Local Beta › Nordic and snowshoe
Valley conditions right now
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Near Salida, Nordic skiing mostly means touring on ungroomed roads and trails, with metal-edged backcountry skis or snowshoes. For groomed classic and skate tracks, plan a day trip north.
- Old Monarch Pass Road: the go-to. About 2.5 miles round trip of gentle climbing from the plowed pullout below Monarch Pass to the old pass at about 11,375 feet. Snowmobiles pack the road. Keep going toward Sargents for a longer day.
- Marshall Pass Road: a long, gradual railroad grade with big views, great on snowshoes or touring skis.
- Tennessee Pass Nordic Center: at the base of Ski Cooper near Leadville, about an hour and a half north. 27 km of groomed classic and skate trails plus snowshoe routes, with rentals.
- Low elevation: after a storm, the Arkansas Hills above Salida can be good on snowshoes or microspikes.
Know before you go
- Roads and trails near the passes cross avalanche paths. Stay on low-angle terrain unless you have rescue gear and training.
- Short days and cold temps. Pack a headlamp and an extra warm layer.
Common questions
Are there groomed cross-country ski trails near Salida?
Most Nordic skiing near Salida is ungroomed touring, like the Old Monarch Pass road. For groomed classic and skate tracks, Tennessee Pass Nordic Center near Leadville has 27 km, about an hour and a half north.
Where can I snowshoe near Salida?
Old Monarch Pass Road is the go-to, about 2.5 miles round trip from the plowed pullout below Monarch Pass. Marshall Pass Road is another gentle option.
Keep exploring
Checked October 2026 against the agencies linked on this page. Rules change, so confirm before you go, and stop by the shop at 110 N F Street for the latest.