River Rafting

Considered the white-water rafting center of the Rockies, Salida is the perfect base for enjoying the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, a 148-mile stretch of river from Leadville to Pueblo Lake. With headquarters off Colo. 291 in downtown Salida at 307 W. Sackett Ave., Salida, CO 81201 (tel. 719/539-7289), the recreation area includes about 20 developed sites along the river, offering raft and kayak access, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. There are also undeveloped areas that offer access to the river, but be careful to avoid trespassing on private property. User fees are $5 per vehicle per day, plus $12 per night for camping.

The busiest stretch of the river is Browns Canyon, a granite wilderness between Buena Vista and Salida, with Class III and IV rapids (moderately difficult to difficult) along a 10-mile stretch of river from Nathrop to Stone Bridge.

Most people explore Colorado's rivers with experienced rafting companies, which provide trips on stretches of river that range from practically calm and suitable for everyone to extremely difficult, with long, violent rapids that are recommended only for skilled white-water boaters. Leading outfitters include Dvorak's Expeditions (tel. 800/824-3795 or 719/539-6851); Whitewater Encounters (tel. 800/530-8362 or 719/530-0937); and American Adventure Expeditions (tel. 800/288-0675 or 719/395-2409). Generally, adult rates for half-day raft trips are $40 to $60; full-day trips including lunch are in the $70 to $95 range, and multiday excursions start at about $200. Prices for children are about 20% less. For a full listing of dozens of rafting companies approved to run the Arkansas, contact the recreation area office .

Other Sports & Outdoor Activities

Fishing -- The Arkansas River is considered by many to be the finest fishing river in Colorado. There's also trout fishing in numerous alpine lakes, including Cottonwood Lake, Twin Lakes, and O'Haver Lake. For tips on the best fishing spots, plus licenses, supplies, and equipment sales and rentals, stop at Arkansas River Fly Shop, 7500 W. U.S. 50, Salida (tel. 719/539-3474), which also offers a guide service. Cost for a guided half-day wading trip for one person is $125, and a half-day float-fishing trip on the Arkansas River for two costs $225. The company also offers fly-fishing and fly-tying lessons.

Golf -- The Salida Golf Club, a municipal course that opened in 1926, is at Crestone Avenue and Grant Street (tel. 719/539-1060). Greens fees are $23 for 18 holes.

Hiking -- There are outstanding trails for all experience levels throughout the region, particularly in the San Isabel National Forest, along the eastern slope of the Continental Divide west of Salida. Of particular interest are hikes into the Collegiate Range (mts. Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, and Oxford) off Cottonwood Creek Road west of Buena Vista, and trips from the ghost town of St. Elmo up Chalk Creek Road from Mount Princeton Hot Springs.

For maps and other information, stop at the Salida Ranger District office, 325 W. Rainbow Blvd. (tel. 719/539-3591).

Mountain Biking -- There are numerous trails suitable for mountain biking throughout the area, and many provide stupendous views of the surrounding 14,000-plus-foot peaks. Absolute Bikes, 330 W. Sackett St. (tel. 888/539-9295 or 719/539-9295), rents, sells, and services mountain bikes and can provide information on nearby trails. Rentals -- from three-speed townies to full-suspension, plus kid bikes, tandems, and road bikes -- are available. Prices start at $30 per day for mountain bikes; $10 for kid bikes and adult's town cruisers.

Rockhounding -- The richest mineral and gem beds in Colorado are found in the upper Arkansas River valley and the eastern slope of the Continental Divide, just west of Salida. For a free brochure on rockhounding locations, stop at the chamber of commerce office. Those wanting hammers, eye protection, and other equipment will find it at The Rock Doc at Prospector's Village, 17897 U.S. 285, north of Salida (tel. 719/539-2019).

Skiing & Snowboarding -- Among the finest of Colorado's small ski resorts, Monarch Mountain, 20 miles west of Salida at Monarch Pass on U.S. 50, serves all levels of ability with 54 trails, with 14% rated beginner, 28% intermediate, 27% advanced, and 31% expert. The longest run is one mile.

Covering 800 acres, the mountain has a vertical drop of 1,170 feet from its summit of 11,961 feet. It gets about 350 inches of snow annually, and has no snow-making equipment. It has one fixed quad and four double chairs. All-day tickets are $49 for adults, $31 for youths 13 to 15, $19 for juniors 7 to 12, $26 for seniors 62 to 69, and free for those under 7 or over 69. The area is usually open from late November to early April, daily from 9am to 4pm. For information, contact the resort at 1 Powder Place, Monarch, CO 81227 (tel. 888/996-7669 or 719/539-3573). You'll find comfortable accommodations and dining at the 100-room Monarch Mountain Lodge, 22720 W. U.S. 50, Monarch, CO 81227 (tel. 888/996-7669 or 719/530-5000).