Shoulder Season in the Upper Arkansas River Valley

 

The Upper Arkansas River Valley has received a significant snow storm before mid-October.  The grass is still green and the trees are changing in town, but woke up to snow covered peaks on Saturday.  Even had a few flakes in town over the weekend.  The shoulder season in Chaffee County is full of activities. We would never just sit around and wait for Monarch Ski and Snowboard area to open.

Autumn in the Upper Arkansas River Valley has warm days that are perfect to hit the Salida Golf Course, fish the Gold Medal Arkansas River, or ride the Salida trail system.  The first hunting season started over the weekend.  Be sure to wear some orange if you decide to take a hike.  The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is temporarily closed for some needed repairs but Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is open for  soaking.

Saturday, October 18, is the Shedfest to celebrate the local harvest.  There are festivities staring with the final Farmer’s Market at the Steamplant, a Harvest Dinner and after party.

After a day of play head to one of our many restaurants to enjoy a meal. The Twisted Cork has a new small plates menu; River’s Edge has heaters to dine outside even on a chilly evening; the Boathouse Cantina is sporting a new menu; or catch a game at Wallbangers Bar & Grill.  If you are up for a roadtrip, travel only 30 minutes over Poncha Pass to the Steel Horse Grill in scenic Villa Grove.