Salida, unlike most other mountain towns in Colorado, Salida is known for being a summer outdoor mecca rather than a winter wonderland, but just 25 miles west of town is Monarch Mountain Ski Area and some of the deepest powder in the state. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing are also easily accessible from Salida, though it rarely snows in the town itself. Other popular activities include hunting, fishing, ATV touring, trail hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, road cycling and of course White Water Rafting on the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River runs right along the northern edge of downtown Salida. Here you will find one of the largest white water play parks in Colorado and home to FiBArk, the country’s oldest and largest white water festival, held annually around the third week of June.