7 days in Salida & Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary

The City of Salida is a Statutory City that is the county seat and most populous city of Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. Kids will enjoy Monarch Mountain and Aspen Mountain / Ajax. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Salida: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (in Cañon City), Monarch Dog Sled Rides (in Monarch) and Buena Vista (Off-Road Tours, Sundance and Friends, &more). The adventure continues: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, walk around Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Deerhammer Distillery, and examine the collection at Salida Museum.

For photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Salida day trip site.

Denver to Salida is an approximately 3-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. In March in Salida, expect temperatures between 55°F during the day and 28°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) early enough to drive to Mesa Verde National Park.

Whereas most national parks are primarily devoted to showcasing unique and special landscapes, Mesa Verde National Park focuses on ancient human habitation.

On the 31st (Fri), stroll through Nordenskiold #16 Trail, then explore the striking landscape at Square Tower House, then make a trip to Park Point, and finally explore the ancient world of Spruce Tree House. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Sat): explore the ancient world of Cliff Palace, then delve into the distant past at Balcony House, and then explore the ancient world of Long House.

Discover how to plan a Mesa Verde National Park trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Getting from Salida to Mesa Verde National Park by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of car, bus, and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in March, and nighttime lows around 24°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to fly back home.