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Hiking Near Salida, Colorado

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

S-Mountain via Backside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Backside

Historical
easy
1.88 mi
+485 ft
S-Mountain via Frontside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Frontside

Family Friendly
easy
3.33 mi
+492 ft
Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Classic Hike Route

Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.84 mi
+772 ft
Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Classic Hike Route

Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
strenuous
11.45 mi
+1,936 ft
Chicken Dinner Loop

Classic Hike Route

Chicken Dinner Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.4 mi
+639 ft
Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Classic Hike Route

Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Geologically Significant
easy
3.09 mi
+821 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Rusty Lung - Frontside Loop

Hike Route

Rusty Lung - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
easy
4.24 mi
+482 ft
S-Mountain via Backside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Backside

Historical
easy
1.88 mi
+485 ft
S-Mountain via Frontside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Frontside

Family Friendly
easy
3.33 mi
+492 ft
Arkansas River Trail - Franz Lake Lollipop

Hike Route

Arkansas River Trail - Franz Lake Lollipop

ADA Accessible
easy
4.18 mi
+74 ft
Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Classic Hike Route

Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Geologically Significant
easy
3.09 mi
+821 ft
Race Track Loop

Classic Hike Route

Race Track Loop

Family Friendly
easy
2.78 mi
+505 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Classic Hike Route

Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
strenuous
11.45 mi
+1,936 ft
Double Rainbow-Pot-O-Gold Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Double Rainbow-Pot-O-Gold Out-and-Back

Views
strenuous
11.4 mi
+1,892 ft
Green's Creek Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Green's Creek Out-and-Back

River/Creek
extreme
13.55 mi
+2,921 ft
Colorado Trail: Segment 14

Hike Route

Colorado Trail: Segment 14

Views
extreme
20.15 mi
+3,986 ft
Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

Classic Hike Route

Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

Dogs Allowed
extreme
10.33 mi
+5,400 ft
Colorado Trail: Segment 15

Hike Route

Colorado Trail: Segment 15

Wildflowers
extreme
14.4 mi
+3,624 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Classic Hike Route

Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.84 mi
+772 ft
Chicken Dinner Loop

Classic Hike Route

Chicken Dinner Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.4 mi
+639 ft
North Backbone Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

North Backbone Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
6.11 mi
+529 ft
Spartan Loop

Classic Hike Route

Spartan Loop

Views
easy
5.5 mi
+455 ft
Little Rainbow Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Little Rainbow Out-and-Back

moderate
9.56 mi
+810 ft
Beasway to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Hike Route

Beasway to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
moderate
6.92 mi
+989 ft