Salida, Colorado Travelodge
Budget Lodging at its Best

Recreate. Hibernate. ®
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Salida Travelodge is Biker Friendly!

We own bikes and we ride them! Dirt riding, road riding and cruising, Salida and the Arkansas River Valley have it all. We have lived and ridden in and around Central Colorado for many years. Feel free to contact us for information about the central colorado motorcycle scene.

Salida Colorado makes a great base for Central Colorado motorcycle rides. We are called the "crossroads of the Rockies" for good reason.

From Salida, you can ride north to Leadville, and Aspen and Vail. Ride east, to Pueblo, Denver, Colorado Springs in the the plains of Colorado. Ride south to Sawatch, Creede, Wolf Creek Pass and on to New Mexico. Ride west to Monarch Pass, Gunnison, Crested Butte and on to Red Mountain Pass, Telluride and Utah.

Some of our favorite motorcycle rides from Salida.

Salida Colorado to Independence Pass to Aspen - A short trip up north takes you to Independence Pass, and on to Aspen. This is an easy day ride over and back, about (140 miles round trip). Including spectacular twisties up and down Independence pass. From the Travelodge, head west on Hwy 50, turn North on Hwy 24 and Poncha Springs. Continue through Buena Vista, stop at Kays Dairy Delight for a quick ice cream cone. At Twin Lakes, turn left (west) on Hwy 82. This takes you over the 12,095 ft Independence Pass. Down the west side through great twisties on perfect asphalt takes you into Aspen. Enjoy the a lunch on one of Aspen's dozens of great lunch spots. Head back over Independence Pass and enjoy the curves again. Note that Hwy 50 from Salida to Twin Lakes has a high concentration of LEOs, take care on this section.

Salida Colorado to Westcliffe to Royal Gorge - A super loop ride over great roads, with interesting views and no traffic, about 200 miles. From the Travelodge, head East on Hwy 50 through the famous Arkansas River Valley. Great twisty riding through spectacular canyon and river scenery, one of the great motorcycle roads of Colorado. When you reach Texas Creek, turn south on Hwy 69 to Westcliffe. Westcliffe is wonderful place for lunch, with great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

From Westcliffe, take Hwy 96 east toward Florence. For a great short diversion, take Hwy 165 south 12 miles to Bishop's Castle. An amazing castle constructed by one man over 40 years. After this, head north and pick up 165 again, which turns into Hwy 67 to Florence. From Florence, take Hwy 115 to Hwy 50 and head back to Salida. Take a 10 mile detour to check out the Royal Gorge Bridge, a great view of a spectacular gorge. Pay a few bucks and walk on the bridge for an extra thrill. Then. you get to ride through the canyon again! Later in the afternoon, the traffic can get heavy, but there are plenty of passing lanes to keep you rolling along.

Salida Colorado to Sand Dunes National Park - The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a real treat. Very large white sand dunes located right at the base of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Great ride, on open roads, down the length of one of Colorado's most spectacular mountain ranges, about 180 miles round trip. From the Travelodge, take Hwy 50 west to Poncha Springs, turn south on Hwy 285 up Marshall Pass. Perfect asphalt with lots of sweeper turns. Once over Poncha Pass at 9,010 feet, continue south along the mountains. Hwy 285 turns west, take Hwy 17 straight down the valley. You will see the Dunes on your left. Amazingly, they keep getting larger and larger. Once in the park, an easy hike takes you to the base of the dunes, and a longer hike takes you up on these monster dunes, bring you hiking shoes. Several easy routes home are possible, we like to head back north on the same route, and watch the mountains roll by.

Salida Colorado to Monarch Pass and the Scenic Tram - For a short evening ride, we head to Monarch Pass (11,812 ft) a quick 40 miles round trip on a great road with lots of views, two lanes, and not much traffic. Leaving the Travelodge, turn left on Hwy 50, follow this for about 20 miles to summit. Have snack at the Summit Store, or take a short ride Tram Ride for the spectacular view of the surrounding peaks. Ride back down Hwy 50, note the Monarch Ski Area, Madonna Mine, and the looming Mt Aetna.