Anyone from Salida here?

**hitek79** · 03-15-2010, 11:47 AM

The wife and I are contemplating a move there. I was hoping to ask someone a few questions about the riding and living.

**sawatchsplitter** · 03-15-2010, 12:01 PM

Watcha wanna know?

**hitek79** · 03-15-2010, 12:22 PM

What's the riding like in the winter months?

What's your overall feeling about the town?

If you ski or board, do you like Monarch? Is it crowded on the weekends? We ski I-70 resorts as of now, so I'm sure crowded is a relative term.

Just looking at it on paper it looks like an awesome place to live. Good weather, great riding, good skiing, and it seems like the possibilities are endless within a 100 mile drive in most directions. We live outside of Denver now and are just looking for a change of pace.

**sawatchsplitter** · 03-15-2010, 12:43 PM

The riding is pretty good in the winter depending on snowfall. Most of the trails east of town are on the sunny side and dry out relatively fast. Salida Mountain Trails has built some really nice loops up there and much more is planned for the future. Often times you can ski Monarch and then go hit some singletrack behind S-Mountain. Trails along the Rainbow, Colorado Trail, and Crest are out until late spring/summer. I see people road biking in the winter, but that's not my bag.
Monarch is really fun. Not super big, but the snow quality and quantity is very nice. Some people who visit from other areas complain that the runs aren't long enough, but it is what it is. The only "busy" times at Monarch are around X-mas and Spring Break, although we've been pretty busy on Saturdays this season. If you are used to the I-70 crowds, you'll laugh at what we consider busy. It's all about the skiing and riding at Monarch, nothing else. The area has a good vibe to it. There is some really nice backcountry around the pass if you're willing to sniff around, otherwise there are some nice mellow shots visible from the highway.
Salida is a great town. My family and I love it. If you need to make tons of cash, bring it with you or look somewhere else. Most jobs pay shit, but it's the lifestyle that keeps people here. Many fine folks live here and it's one of the friendliest towns I've ever lived in.
Let me know if you need anything else. Off to ski.

**hitek79** · 03-15-2010, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the info. We both have jobs that be done from anywhere, so the money/job part isn't an issue. We're also a married boring couple, so I don't think leaving the big city will bother us one bit. We've gone into Denver once in the last 6 months.

What's the chance that the trails east of town are ridable this weekend?

**joetron** · 03-15-2010, 07:20 PM

T,
Considering you and your wife's job situation, if you guys are considering a move there, I'd give it thumbs up for further consideration.
My wife and I have been visiting Salida every couple of months for about 3 years. Her uncle has a place down there. We love it. The riding is awesome, the season is long. Access to all the other bad ass shit in the mountains is within striking distance.
I <3 Monarch, but my gnar shredding days are for the most part behind me. Great tree skiing, good snow, awesome vibe. Besides it's lack of gnar, its what resort skiing should be IMO.
I've met lots of nice locals and the riding community down there is solid. Talking to folks, the only complaint is jobs/making money. If you've got that handled and you're over Denver metro....by all means check it out.

**hitek79** · 03-15-2010, 09:03 PM

Yeah, gnar isn't really my thing. I've had too many previous leg injuries to be doing anything crazy. I love trees, powder, and no crowds. I could care less about 20 foot cliffs and a 50 degree pitch.

**mud** · 03-15-2010, 09:29 PM

Great trails through pinion pines and aspens heading up to Shavano and Tabeguache Also home to one of the better pizza & homebrew joints in CO. We still hit it after a day at Monarch even though owners have changed hands frequently the quality remains top shelf.

http://amicassalida.typepad.com/

**Diesel** · 03-15-2010, 09:33 PM

T-
+1 on everything said.

Salida is a great (albeit small) town, nice vibe. It seems like nearly everyone down there is athletic or artistic, or both. Lots of places to display your photos.

The riding ranges from mellow to challenging. S-mountain has some great loops and they're still building. I have some friends down there, so I typically get down every couple of months to play in sun or snow. Plus it's a nice stop over on the way to CB, Telluride, Wolf Creek, etc.

Monarch - same vibe....I heart that mountain. It's as true to roots as resorts get...chill lodge, affordable tickets/food/beer, good terrain, nice slackcountry. You guys should try to get down there this season.

BTW, we have a mutual friend who is getting ready to sell her home in Salida. I'll PM you w/her name.

**concretejungle** · 03-15-2010, 10:26 PM

I like Monarch but then again I like most ski areas where I can park close and my dog is welcome. If the misses or I could swing a job there we would move.

Downtown isn't on the highway which seems to be an issue for most CO towns. This is a plus for us.

**sawatchsplitter** · 03-16-2010, 09:38 AM

Regarding the trails this weekend...
We just picked up about 4 inches in town, but most of that has melted already. My guess is that the majority of the S-mountain trails will be dry. You might run into some snow patches on the shady backside, but there will be tracks through it. Call the guys at Absolute, they'll know for sure. 719.539.9295.

LT · 03-16-2010, 10:22 AM

I have nothing to add that everyone here doesn't always know....love Salida. Great little town, good people, beautiful country. Visited last fall and fell in love. Trying to get out there with the wife this summer to show here around.

**flatlander#2** · 03-16-2010, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by sawatchsplitter

Regarding the trails this weekend...
We just picked up about 4 inches in town, but most of that has melted already. My guess is that the majority of the S-mountain trails will be dry. You might run into some snow patches on the shady backside, but there will be tracks through it. Call the guys at Absolute, they'll know for sure. 719.539.9295.

I am so coming down there this weekend. What are some really cool places closer to downtown the better? Bringing the wifey, woowoo. I love that pizza place, top notch.

**sawatchsplitter** · 03-16-2010, 01:28 PM

I'm not sure what you're asking. Trails? Places to stay?
Also, check the forecast...looks like you may want to bring your skis/board instead/too.

**Lev** · 03-16-2010, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by concretejungle

I like Monarch but then again I like most ski areas where I can park close and my dog is welcome. If the misses or I could swing a job there we would move.

Downtown isn't on the highway which seems to be an issue for most CO towns. This is a plus for us.

Aren't you a Boulderite? Giving up the bubble for some pure mountain fun?

It's cool to check out this thread. I've driven through Salida several times, but never really spent any significant time there. Always thought to myself, "Hmmm... This would be a nice place to live."

I need to get back out there with the bike (and I suppose I could bring the Mrs. along as well...)

**flatlander#2** · 03-16-2010, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by sawatchsplitter

I'm not sure what you're asking. Trails? Places to stay?
Also, check the forecast...looks like you may want to bring your skis/board instead/too.

Oops, well that might be the suck then. Was looking for love shack type staying.

**sawatchsplitter** · 03-16-2010, 04:57 PM

Love shacks...

http://www.vrbo.com/139956
www.vrbo.com/228762
http://www.simplelodge.com

**danadog** · 03-16-2010, 05:13 PM

Don't forget about all of the possibilities with that great river that runs right through town.

**hitek79** · 03-16-2010, 06:11 PM

^^^

I'm actually dreading that. I already have 3 expensive hobbies, I don't need anymore!

**joetron** · 03-16-2010, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by hitek79

^^^

I'm actually dreading that. I already have 3 expensive hobbies, I don't need anymore!

Dude,
Inner tubes and cutoff jeans are cheap!

**hitek79** · 03-16-2010, 06:50 PM

Yeah, but you've got to have a second inner tube for the ice chest and you're guaranteed to lose one flip flop per trip down the river. That shit adds up!

**kidwoo** · 03-16-2010, 08:00 PM

If I could secure employment, I'd live in salida in a hearbeat. That place is awesome. They've got a good skatepark too.

**summitmtn420** · 03-16-2010, 08:12 PM

Salida would be awesome!! I would move there in a heartbeat if I could! You should do it!

**arrowhead trails** · 03-17-2010, 11:42 AM

no complaints whatsoever!. world class mountain biking, running, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, dirt biking, all out our back door...and only 5500 people...ah salida...bike park coming soon too