Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, Salida serves as your gateway to a realm of captivating day trips that promise to ignite your wanderlust and introduce you to Colorado's many mountain towns.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a seeker of art and culture, or simply in pursuit of that soul-refreshing escape, Salida's proximity to an array of captivating destinations makes it a prime launchpad for your explorations.

I had the pleasure of being based in Salida for an entire month with one of my best friends in his renovated school bus, giving us ample opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. Buckle up as this blog post plans to reveal eight day trips from Salida, Colorado, that will leave you stunned!

Bonus: View my blog on my top recommended RV park in Salida for an idea of where to base yourself!

Buena Vista

Buena Vista, Colorado, stands as a captivating haven for outdoor enthusiasts and explorers seeking an authentic taste of the rugged Colorado wilderness. 

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the crisp mountain air. The Buena Vista Roastery Coffee Shop & Bakery proved to be the perfect place to start our day!

Energized and ready to explore, head towards the Arkansas River, which winds its way through the heart of town. Adventurers can gear up for a thrilling rafting excursion, navigating the river's frothy rapids as towering peaks provide a jaw-dropping backdrop.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, make your way to the historic Main Street, where charming boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops await exploration. The town's artistic spirit is evident, with local artisans showcasing their creations, from intricate jewelry to vibrant paintings inspired by the surrounding beauty.

Refuel with a late lunch or early dinner at one of Buena Vista's quaint eateries, savoring flavors that are as diverse as the town's offerings. A few of our favorites included House Rock Kitchen, where I had a tasty burrito, and Crave, which offers a diverse pizza menu!

Leadville

Perched at a lofty elevation of 10,152 feet in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Leadville stands as a historic and captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the rugged past and a gateway to high-altitude exploration. 

Start your Leadville adventure with a step back in time as you wander through the town's well-preserved Victorian architecture and charming streets. Delve into Leadville's storied past by visiting the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, where interactive exhibits and captivating artifacts unravel the tales of the area's silver and gold rush days.

Venture further into the outdoors by embarking on a high-altitude hiking expedition. The Colorado Trail and Mineral Belt Trail offer captivating pathways that lead you through alpine meadows, dense forests, and panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. For a taste of local flavor, make your way to one of the town's charming eateries or cafes. I indulged in a pretzel with beer cheese soup at Tennessee Pass Cafe.

As the day wanes, consider a visit to the Matchless Mine, where you can descend into the depths of a historic silver mine and gain insight into the toils and triumphs of miners from a bygone era. Conclude your Leadville escapade by taking in the awe-inspiring sunset views from a vantage point that overlooks the town and surrounding peaks, a fitting finale to a day well-spent.

Vail

With its world-renowned ski slopes and European-like village, spending a day in Vail is an invitation to indulge in mountain magic. In the winter, you'll likely choose to spend your day carving your way down pristine slopes. We happened to visit on the final day of the ski season as adrenaline-seekers were getting their final rounds in. Because of the time we visited, we came to find that a lot of businesses were already closed for the season, but we still made the most of our time exploring what was open in Vail Village. This pedestrian village held charming boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet cafes.

For lunch, treat your taste buds to a culinary journey at one of Vail's acclaimed restaurants. Cap off your day with a visit to the Vail Arts District, where galleries showcase a captivating array of artistic expressions. You'll then begin your drive back to Salida, as this day trip is a bit further than some others.

Boulder & Red Rock Amphitheater

​​Our day trip from Salida, Colorado, to Boulder and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre was one of my favorite memories from the trip! Begin your excursion by heading northeast toward Boulder. As you approach Boulder, the stunning Flatirons – nature's colossal works of art – greet you, setting the stage for a day of awe-inspiring sights. Park your curiosity in Boulder's downtown area, where the bustling Pearl Street Mall awaits. A leisurely stroll along this iconic pedestrian promenade introduces you to an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and cafes, each exuding a distinct Boulder vibe.

A highlight of your Boulder visit is the charming Dushanbe Teahouse. Transported all the way from Tajikistan, this architectural gem beckons you to step into a world of intricate hand-carved details and lush gardens. We met up with our friends Gavin and Jess, founders of Travel World Culture, for this fun afternoon. Wanting to avoid a long wait, we took the host up on his offer to seat us at a traditional table, where we removed our shoes and sat criss-cross-applesauce. I enjoyed the cultural experience until my legs started cramping, but the tea and brunch dishes were delicious!

P.S. If you book a trip with Travel World Culture, be sure to include my name for referring you! Gavin and Jess host immersive trips all over the world and even host entire remote work months.

After basking in Boulder's unique allure, continue your day trip to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Nestled within the rust-hued rock formations, this outdoor concert venue is a marvel of natural acoustics and musical history. If you're lucky, catch a live performance or simply revel in the breathtaking views from the top row.

Breckenridge & South Park City

As you depart Salida, the scenic drive toward Breckenridge offers panoramic vistas of towering peaks and dense forests. Arriving in Breckenridge, you're greeted by a picturesque town nestled amidst the Rockies. Begin your exploration with a stroll along Main Street, where you'll find quaint shops and unique eateries.

Continuing your adventure, head towards South Park City, a living museum that transports you to the 19th-century frontier. This meticulously recreated town immerses you in the past, with over 40 original buildings showcasing the spirit of the Gold Rush era. Wander through streets lined with vintage storefronts, blacksmith shops, and saloons, imagining life as it once was in this high-altitude community. If you're a fan of the show of the same name, you'll be happy to find this memorabilia in a variety of shops.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Embarking on a day trip from Salida to Great Sand Dunes National Park and the nearby indoor hot springs promises a sensory adventure that spans from windswept dunes to soothing thermal waters. This journey invites you to experience the stark beauty of nature's contrasts and the rejuvenating embrace of geothermal relaxation.

The drive from Salida to Great Sand Dunes National Park unveils a transformation of landscapes as rugged mountains give way to a sea of golden sands. Upon arrival, the towering dunes against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains create an otherworldly scene. As you ascend the dunes, the shifting sand beneath your feet and the vastness of the dune field remind you of God's dynamic artistry.

If you’re really feeling up to adventure, you can go sandboarding or sledding on these dunes, which promises a fun time if the conditions are good. As it begins to dip into evening, however, you’ll find that the wind picks up, which is a signal to high-tail it out of there before the sand starts whipping the back of your legs.

After your dune exploration, venture to the nearby Sand Dunes Recreation Pools, where a natural oasis of hot springs awaits. My friend introduced me to this spot, and it was the perfect way to spend our evening! As you step inside, make sure to purchase admission to the adults-only section, which you'll find to be a bit more sophisticated. You'll also be able to purchase drinks to enjoy as you migrate from hot spring to hot spring.

Cañon City & Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience

Located about an hour outside of Salida, Cañon City is a charming town with local flavors and characteristic shops. Grab some lunch and spend some time discovering hidden gems, from antique stores to art galleries, each offering a glimpse into Cañon City's rich heritage.

From here, you'll want to consider visiting the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, where you step back in time to an era when colossal reptiles roamed the earth. My friend and I had a bit of a dinosaur obsession during our month in Colorado, leading us to listen to podcasts and audiobooks and rewatch all the Jurassic World movies. We passed by the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience a few times before deciding to finally give it a try. We purchased admission to the museum and had a personal tour guide leading us through, offering fascinating facts about these life-sized dinosaur replicas. There’s nothing wrong with a couple of adults in their mid-twenties roaming through a dinosaur museum, right?

Crested Butte

On one of our final day trips from Salida, Colorado, we ventured to Crested Butte. Start your morning by wandering through the picturesque streets of the historic downtown. Stop by local cafes and bakeries for a delightful breakfast, savoring flavors that invigorate you for the day ahead.

With your energy replenished, embark on a hike or mountain bike ride along the extensive network of trails that weave through the surrounding wilderness. Crested Butte is renowned for its outdoor offerings, boasting a variety of paths that cater to different skill levels. 

Come lunchtime, indulge in a meal at one of the town's eateries, each offering a unique twist on culinary delights. From farm-to-table establishments to cozy pubs, Crested Butte's dining scene caters to diverse palates. 

In the afternoon, consider exploring Crested Butte's mining heritage with a visit to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. Here, you'll uncover the town's rich history and gain insight into the lives of its early inhabitants.

These eight day trips from Salida, Colorado, offer a great mix of natural wonders, educational trips, and fun shopping districts. Salida makes a great starting point for these Colorado adventures and is a great place to base yourself for your trip!

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