Just moved to Salida & Buena Vista, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.
Mondays, 4:30pm · year-round · free weekly group run, split into pace groups
7000 Feet Running Company, 140 W 1st St, Salida
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFree
The valley’s flagship weekly run — going strong for 5-plus years and split into two groups so all abilities have company. Starts and ends at 7000 Feet. (The club’s website is occasionally offline; the run itself is well-established — confirm seasonal start times via the club Facebook.)
Rotating Salida-area trailheads (see SMT calendar)
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFreeSummer
The big weekend work parties on the trails right out of Salida — no experience required, all skill levels welcome. A great way to meet the local riding and hiking community (Salida is a 2026 IMBA Trail Town).
Rotating Buena Vista trailheads (Midland, River Park, Turtle Rock & more)
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFreeSummer
Weekly evening dig nights that rotate among BV trailheads — repairing erosion, clearing debris, trimming overgrowth. Check the BVSC events page for the week’s location.
Seasonal weekly shop runs · all paces & distances · sometimes ending at a local brewery
7000 Feet Running Company, 140 W 1st St, Salida
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFree
The shop runs its own free group runs that change season to season (e.g. a spring Wednesday run ending at a local brewery for a discounted pint). Check the shop’s Instagram for the current day and time.
Year-round · group trail runs & a local race series on the Arkansas Hills & valley trails
Salida & Buena Vista area trails
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFree
Beyond the Monday road run, the club organizes trail runs and a club race series throughout the year on the trail systems right out of town — check the club Facebook for the current calendar.
Every other Thursday, 5:30–7:30pm · May–September · light-duty weeknight trail maintenance
Rotating Salida-area trailheads (see SMT calendar)
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFreeSummer
Smaller after-work sessions — raking, clearing drains, opening corridor. Tools and training provided; confirm which Thursday and which trailhead on the SMT calendar.
April–October · volunteer work days on the non-motorized, multi-use trails hikers use daily
Arkansas Hills, S-Mountain & Methodist Mountain trailheads, Salida
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFreeSummer
SMT’s trails are multi-use — the same singletrack and gulch trails hikers and trail runners love right out of town. Their ShinDig/MiniDig work days are an easy, social way for hikers to give back; see the SMT calendar for dates.
Seasonal · regular road, gravel & mountain group rides across Chaffee County
Salida & Central Colorado
Beginner-friendlyCost variesSummer
The club covers roadies, gravel grinders, and casual riders alike; ride days and meeting spots are posted on the club site and Facebook — check there for the current schedule.
Year-round indoor climbing · bouldering, top-rope, lead & auto-belay · day passes & memberships
BV Rocks Climbing Gym, 620 Antero Circle, Buena Vista
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropPaid
The area’s only indoor wall — the community gathering point for climbers, especially in winter. Check bvpeakfitness.com for current hours, day-pass rates, and any clinics or climb nights.
Seasonal · chapter meetings, fly-tying, conservation work days & education events
Buena Vista / Salida area
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFree
The local Trout Unlimited chapter (300-plus members) — meetings, fly-tying, river restoration, and education on the Gold Medal Arkansas. See the chapter calendar for dates.
Seasonal · women-only clinics, fly-tying & fly-shop tours for all ability levels
Buena Vista area
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropCost varies
The chapter’s women’s program — activities designed to build confidence in fly fishing for women of all levels. Registration is required per event; contact flygalscpctu@gmail.com.
River season (set dates) · roll clinics & whitewater kayak courses for all abilities
Salida or Buena Vista whitewater park, Arkansas River
Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer
ACA-certified instruction from the valley’s longtime paddle school — from your first roll to advanced whitewater. Courses run on set dates (e.g. roll-focused clinics in June and July); check the kayak-school page for the season’s calendar.
Classroom near Poncha Springs · field days on Monarch Pass
Beginner-friendlyPaidWinter
The local entry point to backcountry travel — classroom near Salida, then field days using Monarch’s backcountry gates. Multiple sessions run Dec–April; max 12 students. Confirm dates on the school’s calendar.
Fourth Saturday of the month, 8am · all ages & abilities welcome
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center–River Campus, Pueblo (chapter outings)
Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFree
The nearest Audubon chapter for the Arkansas corridor; its regular outings are based in the Pueblo area (a drive from Salida/BV) but its territory spans the valley. Check the chapter site for any Chaffee-County field trips and current outing details.