Salida, have you heard of it? It is a small and charming town in Colorado. Salida is located almost in the middle of Colorado. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the people who have been here must be so impressed by all the splendid mountain scenery.
We found this town by chance while going on a road trip from California through many other states. We just wanted to stop in Salida for a break. The town seemed charming but outdoorsy and the people were very friendly. We decided to stay overnight in Salida and walked around downtown Salida. The white river along the town attracted us so much. Salida is one of the places that made us want to move to Colorado. I hope I can inspire you all to stop by Salida on your next road trip.
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The location of Salida
Salida is located almost in the middle of Colorado. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver and it is a little over two-hour drive from Colorado Springs.
Downtown Salida
Shopping & Restaurants
The town is very lively despite the small population of only 6,000 people in Salida. You can find Outdoor shops, restaurants, and coffee shops that attract so many people.
Riverside Park
Beautiful Arkansas River along Downtown Salida is also a must-stop while visiting Salida.
In the Summer, you can enjoy kayaking here at Riverside Park. There are also free rental life jackets along the river that anyone can borrow which goes to show you how nice the town and the people are!
The snow-covered riverwalk is also beautiful.
As you walk along the trail and the river, you will come to a park with picnic benches and an open theater. It would be so nice to have takeout lunch or dinner when the weather is warm.
They also have a playground. Look at the green swing. It is so Colorado. The swing is a rafting boat. During the road trips with kids, we usually stop at any parks we can find for a break. It helps them burn their energy.
MURALS IN SALIDA
While window shopping around the town, what catches your eye are the murals. They are so picturesque on the brick buildings. They show the characters of Salida so well.
SALIDA BEST DININGS AND COFFEE SHOP
Mountain Phoenix Coffee
Morning coffee is a must for us. The coffee shop I chose near our hotel was a big win. Highly recommended! Mountain Phoenix Coffee Official Website
Currents Restaurants
Currents Restaurant is a steak restaurant located near Riverside Park. The price for the steaks are too much for the four of us, so we ordered hamburgers. These hamburgers were also a hit! The burgers were very juicy and the buns are also delicious as well!
Little Cambodia
Cambodian food in the middle of Colorado? At first, I doubted it, but the reviews were good, so we just gave it a try! My husband and I ordered coconut chicken soup and my kids ordered pho. Both of them were very tasty. Kids even said “this is the best Pho they ever had!” We often go to Vietnamese restaurants for Pho, so believe them!
The restaurant chef is managing the business by herself, so please note that the waiting time may be long during the busy time, but it was worth it!
ACTIVITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT NEAR SALIDA
Hot Springs Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center is close to downtown and is a great place for those who want to exercise. When we decided to go, we couldn’t go because the pool was being cleaned. Inside the facility was moderately large, and there was a normal pool and a heated pool about 1/4 the size.
Browns Canyon Adventure Park
You can enjoy rafting and a ropes course (athletic) here at Browns Canyon Adventure Park. It is an entertainment complex located about 20 minutes north of Salida along the Arkansas River. In the summer, we experienced the rope course here as a family, and the children were overjoyed. While the kids moved through the ropes course as well as monkeys, we parents were desperately trying to keep up with them. Don’t worry, a guide will arrive for each group to teach you how to navigate the ropes course, how to put on the equipment and will be there to help if you get stuck. There was also a one-day course with rafting. It is better to make a reservation in advance when you plan to visit.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
It is a hot spring located about 25 minutes north by car from Salida.
The hot spring pools and waterslides are very popular with families. Waterslides are open only in summer. There is also a hot spring pool and spa for adults only which makes this resort great by providing hot spring pools for all varieties of visitors with or without family and kids! The resort made a bunch of small natural hot spring pools on the side of the river, we recommend everyone to try these for a portion of your visit as these were nice to be out in nature while relaxing!
It is also a stone’s throw from the above Brands Canyon Adventure Park, a 10-minute drive away. It is the perfect place to warm up your cold body after a tiring ropes course or rafting.
Follow this link to another article about Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.
Final Thought
Since it is located in the middle of Colorado, many people should be passing by this area as part of their drive. Even if you don’t make Salida your final destination, please stop by as a rest stop or accommodation during your road trip.
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