| Chaffee County, Headwaters of Adventure, includes the Salida & Buena Vista area, is in the center of Colorado and in the heart of the Rockies. A perfect location to base all of your Rocky Mtn. Adventures. There are more 14,000 ft. peaks here than any other county in Colorado. Simply stated, the scenery is spectacular. Just a few of the natural features include the Arkansas River, the Colorado Trail, Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area, and many rugged 4-wheel drive roads. You can find the best in whitewater rafting and kayaking, galleries, shops and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, snowmobiling, mountain climbing, ghost town adventures, and 4-wheeling. |
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking:
With over 80 rafting outfitters in the Arkansas River Valley you will find the perfect adventure. Trips include 1/2 day, full day, and multi-day trips. Private boaters are welcome to enjoy the "Ark" without a special permit. Three of the marquis trips are The Numbers, Brown's Canyon, and the Royal Gorge. |
courtesy of Nathan Ward |
allaboutrivers.com - portal website for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Includes lists of outfitters, maps, videos, and photos.
Whitewater Encounters - Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities! We provide personalized services and quality trips.
Arkansas River Trust - The Arkansas River Trust strives to promote and enhance river related values in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
Annual FIBArk Whitewater Festival - Watch as some of the top whitewater sports stars from around the world take on the mighty Arkansas. Held in mid-June along with a 3-day festival in Salida. |
Cross Country and Downhill Skiing
Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area is just 10 minutes from the River Suites Luxury Cabins & Villas. Just out your back door....literally....there are many opportunites for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Popular areas include Old Monarch Pass, the area around Fooses Creek, and the North Fork of the Arkansas River valley. |
courtesy of Nathan Ward |
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Resort - Situated in the San Isabel National Forest high up on the Continental Divide, Monarch receives more than 350" of soft dry snow annually. There are plenty of groomed cruising runs as well as steeps, bumps, and glade skiing. Monarch also has one of the nations best back country snow-cat tours!
Mountain Sports Haus - Snowboard, ski rental & ski service headquarters for central Colorado since 1976. Otero Cyclery - Snowboard rentals, sales, and service. |
Mountain Biking
The most famous mountain bike trail in the Rockies is just 15 minutes from our property. The Monarch Crest Trail brings riders from around the world to "Ride the Divide". |
courtesy of Nathan Ward |
Leadville Trail 100 Bike Race - America's Highest Mountain Bike Race. The entire course is above 9,000 feet and climbs to 12,600 feet.
Annual Crest Crank - A Mountain Bike Fun Ride to help end domestic violence. Contact Alliance Against Domestic Abuse at aada@amigo.net or call 719-539-7347.
Annual Banana Belt Bicycle Race - A 26-Mile Mountain Bike Race from downtown Salida to Hwy. 50 and up to the Rainbow Trail returning to Riverside Park. 1-877-772-5432.
Absolute Bikes - Sales and Service in Central Colorado.
Otero Cyclery - Bicycle and snowboard rentals, sales, and service. |
Hot Springs
Hot water right out of the depths of the earth abounds in the "Heart of the Rockies". These local resorts are all within 40 minutes of the River Suites. |
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Salida Hot Springs Pool - Natural, hot, mineral water in a year-round facility where the water is collected underground and piped 5 miles from the source originally enjoyed by the Ute Indians.
Mount Princeton Hot Spring Resort - Creekside pools along with swimming/soaking pool.
Cottonwood Hot Springs - Four pools to soak comfortably. Lots of therapies available to take your mind off your troubles.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa - At an elevation of 7700 feet on the valley floor, these pools offer spectacular views of the 14,000-ft. peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness to the east. |
Fly Fishing
Thirty miles of river frontage along the Arkansas River means you can always find your own spot to cast your line. Guide services and fly shops are available in Salida. |
courtesy of Nathan Ward |
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) - The (AHRA) is a landmark cooperative effort of the U.S. BLM and Colorado State Parks. Through this partnership, visitors are provided with outstanding recreation opportunities and care for the natural resources of the Arkansas Valley.
Ark Anglers - The Arkansas River's premier guide service and fly shops. |
4-Wheeling & Snowmobiling
High altitude passes are abundant in these mountains which provide excellent snowmobiling in the winter and great 4-wheeling! Jeep and ATV rentals are available in Salida. |
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Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce - Official Website.
All Season Rentals - will gear you up for an exhilarating mountain experience with snowmobile and ATV rentals.
Monarch Tours - Offers a wide variety of snowmobile tours in and around the historic and scenic areas of Garfield, Colorado and Monarch Ski Area.
Fun Time Jeep Tours - Come and enjoy scenic Colorado with a luxury jeep tour at an economy price. |
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| Hiking and Backpacking |
courtesy of Nathan Ward |
Colorado Trail Foundation - The Colorado Trail (CT) fulfills the dreams one would expect of a high mountain hiking trail.
centralcolorado.com - Shows lots of hiking trails near Salida.
fourteenernet.com - Walking, Hiking, Jogging, Mountain & Rock Climbing Guide for the Salida area |
