Non-Destructive Vandalism as Protest in Colorado Surprises Locals

There are a few places in Colorado in which nearby higher education institutions are proudly represented on the side of mountains in the form of giant letters.

Read More: Colorado's Home to One of the Largest Collegiate Letters on Earth |

If you've ever driven on Highway 50 between Pueblo and Monarch Pass you've undoubtedly noticed how cute the small town of Salida is, as well as the giant 'S' that is displayed on the side of one of the nearby mountains.

Well, if you would have driven past the iconic 'S' on the morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025, the letter would have looked slightly different than usual.

Non-Destructive Vandalism on Salida Colorado's Tenderfoot Mountain

In case you missed it, the giant 'S' on Salida's Tenderfoot Mountain was briefly changed into a dollar sign as part of a peaceful, non-destructive protest. Salida residents began to notice the change on Thursday morning and it was quickly changed back, but it would appear that the individuals responsible got their point across.

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The dollar sign, which was constructed using a number of white sheets that were strewn across the 'S,' was dismantled just after 9 a.m. on Thursday morning by members of the department of parks and recreation.

It's been said that the motive behind the vandalism was to express how price gouging and a massive cost of living increase in the community of Salida, Colorado has been negatively affecting locals in recent years and shows no sign of stopping.

While the mayor of the town described the act as "disappointing," others have been applauding the protesters and have been referring to the act as a form of art, rather than vandalism.

[The Mountain Mail]