Salida is one of Colorado's best places to live, work and play. Its relatively mild climate, spectacular mountain views and quick access to the climbing mountains (the 14'rs) and the Arkansas River means that "vacation feeling" is as close as the weekend. Once a hub for railroads, ranchers and miners, Salida's economic driver today is tourism. Thousands of visitors each year soak up the area's hot springs, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, snow skiing and year around adventures. They also seek out the arts and culture of Salida's National Historic District and certified Creative District filled with art galleries, fine dining, local libations, specialty boutiques and more. Festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall also attract lovers of wine, beer, arts and music. As the county seat, Salida is the hub of local government and social services. Many consider Salida to be the crossroads of central Colorado, where the Continental Divide is only 25 miles away, and where North and South diverge to create the "Banana Belt" of the Arkansas River Valley.
