Beasway to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

This run along the Beasway Trail to Rumba Ridge provides an entirely different experience than the lower trails in the Arkansas Hills Trail system. On Beasway, you'll get to traverse across the mountainside at almost 9,000 feet, enjoying spectacular views through the breaks in the trees. While the trail does climb and descend some small hills along the way, the running is generally quite achievable for most people.

The Beasway Trail begins from an easily accessible trailhead on CR 175 that can easily be reached even by two-wheel-drive sedans. Consequently, this trail provides a rare opportunity to enjoy spectacular views from almost 9,000 feet without having to do a brutal climb to reach that elevation.

After hopping on the Beasway Trail, you'll begin with a short uphill through the trees. You'll soon begin enjoying beautiful views through the trees as you run up and down small hills along this ridgeline.

The Beasway trail eventually drops down to FS 173, and is followed up a climb to get up to the top of Rumba Ridge. From the top of the ridge, you'll receive a well-earned reward for your work: spectacular views of the Sangre De Cristo and Sawatch mountain ranges!

This viewpoint is the marked turnaround. From here, retrace your steps back to the car. Be sure to save energy (and food and water) for the climbs on the return trip.

According to Salida Mountain Trails, "This trail was originally named Salsa Trail, but in June 2017 it was renamed to Beasway Trail to honor Brett Beasley who passed away in January 2017. Beasley was nearly a 20 year veteran with the USFS and has been instrumental in creating / building new trails in the Salida area (including Salsa Trail)."