The Magpie - Unclaimed

Smeltertown, Maysville, Cleora, Turret and Wellsville are small communities in the Arkansas River valley, surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks and the broader Sawatch Range. The high-elevation setting brings sunny days, cool nights and snowy winters. Outdoor life centers on the Arkansas River, with opportunities for fishing, rafting and riverside walks; trails and open land nearby offer routes for hiking and biking. Salida’s historic downtown adds art galleries, cafés, restaurants and local shops, while the Salida SteamPlant hosts cultural events in a former power station. The area’s mining and railroad history is visible in its older buildings and settlement patterns. Driving is the most practical way to connect the dispersed communities, with local streets and paths useful for shorter trips. In ZIP code 81201, the median rent is $2,300 per month, with a typical range of $900 to $3,774, based on 51 active listings.