Road Biking Near Salida and Buena Vista

Biking in the Upper Arkansas River Valley is, quite simply, sublime. If Goldilocks were a cyclist she’d find riding here Just Right – not too hot, not too cold pretty much 10 months out of the year. The masses are just beginning to take notice of what the two-wheeled epicureans have already figured out: whether your tastes run to skinny wheels or fat tires, riding Chaffee County rocks!

Get the skinny. Discover the quiet, rural back roads of Salida and Buena Vista where the lack of traffic means you can ride side by side with friends only occasionally needing to drop into single file for the infrequent passing car.

A favorite locals route includes traveling west out of Salida on CR 140. At US 285 turn right/north. The broad shoulder along 285 means there’s plenty of elbow room between you and highway traffic. For a quick loop, turn right and head back to Salida when you reach blissfully tranquil CR 160.

Go for the gusto and test stamina, legs and lungs on Cottonwood Pass. This scenic road is paved from the lone traffic light in Buena Vista (7,964) all the way to the 12,126 - foot summit of the pass astride the Continental Divide. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Views from the top are jaw-dropping. Pack plenty of water, snacks and layers. Definitely start early.