Local Beta › Where to stay
Where to stay near Salida, Monarch and Buena Vista
Where to stay near Salida
Salida is a small town, and the good spots book up fast in summer and on powder weekends. Here's where we'd send friends, starting with Chateau Shavano, a log home up by Monarch.
Our pick
Chateau Shavano
Ten miles from Monarch and four from a 14er trailhead, Chateau Shavano is a five-bedroom log home at the base of Mt. Shavano. It sleeps eight, takes dogs, and has driveway room for the truck and the trailer.
A good base camp for Monarch and the 14ers
Monarch Mountain is a short drive up the pass. The Shavano and Tabeguache trailhead is four miles away, and the Monarch Crest is close enough to ride and coast back down. At the end of the day there are five fireplaces, a wraparound porch facing Shavano and a coffee bar for the morning.
- Five fireplaces, including a wood stove, with firewood stacked and ready
- Full kitchen, dining for eight and a Traeger grill
- Starlink Wi-Fi, streaming TV and a washer and dryer
- Fenced dog area, up to 2 dogs ($75 per stay)
- Driveway parking for trucks and trailers, with room for hunting parties and sled crews
Heads up: there's no hot tub or air conditioning. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is about 35 minutes away.
How far is everything
| Mt. Shavano and Tabeguache trailhead | 4 mi |
| Colorado Trail and CDT access | 4 mi |
| Monarch Mountain | 10 mi |
| Poncha Springs groceries and gas | about 10 min |
| Downtown Salida and the shop | 12 mi |
| Browns Canyon outfitters | about 25 min |
| Mt. Princeton Hot Springs | about 35 min |
Cell service is spotty out there, so download offline maps before you leave town. In winter, bring 4WD or snow tires.
Guest perk
15% off ski and snowboard rentalsStaying at Chateau Shavano? Tell the crew at the shop, 110 N F St in Salida, and we'll take 15% off your rentals. Stop in for trail and snow beta while you're at it. That part's always free.
Booking
Book direct with us to skip the platform fees. Send your dates through the booking form or call or text Austin at 602.290.6899, and we'll usually get back to you the same day. Prefer a platform? We're on Airbnb and Vrbo too.
Common questions
Where exactly is it?
Just off Highway 50 between Poncha Springs and Monarch Pass, near Maysville, at about 8,000 feet. It's a minute or two off the highway but tucked in the trees, so it stays quiet.
Can we bring dogs?
Yes, up to 2 dogs with a $75 pet fee per stay. There's a fenced dog area, a dog bed and bowls.
Is it good for a ski trip?
That's what it's built for. Monarch is ten miles up the pass and gets about 350 inches a year. Grab your rentals at the shop on the way in.
What are check-in and checkout?
Self check-in any time after 4:00 pm with a door code. Checkout is by 10:00 am.
Chaffee County STR #011656. Hosted by Austin and Keely, owners of Salida Mountain Sports.
If we're booked
In Salida
Walk to dinner, the river and the shop. These are the spots we hear good things about.
Manhattan Hotel
Downtown, on the river
Small boutique hotel above the Boathouse Cantina on F Street. River views and a rooftop hot tub. Self check-in, stairs only.
Simple Lodge & Hostel
Downtown, 1st Street
Dorm beds, private rooms and a family room a couple of blocks from F Street. The budget pick.
Amigo Motor Lodge
Highway 50, about a mile from downtown
A redone 1950s motor lodge with vintage Airstreams out back. Dog friendly.
Circle R Motel
East Rainbow Blvd
Mid-century motel with a hot tub and EV chargers in the old gas pumps. Dogs on request.
Bringing the rig
RV parks
Hookups, showers and a spot to park the camper. Book early for summer and rafting season.
Four Seasons RV Park
Highway 50, just east of Salida
Right on the Arkansas River, a mile or so from town.
Monarch Spur RV Park
Highway 50 West, near Garfield
Open year-round and about seven miles from Monarch, so it works for ski trips too.
Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park
Nathrop, near Mt. Princeton
Up Chalk Creek, a few minutes from the hot springs. RV and tent sites.
Want something more rustic? Our camping and hot springs guide covers dispersed sites and the river campgrounds.
Up the valley
Mt. Princeton and Buena Vista
About 25 to 40 minutes north. Stay here if soaking is the main event.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Nathrop
Lodge rooms and cabins, with the pools and creekside soaking included.
Antero Hot Springs Cabins
Nathrop, Chalk Creek
Three private cabins, each with its own hot springs pool. Good for a quiet couples trip.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn
West of Buena Vista
Old-school inn and cabins in the trees, with after-hours pool access for overnight guests.
Surf Hotel
South Main, Buena Vista
Boutique hotel on the river, walking distance to the BV whitewater park and South Main.
We don't get anything for these picks. Check rates, pet rules and availability with each place directly.