| Activities
Fall/Winter:
Because of the mild winters and little snowfall in the valley, many activities can be performed year round. Salida, CO is known as the banana belt of Colorado and averages over 300 days of sunshine a year. With low humidity, an elevation of 7000 feet, and often 50 degrees during the day Salida is a wonderful place to visit in the fall and winter. Activities include:
Trips for Motorcycles -  click here
for a list of the best motorcycle rides around!
Fly-fish or spin-cast for German Browns on the Arkansas River or in small nearby lakes and for Rainbow Trout in high mountain lakes. Fishing is available all year around. Guided float trips and instruction. More info
Horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies. Incredible scenery, wonderful horses and guides. We recommend at least a 3-hour ride. More info.
Mountain bike on hundreds of miles of trails. Ride past old mining and logging roads from 7,000 feet elevation up to 12,000 feet. Tour the top of the Continental Divide between Monarch and Marshall Pass. For more info see - www.absolutebikes.com
Hike on the Colorado Trail that winds along the Continental Divide from Durango to Denver. The Rainbow Trail follows the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range southeast. The Salida Trail System in Salida goes along the Arkansas River and several small lakes. For more info visit the US Forest Service
Climb Mountains: Scores of mountain trails including those going to the summits of 14,000 ft peaks: Mt Shavano, Mt Ouray, Mt Antero, Mt Princeton, Mt Harvard. Start at dawn to avoid possible afternoon thundershowers.
Jeep Tours: Leave the driving to the experts who know the area. www.overthetopjeeps.com
Birding: Birding and/or ecotourism is the most popular sport in America today. We offer packages – lodging and a jeep tour. More Info.
Visit Saint Elmo Ghost Town is the best preserved ghost town in the U.S. Free!
Ride ATVs: guided tours or bring your own. Enjoy incredible scenery. All abilities. For more info see - www.allseasonrentals.com.
Rock-hounding – Search for Apache tears and garnets at Ruby Mountain, visit old mine sites, hunt for arrowheads, pan for gold.
Golf – Salida has a great 9-hole golf course. At 7,000 feet, your drives will go farther and the views are incredible. Salida Golf Course . Packages available.
Hunting for mule deer and elk in the San Isabel National Forest. Most areas are open to everyone but some are limited to those who have successfully drawn in the lottery. There are excellent guiding services for hunting on both public and private land-guides.
Downtown Salida, just one mile from the motel, is known for its great Art Galleries, Antique Shops, boutiques and excellent restaurants. There is also a Skateboard Park. The Kayak/Whitewater Park , River Walk, Outdoor Sculpture Garden, local community theater, the Steam Plant and Bongo Billy’s Salida Café with live entertainment are all located on the banks of the Arkansas River.
Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center just 3 blocks from the Circle R Motel. The water is odorless. Lots of activities for all ages.
Within one hour the following side trips are very popular:
Royal Gorge Park – World’s Highest Suspension Bridge, gondola, incline train, miniature train, theme park.
Train ride through the Royal Gorge – Breathtaking and historic. Definitely worth it!
These last three are south of us and quite close together:
 Great Sand Dune National Monument – Climb dunes like the Sahara Desert. Look for camels.
Alligator Farm – Visit all kinds of reptiles and huge alligators raised in thermal springs. Feed the alligators. Discount tickets.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs – Soak in outdoor pools protected by windscreens, great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, very clean. Packages.
Downhill Ski at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area. It is often one of the least crowded ski areas in Colorado and often has some of the best snow in the state. It is just 25 minutes west of us near the top of the Continental Divide. We offer ski & stay packages or discount lift tickets. Snow skiing here is incredible! Even though Monarch Pass is just 20 miles west of here, it averages over 450” of snow a year, there is usually no snow in the valley.
Cross-country ski and snowshoe over Old Monarch Pass. Just 25 minutes west and after a gradual slope, stand on top of the Continental Divide and look into the Gunnison Valley.
Snowmobile along abandoned railroad beds Take a guided tour or go out on your own. Incredible scenery. More info.
|
Hiking on the Colorado Trail that winds along the Continental Divide from Durango to Denver. The Rainbow Trail follows the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range southeast. The Salida Trail System in Salida goes along the Arkansas River and several small lakes. Higher elevations of the Colorado Trail and Rainbow Trail will have snow until summer. For more info visit the 
Ride ATVs on guided tours or on your own through incredible scenery. All abilities.