Anyone from Salida here?

[Diesel]

I saw a couple of K's pictures - looks like a gorgeous piece of land! Hope it all comes through for you guys.

[hitek79]

Well it looks like this deal actually might come together. Assuming it all goes smoothly we'll be closing on May 7th.

[joetron]

Hell Yeah!
Is that up County Rd 156?

[RootSkier]

two words: passive solar

also, kayaking is rad and about a million times cheaper than biking.

[hitek79]

J, no on the 156. All the good lots in that area are already bought. That was our first choice because it's so close to S mountain. This is off of 110, which is just south of 50. One of the new Methodist Mountain trails should run about 1/4 south of our land. We back right up to BLM land.

That's one advantage to this land Root. It will be in the sun alllll day long.

[schuss]

J, no on the 156. All the good lots in that area are already bought. That was our first choice because it's so close to S mountain. This is off of 110, which is just south of 50. One of the new Methodist Mountain trails should run about 1/4 south of our land. We back right up to BLM land.

That's one advantage to this land Root. It will be in the sun alllll day long.

Yeah, that's prime for a passive solar house. My Dad's (in NH) gets less exposure than that and he heats a 2500 square foot house on 4 cords of wood (and has been doing so since 1982). You can get real creative with concrete/thermal mass, and if you eventually add some PV's, be de facto off the grid.

[hitek79]

Closed on the land today! We're pretty pumped on the deal. These are from back in March.





These are from back in March and it had just snowed.

[Rideski]

Any updates?

Also, looking for some good food in town, and some easy hiking trails around town. I rode monarch crest, but it's been a while. What happens if I drive up there with no bike, is there simple hiking? Girlfriend is recovering from a knee injury. I remember the Crest starting straight up the hill from the parking lot for a ways.

Well also be going to the Sand Dunes and possibly the wildlife refuge. We will be missing the sandhill crane migration, but hear there are some other good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is Medano Creek worthwhile?

[grskier]

They moved Salida to the front range, you should go there. I hear it's wicked cool.


Plenty of hiking off of Monarch and Poncha Passes just considering the CDT.

Near the Sand Dunes you can check out Zapata falls too. I've never done Medano.

[BFD]

When you coming down? I am usually solo and hitting the bike shop when I am there. I am a fan of Sweeties and their disgustingly large brownies. Dinner I have only been to Amicas, Boathouse and someplace across the street from Amicas. All were good. I think there are a lot of good restaurants in Salida. Just drive into town go across the river and park at base of S mountain. Easy to walk from there. I would see if you can time your trip with some music. Dont know about hiking. Yea the divide starts like you remember it, Could be a short walk up and catch the view. You could also walk up Starvation Trail but not sure how many bikers will be hauling ass down it. Medano Creek is the creek at the base of the dunes. If you want to hike on the dunes you walk through it. It is currently dry. Zapata Falls is a short walk and will probably be busy. Best hike I have done in that area is Willow Lake out of Crestone, Trail to Kit Carson Peak. It is one of the best built trails I have been on. worth hiking just to appreciate the work that went into it. Was at the wildlife refuge south of Monte Vista last week. Not sure what is around but imagine an avid birder could scratch something up. My tourist day in the San Luis Valley is Penitente, Sand Dunes, than Sand Dunes Hot Springs in Hooper. Finish with dinner at Calvillos in Alamosa. The food at the Sand Dunes Hot Springs is decent if you want a place to eat out that way. Get in touch if you want. There are other things to do out by the Monte Vista Refuge like an old cemetery and petroglyphs that make a nice day in the valley.

[Rideski]

Thanks, will plan to check out willow lake and carvillos. I'll read about Hooper. Staying in Alamosa 9.3 and up in the air 9.4, was thinking about looking for an air b&b around Salida.

[stapes]

Little Red Hen Bakery for breakfast
50 Burger for burgers and shakes
Pizza Rio was solid. More NY style vs Amicas wood fired.
Boathouse and High Side are just your basic pub fare but good vibe right by the river, patios etc
The Fritz for your nicer dinner / date vibe

S Mountain Trails are right there. Methodist Mt too
Maps here: https://salidamountaintrails.org

[Rideski]

Cool thanks. Thin crust is where it's at.

[natebob]

I missed this thread the first time, funny to see it pop up and see responses from 2010 to now. Agree with what everyone has said - it's a cool town, with good people and lots of outdoor stuff to do close by, and not far to other great areas. A recent addition to the restaurant scene is Stoke, started by the owners of Amicas. Its mostly a barbeque place, but the menu is diverse enough. The best part is they have a great indoor stage and are getting some great music, often for free. Saw the Bill McKay band last week, Marc Ford Trio is playing this weekend.

[Roxtar]

Wife and I are currently looking for land/lot there for retirement. It's a tough real estate market but, I believe, well worth it.
We've been coming there to for years and love the town, the riding, and the general vibe.
The trail system is second to none and grows every year. I tell my buddy Shawn, owner of Absolute Bikes, his trail maps go obsolete every season.
If you want more, head 1/2 hr north to Buena Vista which is also building trail like crazy.

[Roxtar]

Best apres ride lunch; Moonlight Pizza slice and beer for $7

[Roxtar]

Thin crust is where it's at.

That's not a pizza:



THAT'S A PIZZA:


Thin crust is for appetizers.

[skaredshtles]

That's not a pizza:



THAT'S A PIZZA:


Thin crust is for appetizers.

[Roxtar]

New Yawkas, Meh

[Danno]

That's not a pizza:



THAT'S A PIZZA:


Thin crust is for appetizers.

One of those pictures is a pizza, the other is a pizza casserole.

[Jax]

Monarch Mountain recently took over ownership/operations at the crest. They totally revamped the welcome center & shop, there is now a restaurant up there, no more kachina dolls and dream catchers... The gondy is running for hikers and bikers.

[NuMexJoe]

Best apres ride lunch; Moonlight Pizza slice and beer for $7

That's been my go-to for years, but in the last few months things seem to be deteriorating. They're severely understaffed and the service shows. Things are tough all over in that regard, but it seems to have affected Moonlight more than most. I gave up and walked out day before yesterday after being ignored and seeing most tables had water and nothing else in front of them. I'm looking for an alternative now that isn't out on Hwy 50 or over in Poncha. Until I find something else, Benson's is solid, and Amicas has stepped up their game (although I still miss Il Vecino). But on the positive side, the foothills trails were hero dirt after Monday night's rain.

[goldenboy]

Monarch Mountain recently took over ownership/operations at the crest. They totally revamped the welcome center & shop, there is now a restaurant up there, no more kachina dolls and dream catchers... The gondy is running for hikers and bikers.

Yeah, rode Agate a couple of days ago and stopped in. The biking/camping/hiking selection is actually really solid. There was a really nice Patagucci shell there at 40% off that I was half tempted at.

Salida is cool for sure. I wouldn't personally say their trail system is 2nd to none, I don't think it scratches the surface of what I have here in CB/Gunny, but it's really good.

Also, another "no" on the pizza casserole thing.

[Roxtar]

That's been my go-to for years, but in the last few months things seem to be deteriorating. They're severely understaffed and the service shows. Things are tough all over in that regard, but it seems to have affected Moonlight more than most. I gave up and walked out day before yesterday after being ignored and seeing most tables had water and nothing else in front of them. I'm looking for an alternative now that isn't out on Hwy 50 or over in Poncha. Until I find something else, Benson's is solid, and Amicas has stepped up their game (although I still miss Il Vecino). But on the positive side, the foothills trails were hero dirt after Monday night's rain.

We were there about a month ago and it was good. Hopefully it's more of a hit and miss thing rather than just downward.

[slcdawg]

Pizza Rio was solid. More NY style vs Amicas wood fired.

Agree on Pizza Rio. Really good NY style.