Poncha Springs ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Poncha Springs, Colorado.
1. Elevation Beer Company
CRAFT BREWS AND ATMOSPHERE
Elevation Beer Company is a popular brewery located in Poncha Springs offering craft beers in a relaxed setting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of locally brewed beers while taking a break from outdoor adventures. The brewery has become a staple attraction for both locals and tourists exploring the area.
2. Poncha Springs Disc Golf Course
18-HOLE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Poncha Springs Disc Golf Course offers an 18-hole course spread across 20 acres of beautiful land. The course provides a recreational outlet for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Located on the south end of town, it's an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors while practicing your throws.
3. Vino Salida Wine Cellars
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Vino Salida Wine Cellars is a charming winery in Poncha Springs offering tastings of locally produced wines. Visitors can sample various wines while learning about the winemaking process in Colorado's high-altitude environment. The winery provides a more refined alternative to the area's outdoor-focused attractions.
4. Mountain Sports Haus
OUTDOOR GEAR AND RENTALS
Mountain Sports Haus serves as the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts needing gear and equipment in Poncha Springs. The shop offers rentals, sales, and expert advice for various mountain activities including biking, hiking, and winter sports. Their knowledgeable staff can help visitors prepare for adventures on nearby trails and mountains.
5. Poncha Market
LOCAL PROVISIONS AND REFRESHMENTS
Poncha Market is a hidden gem in the tiny town of Poncha Springs where visitors can purchase drinks, snacks, and other provisions. This local market serves as a convenient stop for cyclists, hikers, and travelers passing through the area. Despite the town's small size, the market provides essential items for those exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
6. Rainbow Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Rainbow Trail is a famed mountain biking route accessible via shuttle from Poncha Springs. Mountain bikers can experience thrilling rides with technical features through stunning Colorado landscapes. The trail offers both challenging sections and rewarding views, making it a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts.
7. Monarch Mountain
ALPINE SKIING PARADISE
Monarch Mountain is a popular ski area located just 14 miles from Poncha Springs, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The mountain features diverse terrain suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. During winter months, it serves as the primary attraction for those seeking snow sports in the region.
8. Monarch Scenic Tramway
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Monarch Scenic Tramway offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views from atop Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet elevation. Riders can experience the majestic Rocky Mountain landscape while traveling over the Continental Divide. The tramway provides an accessible way for non-hikers to enjoy high-altitude vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.
9. Historic Downtown Salida
CHARMING MOUNTAIN ART TOWN
Historic Downtown Salida is a beautiful mountain town located just minutes from Poncha Springs, offering a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. Visitors can explore numerous galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor spaces in this walkable district. The downtown area serves as a cultural hub for the region, providing a perfect complement to the outdoor adventures available nearby.
10. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
MINERAL SPRINGS RELAXATION
The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center features natural mineral waters piped in from the original Poncha Springs discovered by Kit Carson. Visitors can soak in the largest indoor hot springs pool in Colorado, offering a relaxing experience after outdoor activities. The facility provides both lap swimming and leisurely soaking options in naturally heated mineral waters.
11. Tenderfoot Hill
ICONIC S MOUNTAIN
Tenderfoot Hill, locally known as "S Mountain," is a prominent landmark rising 500 feet above Salida with a large "S" displayed on its face. The hill offers multiple hiking and running trails with panoramic views of Salida and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy relatively easy access to stunning vistas and photographic opportunities of the Arkansas River Valley.
12. Captain Zipline
AERIAL CANYON ADVENTURE
Captain Zipline offers thrilling aerial adventures just five miles from Poncha Springs, featuring ziplines that cross dramatic canyon landscapes. Visitors can soar above the rugged terrain while enjoying unique perspectives of the Rocky Mountains. The attraction provides an adrenaline-pumping alternative to traditional hiking and biking activities in the area.
13. Greens Creek Trail
SERENE VALLEY HIKING
Greens Creek Trail is located just 17 minutes east of Poncha Springs, offering several miles of gentle hiking alongside a picturesque creek. The trail eventually connects to Monarch Crest, providing options for both casual walks and more ambitious hikes. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the peaceful valley setting before the trail climbs to higher elevations with more challenging terrain.
14. Arkansas River
PREMIER TROUT FISHING
The Arkansas River flows near Poncha Springs and through Salida, offering excellent trout fishing opportunities in a spectacular mountain setting. Anglers can access various points along the river to catch brown and rainbow trout in one of Colorado's premier fishing destinations. The river also provides opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and scenic riverside walks during warmer months.
15. Poncha Pass
SCENIC MOUNTAIN CROSSING
Poncha Pass is a scenic mountain route that begins just after Poncha Springs on Highway 285, summiting at 9,010 feet elevation. The winding road offers spectacular views and leads travelers into the San Luis Valley in under 30 minutes. The pass marks the division between the Arkansas and Rio Grande rivers' watersheds, making it both a practical route and a notable geographic landmark.