The Trailhead

Awesome shop with a great selection and super knowledge and helpful staff. This is your jumping off point for mountain adventures around BV. They are now located in the nicely renovated state highway patrol building on Main Street.

I understand the desire to have sporting goods for any athlete or tourist who walks in, but The Trailhead’s attempt to be all things to all people left me feeling underwhelmed. The brands were typically excellent but the selection was dismal.
Bike shop and ski shop there, so if you need a repair or a tune this would be the place to stop in BV.

$ 35 for overnight rental. Bikes are new and in great condition. Staff was helpful in recommending local routes. And you get to keep the water bottle.

I stopped in here on the way to Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia. We’d called a few times before to get a lay of the land there and an idea on what we’d need to bring and the staff was very informative and helpful.
When we stopped in on the way to the trailhead, the Trailhead staff were just as friendly in person. They had all sorts of gear. Pretty much everything I had forgotten to bring, they had: utensils, whistle, compass, duct tape, carabiners, etc
Their prices were pretty good too. Not too high.
I did spot their fleet of rental bikes and it made me think of ditching the hiking plans to do some sweet singletrack, but we stuck with the sufferfest.
Only 4 stars because the staff said we wouldn’t need mosquito repellent at Horn Fork Trail and it was a mosquito breeding ground. Fortunately, we brought some ultra-​thon with us and we made it last through the trip. They were good about warning us about possible moose and bears in the area.
Plus the store is super close to the trailhead for the collegiate peaks.

For Buena Vista/​Salida, this is the place to go for your outdoor gear and accessories! Every time I go in there, I feel inspired to take on the mountains.
Don’t assume big city places like REI will have better prices. In fact, I’ve found The Trailhead’s prices to be very reasonable. They always have a clearance section too, and I’ve found some great deals.
So much to say: I love their wide selection of topographical maps. Very friendly staff of people who love Colorado, a bicycle shop inside with bike rentals, snowshoe rentals.
Thank you to The Trailhead… your store inspires me every time!

We were recently staying in Buena Vista for a back country ski trip in the Collegate peaks area, and needed to rent a back country ski package for one of my friends.
We went to the Trailhead, and their friendly, knowledgeable staff equipped my friend with some excellent equipment (waxless Fischer skis, boots, and poles) for $ 15 per day. In addition to bike and ski rentals, the shop carries a full line of equipment from all the major outdoor equipment companies including gear from North Face, Mountain Hardwear, CamelBak, Patagonia, Under Armour and so many more. They also service and sell a full line of mountain and road bikes.
The staff not only sells and rents the equipment, they use it, and are incredibly knowledgeable on local conditions and activities in the surrounding area. They also have a well organized and informative web site:
We will definitely be stopping there again!

The Trailhead is an icon for outdoor-​lovers in the BV/​Salida area. Super friendly staff who really know the area and all the fun outdoors possibilities it offers. From camping gear to books, snowshoes, clothing, shoes and boots, nordic skis, and bikes, you’ll find it here. I got a great deal on some Teva sandals. Follow them on Twitter to learn about sales, local events, current weather conditions and random interesting tidbits.

Great place to rent ski and snowshoe equipment at reasonable prices. Also has a good selection of clothing. Stop in here for local advice on places to go for outdoor activities.