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Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County
Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County
Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County
Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County
River Activities
  • Arkansas River Rafting
  • Fishing
  • Hot Springs
  • Inflatable Kayaking
  • Whitewater Kayaking


  • Mountain Activities
  • 14ers-Peak Bagging
  • Diversions
  • Golfing
  • Hiking and Backpacking
  • Horseback Riding & Llama Trekking
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Off Roading & Jeep Tours
  • Road Biking
  • Rock Hounding
  • Rock/Ice Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
  • Zipline Tours


  • Arts & Heritage Activities
  • Collegiate Peaks Byway
  • Living History



  • Salida Chamber of Commerce
    Toll-Free: 877.772.5432
    Salida, Colorado
    website

    Buena Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
    719.395.6612
    Buena Vista, Colorado
    website


    Arkansas Valley Publishing, Covering Salida, Buena Vista, Ponca Springs, and Monarch Colorado
    Home > Colorado Activities > Salida Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking
     

    Salida Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking

    Colorado is the epicenter of mountain vacation travel and at the heart of Colorado is the wildly accessible and user-friendly Upper Arkansas River Valley. Dozens of easy to drive to trailheads and campgrounds provide the launching off point to a nearly endless selection of adventures limited only by interest, time and energy. John Wayne-style sunset scenes are a common occurrence; definitely be sure the camera and video cam have fresh batteries.

    The 14ers. Fifteen 14,000-foot peaks, aka 14ers, pack shoulder to shoulder along the Sawatch Range. Opt to explore in, around or to the top of these dramatic peaks that rise abruptly from valley floor. Some folks even make it a life goal to summit all of Colorado’s 54 14ers. The sense of accomplishment is huge; the view from the top — priceless. For best results, be sure to leave from the trailhead no later than 7 a.m., dress in layers, wear plenty of sun screen, and take ample snacks and water. Best bet for snow-free travel is Fourth of July through Labor Day. Most 14er summit trails are in wilderness areas open only to non-motorized travel. Mounts Princeton and Antero are the exceptions, accessible via 4WD and other off-road vehicles.

    Salida Colorado Hiking and Backpacking and Buena Vista Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County


    Checkout the Chaffee County Ultimate Interactive Maps

    Legends.The Upper Arkansas Valley is the heart of two legendary trails that meander through the Sawatch Range. The Colorado Trail extends some 500 miles over the headwaters of five major rivers, seven national forests, eight mountain ranges and six wilderness areas. The Colorado Trail overlaps in places with the Continental Divide Trail, one of just eight National Scenic Trails. Off the beaten path, dozens of lesser-known trails lead to thick pine and aspen forests, pristine alpine lakes and above timberline tundra.

    TrailFest. World-class adventure and fun on the Continental Divide Trail are the star attractions the third weekend of July when TrailFest returns to Buena Vista.

    Wilderness. Escape from the grind of mechanized civilization in any of a quartet of federally designated wilderness areas: Buffalo Peaks, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo. In fall 2006, Washington politicians were considering a fifth: 31 square miles of the Mosquito Range on the east side of the Arkansas River to be named the Brown’s Canyon Wilderness Area.

    Camping. Tops on reasons why folks come to Chaffee County is to enjoy the camaraderie of toasting marshmallows around the fire and hunkering down in a cozy sleeping bag under a blanket of stars. While backpackers can choose from a plethora of trails that take them deep and high into the mountains, there are plenty of public and private campgrounds packed with amenities, many with easy pull-through RV hookups and handicap accessibility.

    Critters. Mountain outings here often feel more like a safari. Common large species in the area include elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Elusive moose have been spotted on Monarch Pass road. Shrill chirps up high are likely fuzzy yellow-bellied marmots. No matter how cute, they are wild animals so don’t try to feed or pet them and keep a safe distance when taking pictures. Know how to bear-proof campsites and while they very rarely reveal themselves, a few mountain lions have dens in the area. Always keep small kids well within sight.

     
    Featured Hiking and Backpacking BusinessesHiking and Backpacking Businesses Contact all Hiking and Backpacking Businesses
    Photo of The Trailhead - Hiking and Backpacking Business The Trailhead
    THE TRAILHEAD is your one-stop shop for everything you need for backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, ski touring, and travel.. (more info...)
     
    707 Hwy 24 North
    Buena Vista, CO  81211
    Call Us: 719-395-8001
    Visit Our Website
     
    Other Hiking and Backpacking in Chaffee County
    Antero Llamas
    9485 CR 120
    Salida, CO  81201
    719-539-6888

     
    Headwaters Outdoor Equipment
    228 N. F Street
    Salida, CO  81201
    719-539-4506

     

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    River Activities

  • Arkansas River Rafting
  • Fishing
  • Hot Springs
  • Inflatable Kayaking
  • Whitewater Kayaking


  • Arts & Heritage Activities

  • Collegiate Peaks Byway
  • Living History


  • Mountain Activities

  • 14ers-Peak Bagging
  • Diversions
  • Golfing
  • Hiking and Backpacking
  • Horseback Riding & Llama Trekking
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Off Roading & Jeep Tours
  • Road Biking
  • Rock Hounding
  • Rock/Ice Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
  • Zipline Tours
  • Lodging

  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Cabins
  • Campgrounds & RV Parks
  • Dude & Guest Ranches
  • Meeting Facilities
  • Motels & Hotels
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Real Estate

  • Builders and Contractors
  • Financial
  • Realtors and Real Estate Agencies
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