Salida, CO

Salida is a Chaffee County city on the Arkansas River, in central Colorado. Its name means "exit" in Spanish, tied to the point where the river leaves the valley, and its railroad history connected it to Marshall Pass and the mountains beyond. Downtown Salida is a National Register historic district, but the place is just as defined by rafting, biking, skiing access, and big views. It feels outdoorsy without being overly precious, with old brick buildings, river culture, and mountain-town energy.