The wife and I are contemplating a move there. I was hoping to ask someone a few questions about the riding and living.
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The wife and I are contemplating a move there. I was hoping to ask someone a few questions about the riding and living.
Watcha wanna know?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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 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.
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.Quote:
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.
Aren't you a Boulderite? Giving up the bubble for some pure mountain fun?Quote:
Originally Posted by concretejungle
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...)
Oops, well that might be the suck then. Was looking for love shack type staying.Quote:
Originally Posted by sawatchsplitter
Don't forget about all of the possibilities with that great river that runs right through town.
^^^
I'm actually dreading that. I already have 3 expensive hobbies, I don't need anymore!
Dude,Quote:
Originally Posted by hitek79
Inner tubes and cutoff jeans are cheap!
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!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fDZmad877w0/Rc...20/2003008.jpg
If I could secure employment, I'd live in salida in a hearbeat. That place is awesome. They've got a good skatepark too. :D
Salida would be awesome!! I would move there in a heartbeat if I could! You should do it!
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
Well we found some land we're interested in about 2 miles from downtown. Now we just need to figure out the money part.
I saw a couple of K's pictures - looks like a gorgeous piece of land! Hope it all comes through for you guys.
Well it looks like this deal actually might come together. Assuming it all goes smoothly we'll be closing on May 7th.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lUZ6_KtYwgU/S6...0/IMG_6091.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lUZ6_KtYwgU/S6...0/IMG_6083.JPG
Hell Yeah!
Is that up County Rd 156?
two words: passive solar
also, kayaking is rad and about a million times cheaper than biking.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hitek79
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.
Closed on the land today! We're pretty pumped on the deal. These are from back in March.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lUZ6_KtYwgU/S6...0/IMG_6083.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lUZ6_KtYwgU/S6...0/IMG_6091.JPG
These are from back in March and it had just snowed.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
Cool thanks. Thin crust is where it's at.
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.
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.