If you are planning a trip to Colorado, one of the most handsome drives is from Gunnison to Salida. Both towns are centrally located within the Rockies with plenty of scenery and outdoor activities, not to mention a healthy dose of local culture. This article will outline how far it is between Gunnison and Salida and what you can experience when driving between these two popular destinations.

Under the Distance

Approx. 70 miles from Gunnison, CO to Salida, CO. Assuming no traffic or road conditions issue, it will take approximately an hour and half up to two hours by car. The major route will be along US-50 E with fantastic mountain views and wonderful opportunities to see sceneries of landscapes in Colorado.

Recommended Route : US-50 E

Perhaps the easiest way is via US-50 E, though that is probably one of the most scenic routes. It incorporates some of the nation’s most beautiful scenes along with spectacular views of Sawatch Range. The drive is very interesting because the landscape scenery changes from dense forests to valley openness.

Points of Interest along the Route

While the drive from Gunnison to Salida is a reasonable distance, many points can be seen by pulling into roadside attractions along the road. Here are some favorites:

1. Blue Mesa Reservoir

Just a few miles from Gunnison sits Blue Mesa Reservoir: it is the largest lake in Colorado. Fishing and boating are favourite recreations, but great hiking opportunities mean that many find it an excellent introduction leg of their trip.

2. Curecanti National Recreation Area

It is very close to Blue Mesa Reservoir for the Curecanti National Recreation Area, great to spend some time out, either hiking on all trails or taking in some sightseeing on the different rock formations or just to lie down on a blanket somewhere and have a picnic nearby the water. Richly filled with wildlife, especially deer or birds are an easy sighting.

3. Sargents Mesa

You will find Sargents Mesa, which has some great panoramic views. Since other tourist attractions are a bit crowded with visitors, one finds solace in Colorado’s pure environment at Sargents Mesa. Its meadows are great to view during the summer months and colorful during the fall foliage.

4. Salida Hot Springs

As you get to Salida, you can stop by the Salida Hot Springs. There, you can relax and take some of the tension from driving off in its healing mineral waters. It is family-friendly and will give you a unique experience of relaxing while enjoying the view of the Arkansas River.

5. Historic Downtown Salida

Once you are in Salida, drive through the historic downtown. Salida is an artsy town, with many galleries, unique shops, and local eateries. Do make sure to check out the colorful murals decorating the buildings throughout the town-work of local talent.

Travel Tips for the Journey

Here are a few practical travel tips about how to make the best out of your road trip from Gunnison to Salida:

1. Know the Road Conditions

Know the weather and the status of the roads before going into your car. Since Colorado roads can get unreasonably unpredictable when there is snow, check what’s happening on the Colorado Department of Transportation and obtain real-time updates on their state.

2. Gas up in Gunnison

Refuel at a gas station in Gunnison before hitting the road; you probably won’t want to drive out of gas along the route, although fueling stations will be sparse across some portions of the trail

3. Pack food and water

Snacks and water will probably cheer up your trip, even if you only picnic in the places that are most scenic. Remember too, that you also have isolation areas somewhere in your travels, also. Prepare beforehand.

4. Take your time

The road trip can be covered in under two hours but one may take their time because the journey gives many scopes for photography and explorations along with relaxation. So, let’s halt at the outlook points, take a short trek or simply enjoy the beauty around.

5. Plan for Altitude

It is a little bit of a high place, so visitors might feel the elevation effect, especially if they are not used to being high. Make sure you drink a lot of water to acclimatize right so that you won’t be one of those people who suffer from altitude sickness.

Conclusion

This isn’t a road trip from Gunnison to Salida, CO – this is a road filled with beautiful sights, sights of interest, and more. If you want something with an outdoors feel or seeing some of the state’s most amazing parts, maybe even soaking in a bit of culture within the state of Colorado, this is the journey with that all and more. Bag pack, drive the vehicle, and set out off on this spectacular route: driving from Gunnison, CO to Salida. You will not leave the seat disappointed.

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