Salida

Monarch Crest shuttles and close-to-town desert hills.

A river town with the Arkansas Hills trails starting at the edge of downtown and the Methodist Mountain system across the valley. In summer, shuttles run to the Monarch Crest, an IMBA Epic along the Continental Divide. The low hills stay mostly snow-free in winter, so it’s a rare Colorado spot for off-season riding.

At a glance

Trails stewarded

70 mi

Trail systems

Arkansas Hills, Methodist Mountain

Monarch Crest

IMBA Epic; shuttle $39

Cottonwood shuttle

$30, from late March

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Cross-country
• Enduro
• Shuttles
• E-bikes allowed
• Bike rentals
• Races and festivals

Rentals, guides and shops

• Absolute Bikes

  Monarch Crest and Cottonwood shuttles, guided rides, demos and trail conditions.

• Sub-Culture Cyclery

  Downtown shop with a big rental fleet.

• Salida Mountain Trails

  The nonprofit that builds and maintains the local trails; maps and conditions.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• RaceMid-to-late September (Sept 20 in 2026)Usually

  Banana Belt MTB

  Endurance mountain bike race on the Methodist Mountain singletrack.

Where to stay

• lodgeMount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

  Rooms and cabins with hot spring pools and natural soaking along Chalk Creek.

  35 min drive
• hotelAmigo Motor Lodge

  Restyled motel with rooms and vintage Airstreams, pet friendly.

  5 min drive
• hostelSimple Lodge & Hostel

  Low-cost lodge and hostel in town.

  In town

Nearby

• Mount Princeton Hot Springs · 35 min drive

  Hot pools and natural creekside soaking below the Chalk Cliffs; day guests welcome.

• Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · In town

  Rafting, paddling and fishing on the Arkansas River, including Browns Canyon.

• Elevation Beer Co. · 10 min drive

  Brewery in Poncha Springs, on the way back from the Crest.

• Moonlight Pizza · In town

  Downtown pizza and brewpub.

Getting there

• Colorado Springs (COS) · about 2 hr drive
• Colorado Springs · about 2 hr
• Denver · about 2.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps