Welcome to Colorado's Headwaters of Adventure - starring the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area.

The headwaters region has some of this country's most storied and important rivers they are born here as trickles that start on the flanks of the high mountains of the Continental Divide. So too can the Upper Arkansas Valley be the starting place, or perhaps another chapter, in a cascade of memories celebrating a lifelong love affair with the outdoors.

Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state's more glamorous distention resorts. You don't need the trendiest clothes or newest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. Fifteen of the states 53 14,000 foot peaks touch the sky here in the Sawatch Range.

Chaffee County, Colorado's headwaters of adventure. Where less is more: less traffic, less crowded, more fun.

Whitewater USA: America's most popular, accessible river for rafting, fishing and fun. The Arkansas River is the heart of the recreation paradise that encompasses Salida and Buena Vista. Trade route for native Ute Indians, early explorers, trappers and miners, each mile spent on the river takes you farther from civilization than any road ever can.

More tall peaks per square mile than anywhere in the US. The Sawatch Range dominate the Upper Arkansas Valley's western flank, with the Fourteeners as star attractions. Hikers congregate in the valley every season. Climbing a Fourteener is not for the faint or meek. It means judicious planning; proper preparation, clothing and gear; 4 am wake-up calls; and the ability and determination to hike steep slopes.

Base camp to 2 new national parks: Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon. Summits.

Unreal biking, hot springs, cool art, 100% natural skiing.

The Upper Arkansas Valley is a hotbed of geothermal activity, forgive the pun with natural hot springs where you can soothe your body while gazing up at majestic, snowcapped peaks.

The renowned single track of the Monarch Crest Trail steals the show. The easiest route follows Marshall Pass Road, a dirt two-lane historic railroad grade. At the other end of the difficulty spectrum, it's full tilt rock and roll technical downhill via Green's Creek trail. The Crest's widespread reputation as the king of mountain bike trails means plenty of other smiley happy people on weekends.

Unspoiled since 1939, Monarch Mountain annually boasts more than 350 inches of 100% all-natural powder. Family-oriented prices from lift tickets to food, beverage and rentals make Monarch one of the most affordable ski resorts in the state. A ridiculously short walk from the free parking lot to short or nonexistent lift lines means more time on Monarch's uncrowded slopes. At Monarch you'll lose the crowds, not your friends.

Room to roam. The 10,000-acre Four-mile Travel Management Recreation Area is widely acclaimed as one of the best off-road vehicle (ATVing, UTVing & Jeeping) recreation playgrounds in the state. It would take weeks on end to explore the spaghetti-like network of trails. Maps and trail signs indicate roads open to general driving, extreme four-wheeling, ATV-only or single track (dirt bikes), as well as trails reserved for non-motorized recreation.

PO Box 699, Salida Colorado 81201; 800-831-8594.