Spring and summer, 14ers Region visitors will find a bevy of fun activities and adventures to make a Colorado vacation dream come true.
The Arkansas River is the most popular whitewater boating river in the world. The combination of accessibility, technical rapids, length of season, trip variety and scenery makes rafting a vacation highlight. Professional outfitters specialize in making sure visitors have a great time on their river trips.
Salida and Buena Vista offer nine-hole courses amidst some of the most scenic settings golfers will find anywhere.
At both courses visitors are welcome, rates are reasonable and golfers will find all the amenities they need to enjoy a round or two.
Those wishing to try their skills and luck fishing choose from among fishing on the Arkansas to smaller streams, high mountain lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Whatever the choice, anglers find the trout fishing exceptional.
Mountain bike enthusiasts can gear up for a variety of trails and terrain. The 14ers Region offers trails suitable for families, for those just getting started in fat tracking to more advanced and difficult biking. The Crest Trail is known world wide for its spectacular single track.
For a true Old West experience, horseback trips take rides back a century or more. Choices range from short, one-hour guided trails trips to rigorous multi-day excursions. Outfitters provide choices for those who haven't ridden as well as for experienced cowgirls and cowboys.
By car, jeep, mountain bike or foot, a visit to one of the region's historic old townsites is a "don't miss" experience. The most popular area ghost town is St. Elmo just a few miles west of Nathrop. Those exploring the high country will find old mines and buildings no matter what direction they might choose to travel.
For hikers, whether it's just a short trip to stretch your legs, do some technical climbing or take an extended backpacking trip, a variety of forest service trails await. In addition, the mighty Sawatch Range, the mountains running along the valley's west side from Salida to Leadville, is home to 15 14ers, peaks of 14,000-plus, the most 14ers of any range in the lower 48 states.
Fourteeners are popular, difficult climbs, with rewards of spectacular scenery and a sense of accomplishment and comraderie to share with climbing partners.
Tackling an area four-wheel route is an enjoyable way to spend a day or several. Routes vary from easy to the nearly-impassible and technical trails, for those out for a four-wheel adventure.
Summer temperatures are generally in the 80s. Coupled with very low humidity, visitors find the temperatures and climate ideal to be "out and about."
After a day of mountain fun, hot springs pool in Salida, Nathrop and Buena Vista will warm and soothe.
Those seeking in town fun will find art studios and galleries to view and enjoy. Salida was recently named one of the 100 top small art towns in America. The performing arts include everything from accomplished classical musicians in the Salida-Aspen Concert Series to Michael Martin Murphey's cowboy chuckwagon dinner shows.
Self-guided walking tours take visitors through historic downtowns, bringing to life the valley's past, from mining and railroads to the madams who offered red light district services.
Museums provide a glimpse into the region's history with an old school room to mining, ranching and railroad displays, articles and artifacts.
Spring and summer calendars offer events and activities practically every weekend. These include burro races, raft and kayak races, car shows and rodeos, parades, air shows, down home community celebrations, an old-fashioned county fair with top entertainment and much more.
Visitors will be surprised by the variety and quality offered by area restaurants. Chefs offer everything from traditional American to Italian to eclectic to Southwest with menus sure to tease and tempt.
The 14ers Region ... it's your Colorado vacation dream. |
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