A view south from the top of Tenderfoot Mountain photo by Mike Rosso

Trail Rides from Salida

Top of S Mountain from downtown Salida
From almost everywhere in downtown Salida, Tenderfoot or “S” Mountain is visible. This is lined up very close with F street, the center of downtown and the location of Salida’s only downtown stoplight.

Follow F street towards Tenderfoot Mountain and cross the Arkansas River near Riverside Park. There is plenty of parking in the cul-de-sac at the end of F Street. Cross over three sets of rail tracks and veer left on Railroad Drive (marginally paved). After the road passes a few houses on your right, veer right as the road becomes CR 177. The road curves and climbs to a point where it tees at Spiral Drive Road. Take another right and continue to climb to the top of Tenderfoot Mountain. The top is approximately 700 feet above the town, giving you a spectacular view of the valley!

Ute Trail Loop
Approximately 14 miles, 2,500 feet elevation change

Take First street/Colo. 291 north from downtown Salida. As you pass mile marker two, turn right on CR 175, cross the Arkansas River continuing right on CR 175, crossing over rail tracks and continuing on up through the Piñon Hills area and eventually on to dirt road. After about five miles, take a right turn on CR 181 and continue on and eventually make another right turn on CR 173. This two-track road continues and has plenty of climbs and descents. You will come to great view of the Arkansas River Valley and the Sawatch Range to the west and Sangre de Cristos to the south. The last few miles of this two-track road is very loose, steep, and rocky so be careful depending on your riding ability. This continues on down to Spiral Drive Road, just to the north of Tenderfoot Mountain. Follow this back to CR 175 or take your first left turn and ride directly back to the downtown via the Top of S Mountain Loop directions.