Salida, Colorado
Elevation: 7080 feet
"a small town with a big heart"
and
" Gem of the Rockies"
Located in the Heart of the Rockies, we are surrounded by three mountain
ranges: Sangre De Cristo from South, Mosquito Range from the North and
Collegiate Peaks from West and fourteen peaks over 14,000 feet high.
Salida's location and relatively mild climate attracts an array of outdoor
kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, jeep and gold mines
snowboarding at Monarch Ski Resort, snowmobiling, x-country skiing,
fine dining, shopping and galleries in largest historic downtown district in
Colorado.
In 2004, Outside Magazine named the "sweetly unpretentious town of
Salida" as one of the 20 "Dream Towns + Adventure Hideouts (& Sweet Land
Deals)"
~ Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Salida, Colorado
Salida, Colorado seems to be a favorite top choice for living, retiring, and
recreating. It has been the favorite of several magazines and newspapers,
from the New York Times ("The Outdoors Life With No Attitude," December
2008) to the U.S. News and World Report Magazine ("one of the top ten
affordable retirement communities in the US"). In late 2008, Diversion
Magazine called Salida "one of the 10 best places you've never heard of," an
"off-the-radar" destination with lots to offer but without the Colorado resort
prices. A few years earlier, in 2004, Outside Magazine called it a "sweetly
unpretentious town" and one of 20 "Dream Towns + Adventure Hideouts (&
Sweet Land Deals)." Additionally, this town of about 5500 residents was
included in the guidebook America's 100 Best Small Art Towns.
Salida's central Colorado location is both a destination and a jump off to
other places. Beyond the downtown exists an outdoors backyard that is
rich in wildlife and resources. A short drive in just about any direction will
place you in mountains that fold into steep canyons, accented by
crystalline waters and unspoiled landscapes. Fierce beauty, a mild climate,
and a region steeped in folklore and outdoor adventures await you.
The History of our County and the surrounding area is a rich mix of many
influences. The area was originally settled by the Ute Indians, for whom
many of the local mountain peaks are named. Chaffee County was
established in 1879 and named for Jerome Chaffee, Colorado's first United
States Senator and local investor.
Early in its history the area experienced an influx of explorers, miners,
railroad expansionists, farmers and ranchers. The influence of each has
dwindled over the years, but their mark in the history of the area is evident
throughout the valley.
Salida is centrally located in Colorado, making it an easy
destination to get to and from during your Colorado Adventure:
