This Small Town Is an Affordable Alternative to Aspen—With a Historic Downtown, Hot Springs, and Stunning Mountain Views

This Small Town Is an Affordable Alternative to Aspen—With a Historic Downtown, Hot Springs, and Stunning Mountain Views

Here, you can get those mountain vibes without the big price tag.An aerial view of the river running through Salida, Colorado.Credit: Jacob Boomsma/Getty ImagesKey PointsSalida offers a more affordable, under-the-radar way to experience the Colorado Rockies than famous mountain towns like Aspen and Vail.Visitors can raft the Arkansas River, bike mountain trails, soak in natural hot springs, hike among 14ers, and stargaze at Browns Canyon.Its wal…