Salida Colorado - Local Trail Rides and Guides

Monarch Crest Trail Map

This is a must have for first time Crest Trail riders. GPS accuracy with photo on each of the Crest Trail turns. The map also contains Agate Creek, Greens Creek, Poncha Creek, Silver Creek and the beginning of the Rainbow Trail. Confusing intersections are photographed, with directional arrows overlaid to indicate the correct route. Includes mileage information for cyclocomputer navigation.

Click on the map to see a larger view

Click on the map to see a larger view

Salida Singletrack

Local rider Nathan Ward has documented some of the best trails in the Arkansas River Valley. Salida Single track contains rides from Salida to Leadville with difficulty ratings, GPS accuracy and easy to follow trail descriptions.

Salida Singletrack - $14.95

Arkansas River Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide

The Arkansas River Valley offers cycling opportunities for every level of bicyclist. The three rides presented here give a snapshot of what the area has to offer. These maps are taken from the Arkansas River Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide. This waterproof, foldable guide provides accurate ride descriptions, including elevation profiles, trails conditions and directions to the trailhead.

Popular Local Trails

The Monarch Crest Trail is one of the most unique trails in Colorado. With a starting elevation of 11,307 feet and a maximum elevation of 11,983 feet, this trail provides breathtaking views of either side of the Continental Divide. The majority of land through which the trail passes is above tree line so keeping your mind on riding instead of the scenery may be one of the most difficult aspects of the Monarch Crest Trail. This ride is point-to-point. The total distance is approximately 26 miles.

Salida Trails- The cyclist looking for a relaxed yet scenic ride in and around Salida has three options (Salida Loop, Tenderfoot Hill Trail and PowerlineTrail) to choose from. Two of these (Tenderfoot Hill Trail and the Powerline Trail) have either noticeable changes in elevation or moderately rough trail conditions. If you are riding with children or those that have not become acclimated to the elevation in Salida (just over 7,000 feet), please take these trail conditions into consideration.

The Marshall Pass Loop follows the Old Marshall Pass Railroad that connected Gunnison with the Arkansas River Valley. The railroad bed is now a dirt road and is primarily used by outdoor enthusiasts for biking, hiking and camping. A gradual climb from Mears Junction to Marshall Pass, the grade for this road does not exceed 4 percent. Marshall Pass Loop offers terrific views of Mount Ouray and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. In fall, the groves of aspen trees that line the road display their characteristic colors giving crisp days a warm hue. This ride offers either a 19.5-mile loop or a 9.7-mile loop (Grays Creek).