SALIDA GUIDE

The Basics:
Your Guide to Staying Clean, Happy, Affluent and Ridiculously
Good Looking

Groceries
If youre happy with a nationwide grocery chain, Salida has two: Walmart is located west on
Highway 50 and open 24-hours. Safeway is downtown at 232 G St. and open until 10 most nights.
If youre looking for something a bit different, try Simple Foods. Its a little hard to spot in its little
strip at 1548 G Street, and is open M-Sat 9-7 and Sundays 10-6. If you love devouring the flesh of
once-living beings, try Scanga Meat Company.
Theyre a couple minutes out of town at 9250 County Rd 156, but worth the trip. Scanga slaughters
and sells Colorado meats, sometimes for a better price than larger stores. In the past, theyve
offered deals to SCC crews who shop there for hitch!

Laundry
The Salida Laundromat is located just behind Dominos at the intersection of Highway 50 and E
Street. Its open 24 hours, 365 days a year! Washing machines are $3.00/load and dryers vary
depending on time. A vending machine sells soap and fabric softener, and the change machine can
take a variety of bills. This is the only laundromat in Salida, so please be respectful of the facility so
that future SCCers can continue using it! Up in Buena Vista there are three laundromats including
The Missing Sock (522 Antero Circle. Buena Vista, Colorado). The prices vary from one
laundromat to the next but the Missing Sock is fairly priced and has wifi.

Showers
Simple Lodge has showers for $5/each. The folks that own this place have been longtime friends
of SCC. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center pipes its water from an underground spring 8 miles
away. The pool looks like any other indoor swimming pool, but the water is much warmer. Open
swim is $11/adult or free on your birthday. Showers are $5 and the water stays hot! Its located at 410
W Highway 50 and is open Monday 6-5.30, Tues 6-1, Wed-Thurs 6-8, Fri 6-9, Sat 9-9 and Sun
noon-8.

WiFi
Most coffee shops and lodging offer free WiFi, as does the Salida Community Center (at the
corner of F St and 3rd) and the Salida Regional Library. The Library is located on the corner of
E St and 4th, and its a lovely place to spend a few hours. If you dont have your own computer,
there are a dozen in the basement level that you can use for 30min time slots. Printing is 10 cents
per page. If you want to obtain a library card, you only need an ID and a piece of mail sent to you
at a Salida address. The library is open M-F 9-8.30, Sat 9-5.30 and Sun 1-5.

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Snail Mail
The Post Office is located at 310 D Street, and open M-F 7.30-5 and from 8.30-noon on Saturdays.
Salida also has a UPS as well as a FedEx both are located on Highway 50. (The FedEx is inside
PakMail.)

Banking
There are a few regional banks in Salida, but if you use Wells Fargo, Bank of America etc., you
wont find a branch here. Community Banks of Colorado, High Country Bank, Collegiate
Peak Bank, Mountain River Credit Union, Pueblo Bank & Trust and Bank of the West all
have branches in Salida. If you need cash and you probably will youll either have to pay ATM
fees or buy groceries and get cash back. If you dont want to take out $20, the 7-11 on Highway 50
gives $5 or $10 cash-back.

Recycling
The City of Salida has a recycling site located just behind the Hot Springs Center. They take
cardboard, paper, newspaper, milk cartons, green/brown/clear glass, plastics 1-7 and also plastic
grocery bags. Open all the time! We DONT take your personal trash or recycling here at
the office.

Healthcare
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is located west of town at 1000 Rush Drive. (Its
right off 291). The emergency room is open 24-hours a day. Otherwise, there are numerous general
practitioners, physical therapists, dentists, pharmacies and eye doctors in Salida. Consult the Bureau
of Commerce website or the Yellowpages. The local Planned Parenthood charges on a sliding fee
scale for their services and is located at 233 E 2nd St. Their hours are Mon 11-2, Tues 9-5 and Fri
9-4 and their phone number is (719)-539-7291.

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Law Enforcement
In general, the police in Salida tend to be friendly people. In an emergency, dial 911. For non-
emergencies, you can contact the Chaffee County Sheriff s Office at (719)-539-2596 or 641 West
3rd St. The Salida Fire Department is located downtown at 124 E St. and can be reached at
(719)-539-2212.

Housing
Most SCCers choose not to obtain housing during their term of service. There are plenty of places
in and around Salida to camp, either in a tent or a car (Check the camping guide page). But if
youre interested in housing, your best bet is the Salida Mountain Mail. Pick up a paper copy
around town or go online to themountainmail.com. Craigslist is not commonly used, and the
town of Salida doesnt have its own page its under the High Rockies region. Driving around
town or word of mouth are your friends. Housing tends to be pricey in Salida, and finding an
affordable place can take some time. Be patient.

Transportation
The Salida Bus Stop is located at 54 Jones Ave (just behind Wallbangers) and services both the
Chaffee County Shuttle and Black Hills Stage Line Bus. The Shuttle is operated largely by
volunteers and fees are on a donation basis ($2-5 around town, $5-10 to Poncha and elsewhere,
$10-20 Salida to BV). The Shuttle operates M-F 8-3 and requires 24 hours advance notice for pick-
ups. (719)-530-8980. The Stage Line runs throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska.
A ride to Denver is $25, one way. Reservations arent necessary and the station is open M-F 8-3.
They only accept cash and the phone number is (719)-530-8980.

There is one taxi service in Salida: Rocky Mountain Taxi serves a 23-mile radius from downtown
Salida. Their phone number is (719)-966-2005 and their website (rockymountaintaxi.com) provides
fare estimates.

If youre looking to rent a bike or buy one! check out SubCulture Cyclery at 129 North G St.
(719)-539-5329, open M-Sat 10-6 and sun 10-3. SubCulture rents mountain bikes and tandems. Its
cruising-around-town bikes are $15/day. Absolute Bikes is located at 330 West Sackett Ave and
rents a variety of bikes and trailers. Theyre open seven days a week from 10-6. (719)-539-9295

If you need to get work done on your car, consult the phone book. There are several places in
town and the best one probably depends on your vehicle and the work you need done. For a simple
oil change though, theres the Valvoline at 7590 Highway 50. (719)-539-9198 and open M-F 8-5. If
you need a tire patched or replaced, head downtown to Chaffee Tire at 200 East 1st
St. Theyre open M-F 8-5 and Sat 9-noon. (719)-529-5384. If youre handy with cars, the
Autozone on Highway 50 has many of the supplies needed to perform your own oil
change, maintenance and basic repairs.

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 Shopping: Your Guide to a Meaningful Existence

Work Gear
Walmart sells a lot of the basics, but if youre looking for a pair of Carhartts or really nice sawyers
gloves, try Murdochs at 201 E Highway 50. The True Value just down the block from SCC has
hardware, tools and free popcorn! Salida Mountain Sports is located downtown on F Street and
its the closest thing youll find to an REI around these parts. If you need some gear repair done but
dont have the time or know-how, check out Tuff River Stuff on First, right beside the Skate Park.
They cant fix everything, but they will re-zipper your sleeping bag for $10 and are a solid local
business. Rocky Mountain Resole will bring your boots back to life for a fair and surprisingly
cheap price)

Books
The Salida Regional Library has a surprisingly good selection for a small-town library, and theyre
connected to many nearby cities through a wonderful inter-library loan system. If youre looking to
purchase books, consider All Booked Up or The Book Haven, both downtown at 134 E 1st St.
and 135 N F St. respectively.

Second Hand
Your bestest friend in Salida will probably be Caring and Sharing, located at 220 W 4th St. and
open M-Sat 12.30-4. They sell clothes, appliances, housewares, furniture, outdoor gear and almost
anything you would want, and proceeds go to local charitable organizations. This is a happening
place, and new items show up all the time its a great place for boots! They take cash only. Some
other second-hand places that sell less in the way of things you might need are Ruby Blues,
Wanderlust Road, Fabulous Finds, and Free the Monkey Consignment, all of which are
downtown.

Unique Stuff
Downtown Salida is Colorados largest historic district, and there are a ton of cool little galleries
and unique businesses. You cant help but notice the Bungled Jungle, selling crazy creatures made
of god-only-knows-what. Fattees prints and sells some great local t-shirts.

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Eating: Not Just a Biological Need!
Despite its small size, Salida is home to a variety of locally-owned restaurants, almost
all worth checking out. You can also find a few national fast-food and pizza chains
along Highway 50, but here are some of the local options.

Best Place to Grab a Za

Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub is the local favorite and for good reason unique and tasty
combos as well as a great build-you-own menu compliment basic toppings that feel slightly
gourmet while still satisfying your inner pizza monster. Try their own craft soda or beer, and
try cream cheese on anything. They also offer take-n-bake, delivery and a $4 lunch special.
(719)-539-4277, 242 F St. Open Mon-Sat 11-9, Sun 11-8.
Also worth checking out: Amicas Pizza & Microbrewery and DePasquales Pizza.

Best Place to Get Your Asian Fix

Wall of China serves Chinese food that tastes like heaven right off a hitch. The menu is
expansive and the food quality is consistent. They offer take-out but no delivery.
(719)-539-8531 242 F. St. Open 11-9.30. Little Cambodia ((719)-539-6599 135 F St. Open
11-8.) is also located on F Street and they do dine-in or take-out as well. They specialize in
Pho, are connected to The Victoria Bar, and share common space that include a ping pong
and pool table. If you dont mind a drive, there are a couple Thai places in Poncha Springs,
different but both delicious!

Best Place for Mexican

Los Girasoles serves a broad menu with very generous portion sizes for the price, open
for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (719)-539-3990 7595 W Highway 50 Open 8-9. Also
check out La Casa del Rey on E Highway 50.

Best Place for a Burger & Fries

Bensons Tavern & Beer Garden has a small but solid menu, including a vegetarian
Portobello burger. Their appetizers and sides are tasty, especially the sweet potato fries, and
service is personable and chill. (719)-539-9391, 128 N F St.
Also worth checking out: The Boathouse Cantina, Rivers Edge, Mama Ds.

Best Place to Break Your Fast

Everyone knows its the Patio Pancake Place. Located right across from the SCC Office on
Highway 50, Patio Pancake has a vast and affordable breakfast menu with speedy service.
Its always busy, so youll probably have to wait a few minutes for a table. So worth it.
(719)-539-9905 640 E Highway 50 Open 7am-2pm.

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Other breakfast places worth checking out: The Eatery and The Country Bounty
(funnel cake fries with raspberry dipping sauce!)

Best Place for a Cup of Joe

Serving Mountain Phoenix Coffee, Sacred Grounds is very popular despite its location
on Highway 50. (719)-539-7500 216 W. Highway 50 Open Mon-Sat 7-5, Sunday 7-Noon.
Also worth trying: Brown Dog Coffee Company, Caf Dawn (cash only!)

Newish In Town
According to their website, The Firefly Restaurant serves American, Asian, Mexican and
Italian food, as well as homemade desserts, beer, wine and coffee. Open for Lunch and
Dinner with take-out available. (719)-221-6170, 142 W Highway 50, Open Wed-Sun 11-8
Little Red Hen Bakery 302 G St, Salida, CO 81201 sends their delicious treats all over
town but is right across the street from Safeway. Open 6-6 M-SAT, 7-2 SUN.

Swanky Dining Best Place to YOLO!!1!

The Fritz offers reasonable portions, pleasant upscale atmosphere and plenty of choices for
different dietary preferences. The Mac and Cheese is probably not one of them, but with
crumbles of bacon its probably the best thing ever. Lunch and dinner. (719)-539-0364, 113
E Sackett St. Open 11-11.
Also worth YOLOing at: Currents Restaurant (steak and seafood), Shallots (tapas!), 216
Ferraros (Italian from scratch, dinner only, reservations needed) and Twisted Cork (eclectic
fusion menu, reasonable prices.)

Recreation: For Funsies!

Around Town
Super Bowl Lanes is located on W Highway 50. Call ahead for open bowl times, Glow
Bowling is Friday & Saturday 9-midnight.
Storyville Cinema has 2 screens, with new movies premiering every Friday. Its located on
First Street, and serves reasonably priced concessions, including wine and beer. Tickets are
$8 for adults and they take cash or check only. Stop by the front door for movie times, or
call (719)-539-7002.
Hosting plays, live music, community meetings and classes, The Salida Steamplant is
located on Sackett behind the Skate Park. Check out salidasteamplant.com for an events
calendar. Currents and The Victoria Tavern also have live music during summer
weekends.

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If youre into roller derby, Salida has its own league The Ark-Valley High Rollers
featuring SCC alum Julie Mach! Home events are usually held at the Fairgrounds and
schedules can be found at arkvalleyhighrollers.com.

Farther Afield
Honestly, there are so many recreational opportunities in and around Salida that its hard to
do them all justice here. There are many helpful books on local hiking, biking, fishing, and
boating available at the Library and Online. So here are just a few staff suggestions:

Climbing
Penitente Canyon is in the northwest part of the San Luis Valley. Near Four Mile and
Independence Pass are a couple areas close to Buena Vista. Shelf Road is to the East
near Canon City, and Hartman Rocks is southwest of Gunnison.

Cycling
Penitente also has plenty of biking, many of the trails built by SCC! The Four Mile area
near BV has some good trails, but they are open to motorized use as well. Check out the
trails near Zapata Falls or anywhere in the Salida area. Salidamountaintrails.org is a great
resource!

Hiking
Soooo many trails! I recommend checking in at a ranger station, online or at the library to
find the length/difficulty/accessibility youre looking for. If youre interested in bagging
some 14ers, the nearest ones are Shavano, Tabeguache, Antero and Princeton. The tallest in
Colorado (Mt. Elbert @ 14.433) is near Leadville. Remember that hiking a 14er takes some
planning, and can be difficult even for avid outdoors persons like yourselves! An early start
helps avoid summer thunderstorms. Go to 14ers.com for route and condition info.

Relaxing
Obviously, youve already done everything in this guide, so you might want to relax. There
are a couple excellent hot springs in the San Luis Valley Joyful Journey ($12) and Valley
View ($17). Both offer camping, but only Valley View offers optional nudity!

And both BV and Poncha Springs offer 18-hole disc golf courses!

Eeeeek! Ive run out of room! I hope your season is a safe and fruitful one, and that you
find Salida as welcoming, wonderful and wild a place as I have!