Chapter 15
@mycrazyadventurescalledlife
Day 15, July 22, 2021
Zero Day in Salida
"I Love This Town"
A hiker sitting outside the Simple Lodge and Hostel in Salida, CO
After a disappointing night at the Butterfly, I decided to head into Salida for a Zero.
Last night I was so excited to see the Butterfly House as it's a new hostel near the CT/CDT. It gets a lot of attention on social media as this cool place to relax and chill, also looking like a party place.
The Butterfly House, right by the highway in Monarch, has the potential to be a good hostel since it is accessible by foot from the trail, merely two miles on a downhill dirt road. It is a donation basis of $30 per night, though for that money you can hitch to Salida and enjoy the benefits of being in town, for the same price. It is a good place to just spend the night, especially when escaping the thunderstorms. Get a shower, perhaps do laundry, and head out the next day as the owner does provide shuttles to Monarch Pass. However, if you are taking a zero like I did, it doesn't have much to offer. The place can get so cramped and you will end up sleeping on a cot using your sleeping bag. Wifi is pretty much non-existent (there's no cell phone signal), and there is not even a gas station in town to grab anything. The only food option nearby is the Monarch Lodge, which does have a really good breakfast.
Stairs up the Simple Lodge
Now Salida. I wasn't planning on going here but I am glad I did. I love this town.
The Simple Lodge and Hostel is what you've come to expect in a hostel. Comfortable beds, clean, has really good Wi-Fi, plenty of pots and pans to cook, seasonings for cooking, soap/shampoo to get cleaned up. It even has bikes to get around town, though everything is walking distance anyway since it is right in downtown. There's a big grocery store to do your resupply and plenty of restaurants to fill a hiker's appetite.
Feels like home
Upon getting to the Simple Lodge hostel, I was able to do laundry right away with SJ. Later that afternoon, we were able to check in when the owner Justin "Dog Eyes" arrived. He himself hiked the Colorado Trail so he understands the thru hiking culture. Super cool guy. He provides a great atmosphere for all sorts of travelers, not just us thru-hikers.
Later that night, me and four other CT thru-hikers, SJ, Alex, Jordy and Kai, walked through town and grabbed dinner at Mo Burrito. Such a good place. Also the town has such a good vibe. A guy was playing guitar on a rooftop, people were out just enjoying themselves. I have to say that this is my favorite trail town on the Colorado Trail. A must visit!
Other travelers in the hostel just relaxing
End of Chapter 15