The South Arkansas River and the Arkansas River meet in Salida. Water is also at the heart of downtown: the Salida Whitewater Park stretches 1,200 feet along the Arkansas River. Four man-made whitewater features made of rock and concrete can be used with kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and bodyboards. Riverside paths and improvements to the riverfront also make it possible to stroll and access the water.
River Activities and Trails
The Whitewater Park offers different ways to experience the river: the features are designed for whitewater action, while the riverside paths provide space for a stroll. If you’re looking for hiking or biking trails, you’ll find them at several points along the stretch from Salida to Vallie Bridge in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
There are also other, separate options for biking. The Salida Mountain Trail System includes the trails closest to downtown and allows for year-round biking. Trail conditions and seasonal access may change; check before heading out. The Arkansas Hills Trail System offers hiking and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty, with panoramic views of Salida, the Arkansas River, and the Sawatch Range. This gives you a choice of riverside paths, trails near downtown, and routes of varying difficulty, without implying that they form a single connected route.
Railroad History and Historic Buildings
Salida was founded in 1880 as a railroad hub for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Local history also begins around this time, as covered by the Salida Museum, which focuses on the period from about 1880 onward. Its collection includes historic artifacts from the region. The Salida Downtown Historic District contains 111 buildings and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 1984.
Individual historic buildings tell different parts of the story of the town: the Methodist Episcopal Church has been in continuous operation since 1889. The Kesner Memorial Building is considered the best-preserved historic educational building in Salida. If you’re interested in architecture and local history, these places, along with the railroad history, offer different points of entry into the city’s past.
Creative Spaces, Events, and FIBArk
The Salida Creative District includes more than 50 galleries, working studios, and cultural venues in the historic downtown. It is Colorado’s largest state-certified Creative District. Another historic site with a modern-day function is the SteamPlant: the carefully restored former power plant serves as a versatile venue for concerts, weddings, community events, and corporate events.
FIBArk adds an annual festival tradition. The parade is for locals and visitors, featuring everything from horse-drawn wagons and monster trucks to elaborate floats and so-called “Hooligan” boats; it takes place in a family-friendly atmosphere. The FIBArk Boat Races have been held every Father’s Day weekend since 1949. Since dates and programming change from year to year, check the dates and program for your trip.
Swimming and Practical Information
The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center offers two pools filled with pure, mineral-rich spring water. Facilities include a 25-meter lap pool with six lanes. Day passes provide access to locker rooms, showers, lap lanes, the leisure pool, and fitness classes during public swimming hours. Operating conditions may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
For information about the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, its office is downtown at the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue. The AHRA Visitor Center in downtown Salida offers books and souvenirs; you can also purchase licenses and passes and register recreational vehicles there. Check the Visitor Center’s hours and operations before you go.
Discover more destinations: Nathrop, Buena Vista.
Return to the main travel overview: Chaffee.
