My Top Recommended RV Park in Salida, Colorado (+5 Things to Do Nearby)
Imagine waking up to the soothing melodies of rustling leaves and the distant murmur of a tranquil river. Picture yourself stepping out onto the threshold of your home-on-wheels that takes camping to the next level. This is no ordinary travel tale; this is a testament to the allure of my top recommended RV park in Salida, the Four Seasons RV Park, where I was able to spend a month with one of my best friends on his lovingly transformed school bus.
Living on a renovated school bus for an entire month can pose its challenges, as you’ll have to adjust to living in a small space. However, it came to be a cozy abode for our month in Salida, from savoring morning brews to playing Nintendo Switch until bedtime. There’s a unique rapport that comes from crafting meals, occupying yourself with card games, and later laughing over the slightly-stressful task of packing up and securing items in the school bus to prepare for a drive.
Although I couldn’t ever live long-term in a school bus (this girl needs room for her air fryer and every kitchen essential!), I’m so thankful to my friend for allowing me to join this adventure! The Four Seasons RV Park became the perfect resting place for us throughout the month. Continue reading to learn more about this site and some suggestions for things to do nearby!
My Top Recommended RV Park in Salida: Four Seasons RV Park
With a landscape that seems plucked from the pages of a travel magazine, Four Seasons RV Park beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its pristine surroundings.
The park's layout is a masterclass in thoughtful design, with spacious sites that afford both privacy and a sense of community. Whether you arrive in a sprawling motorhome or a cozy camper, the Four Seasons RV Park accommodates your needs with a range of site options, each meticulously positioned to optimize views and ensure tranquility.
The Four Seasons RV Park caters to adventurers of all kinds, providing a range of facilities that elevate your stay. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the cornhole stands, a perfect setting for friendly competitions beneath the open sky. The park's central location offers easy access to hiking and biking trails that wind through the captivating landscape, leading to hidden waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and meadows teeming with wildflowers.
For those who prefer a slower pace, the dedicated pet area ensures that even four-legged companions can revel in the natural beauty that envelops the park.
Modern shower facilities provide a welcome respite after a day of exploration, ensuring you can freshen up before venturing into Salida's vibrant dining scene. The Four Seasons RV Park offers full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric connections.
The park's Wi-Fi also made our stay more convenient, as it allowed me to work remotely and enjoy a nightly routine of either streaming a movie or challenging each other to a game of Monopoly or Mario Party on Nintendo Switch.
5 Things to Do in Salida, Colorado
Previously, Salida was an unheard-of town in my book. After staying here for a month, I came to love the small-town atmosphere and the S-branded mountain hovering over the main street. Listed below are five things to do in Salida during your stay.
Explore Downtown Salida
Downtown Salida is a haven for art enthusiasts, with its numerous galleries and artsy boutiques showcasing an eclectic array of masterpieces. The town's artistic soul spills onto the streets themselves, where murals and public installations add an extra layer of character to your exploration.
No visit to downtown Salida is complete without indulging in its culinary delights, from cozy cafes offering locally roasted coffee to charming bistros serving up farm-to-table creations. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely brunch or a gourmet dinner, the town's dining scene caters to every palate, infusing each dish with a touch of Rocky Mountain magic.
The Arkansas River winds its way through the heart of downtown, adding a soothing soundtrack to your adventures. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, where you can pause on one of the quaint bridges to watch kayakers navigate the rapids or anglers casting their lines.
When night falls, you can choose to unwind at a cozy wine bar or catch a live performance at one of the local venues, where musicians and artists come together to celebrate the town's artistic legacy.
Watch River Surfers
While walking by the Arkansas River, you’ll most likely spot some river surfers out and about. While still somewhat of a new phenomenon in early 2023, this sport took Salida by storm after the town built an underwater ramp in October 2022. There wasn’t a single day where we didn’t find a group of surfers taking turns on this man-made wave, something I did not expect to see in mountainous Colorado! We made frequent trips to the river to watch these surfers perform this sport. I highly recommend checking it out and maybe even joining if you feel up to the challenge!
Take Advantage of Various Hikes
Salida is built for experiencing the outdoors, and its bountiful hiking trails are a testament to this. Among the myriad of trails, one gem stands out as a personal favorite – Race Track Trail. As you embark on the Race Track Trail, you're greeted by rustling leaves and the sweet scent of pine. The trail's varying terrain keeps you engaged, from gentle ascents that allow you to catch your breath to more rugged sections that test your agility.
Beyond Race Track Trail, Salida offers a tapestry of hiking opportunities that cater to diverse preferences. For those seeking a family-friendly adventure, the Arkansas Hills Trail System boasts an array of interconnected paths that wind through juniper forests, revealing stunning vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. If you're in search of a more challenging expedition, consider tackling the Browns Creek Trail, which leads you to the captivating Brown's Lake, cradled by rugged mountains and a testament to nature's grandeur.
Meanwhile, the Tenderfoot Mountain Trail is an ideal choice for panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, rewarding your effort with breathtaking vistas of Salida and the surrounding peaks. And if you're up for an immersive historical experience, the Methodist Mountain Trail provides a glimpse into the area's mining heritage, with relics of the past interspersed along the route.
Walk the Monarch Spur Trail
The Monarch Spur Trail in Salida is a picturesque pathway that winds through the heart of the town. This trail is a testament to the town's commitment to sustainability, repurposing a historic railroad bed into a scenic corridor that caters to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts alike. The trail's accessibility and gentle grade make it an ideal option for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll, a peaceful bike ride, or a moment of quiet reflection amidst nature's embrace, the Monarch Spur Trail offers an inviting escape where the rhythms of the river and the town's vibrant spirit converge.
Take a Day Trip
Salida, Colorado, is not only a destination for adventure-seekers, but it also serves as the perfect launchpad for an array of captivating day trips that promise to expand your horizons. Within a short drive from this picturesque town, numerous towns await.
Embark on a scenic drive to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, where you can walk across the highest suspension bridge in the United States, offering panoramic views that defy description. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the rich history of Leadville, one of Colorado's most historic mining towns, and delve into tales of the Wild West that shaped the region.
For those seeking a rendezvous with natural beauty, a day trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park unveils a surreal landscape of towering sand dunes against a backdrop of majestic peaks. And that's just the beginning of the day trip adventures that await. For an in-depth exploration of these captivating getaways, check out my blog post on day trips from Salida.
Is Salida Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Salida is definitely worth visiting! Whether or not you’ll be staying at my recommended RV park in Salida, this town should make it on your Colorado itinerary.
The Arkansas River, which runs through the town, is a playground for water sports like kayaking and rafting, while the surrounding mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. The town itself is known for its welcoming atmosphere, with friendly locals, cozy cafes, and unique shops that invite you to immerse yourself in its distinctive character. Don’t hesitate to explore all that this charming Colorado town has to offer!
