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Area & Activities

Pick Your Own Play Package

This package features flexibility and lets you design your perfect weekend.

Begin your 1 or 2 night package after you've settled into your room by simply choosing the deck, a glass of wine, and the truly magnificent view, or you could hot tub, walk to the creek, hike the Colorado trail, or catch a trout or two.

The next day there is a sumptuous variety for you to choose from.

An experienced rafting company can take you on a gentle first time trip to a class V heart thumper.

Fishermen can take a variety of trips with professional guides. The Arkansas River is known for it's brown and rainbow trout. Trips are 1/2 and full day.

Horseback riding is available with trips to fit your ability, time, and desire at Mt. Princeton Riding Stables and Equestrian Center.

In addition to the above, you may schedule all-day rides, breakfast rides, evening sleigh rides, at the Chuckwagon dinner with a western show.

Other options include picking a mountain trail and biking, going places on a ATV or jeeping, on a tour, or on you own, into the high country.

The next priority may be to soothe yourself. Try a massage at La Roca, or soak in the Hot Springs park down the road.

Your cost is dependent on the activities you choose. Please call and set up your very own package.

Reservations necessary! Please call in advance!

Area

In south-central Colorado, the 14ers Region embodies all that defines this extraordinary state.

Of Colorado's 57 peaks taller than 14,000 feet, 15 of these '14ers' are found in the Sawatch Range lining the upper Arkansas River valley, the most 14ers of any range in all the Rockies.

Visitors to the 14ers Region will find the whitewater capital of the world, superb fishing, numerous hot springs, cattle ranches stretching across lush meadows, a 150-mile unique river park, and mild mountain climate. In addition, no matter what you choose to do, those spectacular peaks are always on the horizon.

It is indeed providence that makes the 14ers Region such an attractive place to visit and live. The topography creates opportunities for so many different outdoor activities, it would take a full year to enjoy everything.

Complementing the outdoor recreation activities of biking, climbing, skiing and whitewater rafting, the Valley's art community offers a palette ranging from traditional to eclectic. Salida is one of the best art towns in Colorado offering galleries, studios, antique stores and unique boutiques. There is something new all the time! Music - The music scene resounds year round with performers playing local cafes and auditoriums. The Salida- Aspen Concert series will perform its 28th season next summer. This brings some of the world's top young classical musicians to Buena Vista and Salida. Artists from the world-famous Aspen Music Festival perform six concerts here each summer.

Activities

The Rocky Mountain area abounds with activities for everyone, including biking, climbing, skiing and whitewater rafting.

A sampling includes:

Ghost Towns -- Visitors will not want to miss St. Elmo, just 12 miles west of La Roca or Turret, Windfield or Vicksburg, Colorado. Each site provides a glimpse of the American West.

Golf -- Both Buena Vista and Salida have very scenic courses, typically open March through November. Greens fees are exceptionally reasonable.

4-Wheeling -- 4-Wheel drive routes take you to the back country with breathtaking views on all sides.

Horseback riding -- Guided rides from 1 hour to all day are available just down the road at Mt. Princeton Riding Stables. Other stables, including llama rentals, are in the area.

Hiking -- Everything from a short family-oriented walk to a technical climb can be found a short distance away.

Rock Climbing -- Climbers find what they are looking for on "River Road," just north of Buena Vista.

Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking -- The Arkansas River of Colorado is the most popular rafting river in the world. Visitors can choose easy family float trips or intense trips with rapids such as Zoom Flume, Big Drop and the Graveyard providing excitement. The new River Park in Salida provides kayakers with hours of fun.

Fishing -- The Arkansas River is one of Colorado's finest brown trout fisheries. Thanks to the valley's mild weather, anglers can fish the year round. Chalk Creek, at La Roca's doorstep, offers brook trout and cutthroat.

Mountain Biking -- Mountain biking gets an early start here with many trails open in April. Some of the best fat-tracking in the western U.S. is offered with valley trails and mountain terrain.

Hot Springs -- A dip will soothe, restore and refresh. Three springs are within 30 minutes of La Roca. The outdoor hot tub at La Roca is filled with geothermal water for you to enjoy. It's a great spot to be during a light snow!

Skiing and Riding -- Monarch Ski area provides abundant snow on 670 acres. Here you will not fight traffic, lift or food lines. Skiing is casual and friendly, not fancy and expensive.

Snowmobiling -- Guided and self-guided daily rentals are available. The most popular areas are St. Elmo (12 miles west of La Roca) and Cottonwood Pass.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing -- Your adventure here is limited only by your ambition and ability. In these mountains are endless acres of U.S. Forest and BLM land.

Calling the valley home is a diverse population made up of ranchers, artists outfitters, entrepreneurs, teachers, bakers, brewmeisters, to name just a few... folks living here, building communities, raising families, who still look you in the eye and say 'Hello!'

Attractions and Excursions

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