Buena Vista Colorado: A Sweet Adventure Spot in the Rockies

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Buena Vistas in Buena Vista, Colorado

Situated in the Arkansas River Valley, Buena Vista offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore and experience the raw beauty of nature.

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush on the trails or the river, the hidden paradise of Buena Vista should be your next outdoor adventure destination!

Nestled in the Collegiate Peaks, base yourself in Buena Vista and then go take a hike or whitewater raft on the Arkansas River.

With eight fourteeners, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is home to some of the highest average elevation of any Wilderness in the lower 48 states.

You’ll also enjoy to Buena Vista’s Main Street for delicious local flavors and brews at every corner.

If you’re into outdoorsy summer vacations, see why your family should make Buena Vista, Colorado your next adventurous destination.

Where to stay in Buena Vista

Here are a few of our very favorite vacation homes, perfect for families:

• Spacious cabin on Cottonwood Creek combines the best of both worlds. Just a half mile from the beautiful parks, restaurants and dining options of Buena Vista’s Main Street. Sit on the deck & relax to the sound of the rushing stream below, weaving it's path to the Arkansas River. This private 2 acre property with 300 ft river access provides a quiet, comfortable setting for those looking for a pristine Colorado mountain vacation experience.

• Fabulous Scenic Mountain Home that Sleeps 10 Absolutely the best in every way concerning location, scenic views and price. This mountain retreat is built in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies with breath-taking mountain views in every direction and the best view of the famous Chalk Cliffs. Very close to two great hikes and a lake. And just up the road from Mount Princeton!

• Charming Buena Vista Home with Hot Tub and Deck. Let both the breathtaking Collegiate Peak views and the high elevation of Buena Vista take your breath away when you book this home just a stone's throw from Main Street!

Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting is our favorite in Colorado

White water rafting on the Arkansas River

One of the most fun things to do in Buena Vista is to hit the water!

My preferred way to ride down the Arkansas River is white water rafting with Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting and Adventure Company.

Noah's Ark offers rafting adventures for newbies and thrill seekers. 

One of Colorado’s largest and most experienced whitewater rafting and adventure companies, they also offer rock climbing, backpacking trips, and an aerial adventure park.

We've had fantastic experiences with Noah's Ark over the last 30 years.

Get 10% off Noah’s Ark with Promo code

Use discount code RADFAMILY when you book online only at Noah’s Ark, for reservations of up to 9 people. Larger groups should contact them directly for group discounts.

The RADFAMILY promo code gives you 10% off Browns Canyon ½ day or full day rafting trips, as well as the Browns Canyon Adventure Park - an aerial park.

Practice in your kayak on the Arkansas River in theh Buena Vista Whitewater Park

Kayak

The Arkansas River runs right through the heart of Buena Vista. We happened upon the awesome, daring Kellogg family from the Kellogg Show! They were practicing their kayaking skills in the whitewater park. So cool.

The Buena Vista Whitewater Park near South Main Street consists of 5 main whitewater structures and various eddy and trail improvements.  This whitewater park is running towards the top of the list when it comes to premier whitewater parks in Colorado. 

Rent kayaks and SUPs from CKS Main Street in Buena Vista.

So many great hikes near Buena Vista!

Hiking Near Buena Vista

Slip on your hiking boots and head out one of the many hiking trails in Buena Vista.

The extensive network of trails within the Buena Vista area offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path opportunities to explore and discover.

Choose from several signature trails that take you up to higher elevations, offering breathtaking views and a chance to see majestic wildlife.

Experience nature away from the hustle and bustle and marvel at wildflowers, stunning vistas, and perhaps even some animal sightings!

A few of my favorite hikes in and around Buena Vista:

• Browns Creek Waterfall Trail

• Agnes Vailles Falls

• Colorado Trail Segment 14

• Barbara Whipple Trail (access right along Arkansas River in town)

• Midland Hill Trail (access right along Arkansas River in town)

• Mount Elbert

Want to bag a Colorado fourteener? Mt. Princeton, Mt. Elbert, Mt. Shavano, and Mt. Antero are just a few near Buena Vista, Colorado.

Paddle boarding in Colorado offers fantastic views.

SUP Paddle Boarding

Take advantage of the opportunity to relax alongside one of the many lakes in Buena Vista. Whether you’re looking for a spot to fish, swim, or just soak in nature - there is no better place than beside a mountain lake or stream.

Cottonwood Lake is one of our favorite spots for paddle boarding with our huge Isle Megaladon inflatable SUP in Colorado.

Popular for fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and paddle boarding, you might even spy a moose! Stay 100 yards and remain quiet if you do.

Cottonwood Lake is along scenic byway Cottonwood Pass.\

Also consider Chalk Lake, Twin Lakes, Clear Creek Reservoir, or Turquoise Reservoir in nearby Leadville for great fishing too!

We love the infinity pool with our family at Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Buena Vista Colorado

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Soak, stay, relax, and rejuvenate at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, especially fun in the summer with kids!

The hot springs are open to the public daily year-round. Hot springs day passes may be purchased onsite the day of your visit. General Admission Includes: Historic Bath House, Creekside Hot Springs, Upper Pools & Infinity Pool. All these pools are family friendly. The pools at the Spa & Club are reserved for guests age 16+.

Upper two pools and slide are only open in summer.

If you love mountain biking, bring them along to Buena Vista Colorado

Biking

Biking in and around Buena Vista looks good for all ages and all ability levels. Bike around town with your little tykes or hop on a mountain bike with the big kids.

Cruiser rides, road rides, mountain bike rides, and fat tire bike rides are all possibilities in this area.  Each day, you could ride a different bike on a different trail.

Visit Boneshaker Cycles (310 East Main St. Buena Vista), where they offer a full range of bicycles and their down-to-earth staff will help you find the right bike for the right ride.

The MTB Project is a helpful mobile app that offers a detailed look at all kinds of rides.

Climbing

With names like Bob's Rock, Turtle Rock, Chicken Runner, and the Chocolate Tower, climbing options abound, all within a few miles of town.  From beginners to expert climbers, there is enough granite to cling to for everyone, plus gorgeous views to boot.

Need advice? Start by talking with the guys and gals at The Trailhead (402 East Main St. in Buena Vista).

Fishing near Buena Vista Colorado

Fishing

Some of the best fishing in all of Colorado is found here along the Arkansas River.  Fly-fishing enthusiasts come here from all over.  Here's an interactive map of numerous fishing options all around Buena Vista.

Visit Ark Anglers in Buena Vista for Fly Fishing 101.

Skiing at Monarch Mountain

 Skiing & Snowboarding at Monarch Ski Resort

Our favorite family friendly ski resort that won't drain your wallet dry is Monarch Ski Resort. An easy 40 minute drive from Buena Vista, this ski park offers lots of ski runs for all abilities, yet it's quaint enough to not lose each other for the entire day should you get separated on a run. 

Looking for rentals? Check out long time favorite Mount Shavano Ski Rental, just a few minutes before Monarch.  These guys will set you up right.

Take a scenic drive up to Independence Pass

Looking for stellar Colorado mountain top views? Drive up to Independence Pass. A breath-taking drive through the fun little mountain town of Twin Lakes and on the way to Aspen, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at 12,095 feet atop the Continental Divide.

Take the pass all the way to Aspen for heart-stopping turns and gorgeous views, followed by an ice cream treat in town. Independence Pass is only open Memorial Day until November 1. Know before you go about closures, trailer restrictions, and road conditions by going here. 

Shopping in Buena Vista

Up and down Main Street, you will find the sweetest local shops. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Trailhead

With #GoThereStartHere as there motto, this locally owned and run outdoor gear store is right on Main Street. The Trailhead's knowledgeable, experienced staff will help you find the gear you need and offer tips for local rock climbing, hiking, camping, running, skiing, and snowshoeing. 

CKS Main Street

CKS rents paddleboards, rafts, and kayaks. They are a super fun boutique offering river wear and mountain gear for all ages.

The Mercantile

The Mercantile, nestled in Buena Vista, Colorado, is a purveyor of curated goods for your home or gathering. The shop exists to offer and foster hospitality within the Arkansas River Valley community.

Rock Paper Scissors  

This sweet little artisan boutique offers beautiful notecards, jewelry, ceramics, antiques, and more. Sits across the road from the Trailhead on Main Street.

The Village

A super fun, colorful shop that sells fair trade, hand-made, eco-friendly home decor. Peek in the windows once, and you'll have to go in.  Amazing gifts for friends, family or yourself.

Sundance & Friends

We actually met the artistic patriarch of The Moore Family Folk Art in Aspen, but his pop bottle cap art is found all over Colorado and beyond. Check out his masterpieces and more at Sundance & Friends on South Main in Buena Vista.

Friday the Farm Summer Concerts

Join us for live music at Turner Farm, 829 W. Main Street! Everyone is invited.

On Fridays at 6pm at the Turner Farm, musicians volunteer their time and perform a concert. Entry by donation supports BV Heritage, a 501(c)3.

Come and relax on a Friday evening with friends and family!

Bring a dinner, beverage, and chair.

Here’s a full schedule of performers and other events.

Where to eat in Buena Vista

We love eating burgers at the Buena Viking Food Truck, open May through October.

Buena Viking Food Truck

Go for the tots and one of their amazing, elevated burgers. Open seasonally, this place is a must if you love a good burger.

The Buena Viking sits right behind the Roastery Cafe and is only open early May through September. 413 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211

Louie's Ice Cream Shoppe

With my favorite flavor "Sleepless" (expresso), this joint has a family friendly outdoor space to boot.  Five star ice cream to the right of the Village on Main Street.

Crave BV

Our new favorite for pizza in the area! Serving up wood fired pizzas, Italian fare, and salads so nice, you’ll come back twice.

One of our new favorite spots, especially if you want pizza in Buena Vista. 300 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211

Eddyline Brewery

Along South Main, this family-friendly brew pub makes delicious wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and grilled entrees. Throw in award top ales and lagers, plus a full wine list, and your evening is made.

K's Dairy Delight

Along Highway 24, this walk up burger and ice cream shack has been open for decades and is a hit with the kids.  

Loback's Bakery

Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade cookies, cheap by the dozen and the "best donuts this side of the eclipse.”

House Rock Kitchen

Fresh and healthy food served up inside or out on their spacious patio. A modern health-conscious stop for burgers, sandwiches & bowls.

Fast casual, from scratch food. Try the Greek Bowl.

421 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211

Brown Dog Coffee

We always stop at this little coffee shop along Highway 24 when we pop into town coming from Colorado Springs. Specialty roasted coffees, smoothies, brownies, pastries, and more.

So many things to do in Buena Vista Colorado

Camping near Buena Vista

We love the following campgrounds and we talk about these and many more campsites in depth in our pot covering Gorgeous Colorado Campgrounds We Love:

• Angel of Shavano

• Collegiate Peaks Campground

• Twin Peaks Campground

RV DELIVERY AND SETUP OPTIONS MAKE RENTING ONE A DREAM IN 2023

Lucking out with four nights sans kids mid-summer, my husband and I first booked an Outdoorsy campervan rental in July 2021 to see what all the hype was about.

We hit the road to see for ourselves if RV rentals in Colorado (and all over the USA) live up to their claim to fame. Read what we think of Outdoorsy RV Rentals.

In June 2022, we booked an RV rental for a family reunion in Angel Fire New Mexico, but this time we capitalized on the RV delivery and setup option of a camper trailer for our family.

An RV rental with delivery means no towing and no hooking up water and electricity - we just showed up and slept like babies.

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Our favorite little mountain town in all of Colorado

Buena Vista. Go there once and chances are, you'll be back.  Winter, spring, summer, and fall, Buena Vista offers something for everyone.

Visit Buena Vista's Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for more ways to play and stay in this rockin' Colorado mountain town! They provide a free visitor and relocation guide.  See why they claim Buena Vista is "8,000 feet above average."