involve peak bagging. Popular day trips in-
clude Ptarmigan Lake (6.6 miles; 14 miles from town on County Rd 306), Kroenke Lake
(8 miles; access County Rd 365) and as much of the Colorado Trail as you want to do (ac-
cess Avalanche Trailhead, 9 miles from town on County Rd 306). For detailed descrip-
tions and maps, stop by the ranger office in Salida (
Click here
)
.
Barbara Whipple Trail
(Whipple Trail;
www.garna.org
; Buena Vista River Park)
Good for hikers, bikers and picnickers, this
trail system is about as idyllic as town parks get. Accessed from the end of E Main St
(turn north), it follows an old stage road through the arid hills and funky rock formations
east of the Arkansas River, with stupendous views back towards the Collegiates.
The main trail is about a mile long, but you can combine it with numerous other trails
(eg Broken Boyfriend).
MOUNTAIN BIKING, HIKING
Hot Springs
Mt Princeton Hot Springs
Resort
( 888-395-7799;
www.mtprinceton.com
; 15870 County Rd 162; day pass adult/child from $18/12; 8am-10pm;
)
A sprawling four-star hot-springs resort, this is a terrific destination for families.
There are 30 natural pools on the property that differ in size and atmosphere, including
soaking pools, an expansive swimming pool and a 400ft water slide. Many guests stay the
night, but it is also possible to purchase a day pass.
Room rates (from $124) include hot-spring access. Private cabins (from $164) are fully
equipped and a full-service spa is on-site, offering body wraps, exfoliations and five types
of massage.
HOT SPRINGS
Cottonwood Hot Springs
( 719-395-6434;
www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com
;
18999 County Rd 306; adult/child from $15/12;
8:30am-9pm)
Take Main St across Hwy 24 and keep going up the mountain toward Cotton-
wood Pass, and you'll soon come to the hippiest of the Collegiate hot springs. These ren-
ovated pools are set on leafy grounds and are somewhat kitsch, with gushing fountains of
hot water, dangling vines and wind chimes (but no water slide).
HOT SPRING
