Welcome to San Isabel Nat Forest Campgrounds / Salida Ranger District
The Salida Ranger District is part of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. The district encompasses over 440,000 acres of public lands and is located in the central part of Colorado near the towns of Salida, Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, 4-wheeling and camping surrounded by towering peaks that rise above the valley floor. The Arkansas River flows through the valley and is one of Colorado's premiere whitewater rafting areas.  

Elevations in the Upper Arkansas River valley vary from 7,000 to over 14,000 feet. Temperatures vary throughout the year from the low teens in the winter to the 80's during the summer months. The valley is known locally as the "Banana Belt of Colorado" because of the generally mild temperatures and sunny days. Springtime can be deceptive with sporadic spring snowstorms occurring from March to May. During the summer months, days are warm with cool nights. Afternoon thundershowers are common during July and August. The fall months are are generally dry and sunny with cooler morning temperatures. 




Any and all photos on this listing were provided and approved by this business. Permissions were received to use these photos to promote the business.