Salida to Joyful Journey Hot Springs

This route is generally considered intermediate to difficult, primarily due to the significant climb over Poncha Pass. You'll ascend approximately 2,071 feet to the summit, reaching an elevation of 9,041 feet. After the pass, the ride into the San Luis Valley is relatively straight and slightly downhill.

The route is entirely on paved roads, with generally good surfaces and excellent shoulders, especially along much of US 285. While the climb over Poncha Pass is demanding, the descent into the San Luis Valley offers a smoother, slightly downhill ride.

The ride offers diverse scenery, starting in the Arkansas River Valley with mountain views. The climb over Poncha Pass provides increasingly expansive vistas. Once you descend, the San Luis Valley opens up dramatically, offering magnificent views of the jagged Sangre de Cristo mountains, particularly beautiful during sunset. The destination itself, Joyful Journey Hot Springs, is a major highlight.

Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures. During summer, be prepared for potential heat, especially on Poncha Pass during midday. The scenery, particularly the Sangre de Cristo mountains, is stunning year-round, but a blood-red sunset in the San Luis Valley is a unique experience.

This is a one-way route, approximately 33 miles long. A shuttle is typically required to return to Salida from Joyful Journey Hot Springs. The shuttle ride back takes about 70 minutes.

You can typically find parking in or near Historic Downtown Salida, which is the starting point for the ride. Given the one-way nature of the route, arranging your shuttle logistics beforehand is crucial.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to cycle this route itself, as it primarily follows public roads. However, if you plan to soak at Joyful Journey Hot Springs, there will be an admission fee for their facilities.

As this route primarily follows public roads with medium to heavy traffic, it is generally not recommended for cycling with dogs. The destination, Joyful Journey Hot Springs, also has its own policies regarding pets, so it's best to check with them directly if you plan to bring a dog.

Yes, sections of this route briefly intersect with or run alongside parts of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Monarch Spur Trail, and Rainbow Trail.

While the route has good shoulders, especially on US 285, be aware that traffic can be medium to heavy, particularly on holiday weekends. Always exercise caution and ride defensively.

Yes, Joyful Journey Hot Springs offers yurts for overnight stays, making it a great option to extend your trip. Keep in mind that food provisions at the hot springs are limited to microwaveable options, or you can find a store in Villa Grove for more choices.