Hiking and Backpacking Near Salida and Buena Vista

Colorado is the epicenter of mountain vacation travel and at the heart of Colorado is the wildly accessible and user-friendly Upper Arkansas River Valley. Dozens of easy to drive to trailheads and campgrounds provide the launching off point to a nearly endless selection of adventures limited only by interest, time and energy. John Wayne-style sunset scenes are a common occurrence; definitely be sure the camera and video cam have fresh batteries.

The 14ers. Fifteen 14,000-foot peaks, aka 14ers, pack shoulder to shoulder along the Sawatch Range. Opt to explore in, around or to the top of these dramatic peaks that rise abruptly from valley floor. Some folks even make it a life goal to summit all of Colorado’s 54 14ers. The sense of accomplishment is huge; the view from the top — priceless. For best results, be sure to leave from the trailhead no later than 7 a.m., dress in layers, wear plenty of sun screen, and take ample snacks and water. Best bet for snow-free travel is Fourth of July through Labor Day. Most 14er summit trails are in wilderness areas open only to non-motorized travel. Mounts Princeton and Antero are the exceptions, accessible via 4WD and other off-road vehicles.

Legends.The Upper Arkansas Valley is the heart of two legendary trails that meander through the Sawatch Range. The Colorado Trail extends some 500 miles over the headwaters of five major rivers, seven national forests, eight mountain ranges and six wilderness areas. The Colorado Trail overlaps in places with the Continental Divide Trail, one of just eight National Scenic Trails. Off the beaten path, dozens of lesser-known trails lead to thick pine and aspen forests, pristine alpine lakes and above timberline tundra.

TrailFest. World-class adventure and fun on the Continental Divide Trail are the star attractions the third weekend of July when TrailFest returns to Buena Vista.

Wilderness. Escape from the grind of mechanized civilization in any of a quartet of federally designated wilderness areas: Buffalo Peaks, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo. In fall 2006, Washington politicians were considering a fifth: 31 square miles of the Mosquito Range on the east side of the Arkansas River to be named the Brown’s Canyon Wilderness Area.

Camping. Tops on reasons why folks come to Chaffee County is to enjoy the camaraderie of toasting marshmallows around the fire and hunkering down in a cozy sleeping bag under a blanket of stars. While backpackers can choose from a plethora of trails that take them deep and high into the mountains, there are plenty of public and private campgrounds packed with amenities, many with easy pull-through RV hookups and handicap accessibility.

Critters. Mountain outings here often feel more like a safari. Common large species in the area include elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Elusive moose have been spotted on Monarch Pass road. Shrill chirps up high are likely fuzzy yellow-bellied marmots. No matter how cute, they are wild animals so don’t try to feed or pet them and keep a safe distance when taking pictures. Know how to bear-proof campsites and while they very rarely reveal themselves, a few mountain lions have dens in the area. Always keep small kids well within sight.