The sheer variety makes the Salida/Buena Vista area a mecca when it comes to mountain biking. Of course, there’s the epic Monarch Crest Trail, considered to be one of the best biking trails in the country, but the 40-mile, mostly singletrack (sweet!) isn’t for everyone. Something tamer: the Cascade Rail Trail, an out-and-back near Nathrop with cliff views. Lookout Loop leaves from Salida and offers amazing views of the whole Upper Arkansas Valley from the top, along with some tricky technical maneuvering and a good workout, and the Mount Princeton Hill Climb is like doing a fourteener on wheels. Don’t have the gear? Rent at Absolute Bikes in Salida (330 W. Sackett St., 888-539-9295, ), where you can also pick up trail maps and guides. Kyle Wagner
STAY: Proof that hostels can be delightful, the cute, clean and quiet Simple Lodge & Hostel in Salida (224 E. First St., 719-650-7381, ) is tucked in right downtown, has space to store your stuff and even offers townie bikes to tool around on. Three bunk rooms, two private rooms and three showers can hold up to 20. The kitchen is communal, there’s a buck discount for paying in cash, and you’re encouraged to bring your own linens (Wi-Fi is included). Rates start at $22 for a bunk; sheets and towels are $2 per person.
DINE: You can’t beat the view of the Arkansas River, which flows beneath the patio and the open garage- door-style windows, at the Boathouse Cantina (228 N. F St., 719-539-5004, ), which specializes in Mexican and deep-fried items. The place is noisy, chaotic and service is spotty, but no one seems to care because the margaritas are strong, and the food is good and plentiful — check out the tacos, the chiles rellenos and the burgers. Local river runners — who have made this place their second home — chuckle that the bathrooms are labeled “groovers,” the rafting term for a toilet.
Salida is 143 miles southwest of Denver via U.S. 285 and Colorado 291.
