Craft Beer in Salida: A Guide to Salida's Best Breweries
Salida has more craft breweries per capita than most Colorado cities. Here is your definitive guide to the taprooms, styles, and pint culture of the Arkansas Valley.
Salida's Craft Beer Identity
Colorado is synonymous with craft beer, and Salida is no exception to the rule. This small mountain town punches significantly above its weight when it comes to independent brewing. With established brewery experiences right in town, plus the award-winning Elevation Beer Co. just a short drive away in Poncha Springs, Salida offers serious beer tourism in a stunningly beautiful setting.
Elevation Beer Co. — The Benchmark
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Poncha Springs — about four miles from downtown Salida — Elevation Beer Co. has grown into one of Colorado's most respected craft breweries. Their flagship beers have earned recognition at major beer competitions. The taproom features a full food menu, an outdoor patio with mountain views, and regular live music events. If you have time for one brewery visit in the area, Elevation is worth the short drive from Salida.
Soulcraft Brewing — Community and Craft
Soulcraft Brewing occupies a spot in downtown Salida. The taproom doubles as a community gathering space — walls rotate through local artist exhibitions, and the atmosphere leans toward relaxed neighborhood bar rather than tourist destination. Soulcraft's beers tend toward approachable, sessionable styles that pair well with an afternoon spent exploring the Arkansas Riverwalk. Weekend afternoons bring in a mix of cyclists, river guides, and families that gives the place an authentic local feel.
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub — Where Pizza Meets Pint
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub solves the eternal problem of choosing between great pizza and great beer by providing both under one roof. The in-house brewing program focuses on Colorado-style ales and lagers that complement rather than compete with the food. The brewpub format means the taps change frequently — ask the staff what just kicked and what just went on to discover something new. A reliable post-river stop that handles groups well.
Beer Tourism Tips for Salida
The compact downtown makes it easy to visit multiple breweries on foot. For Elevation, drive the short distance to Poncha Springs or time a visit to coincide with a trip to or from Monarch Mountain ski area. Beer festivals, including the annual Fibark event in June, often feature local brewery participation and are excellent opportunities to sample the full range of what the Arkansas Valley produces.
After the Breweries: Canon City
Extend your day trip one hour east on US-50 to Canon City. Rooftop Social (302 Royal Gorge Blvd, (719) 451-7241) serves craft cocktails on a 2,000 sq ft open-air rooftop with mountain views — the ideal cap to a day that started at the taproom. Open daily 11am–9pm.