Buena Vista is Spanish for "good view," and it's not hard to see how this charming town got its name. Nestled right at the base of the Continental Divide, Buena Vista boasts stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including a number of peaks that soar more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Many people consider the town to be the American capital of whitewater rafting, but there are also plenty of opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Visitors rarely leave this beautiful place feeling disappointed, but here are the absolute best things to see and do during your time here.
Browns Canyon National Monument
Encompassing more than 21,500 acres of canyons, rivers, and woodland, the Browns Canyon National Monument was established in 2015 by President Obama. The canyon itself was carved out by the Arkansas River; it can be explored on foot or on horseback during the summer, and winter visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski. Visitors can also experience the beauty of the canyon by taking one of the many whitewater rafting trips on offer. There are six campsites along the riverbank, including one with a small outdoor amphitheater and another with an observation deck over the water.
307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201-1654, Phone: 719-539-7289
Buena Vista Heritage Museum
Located inside the old Chaffee County courthouse, the Buena Vista Heritage Museum is run by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the area's rich history. The family-friendly exhibits include an interactive classroom with slate boards and manual typewriters, a display of old wedding gowns donated by locals, a Golden eagle mounted in 1912, and a working model railroad that depicts 130 miles of the Arkansas River Valley. The museum is open from Memorial Day weekend through September, and during the summer season it often hosts special events like wine tastings, cemetery tours, and historical theater productions.
511 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-8458
Buena Vista Whitewater Park
The Arkansas River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States, and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park is a convenient way to enjoy the water no matter what your skill level. The park runs right along the river in downtown Buena Vista, and its five whitewater structures include everything from easy play waves to an advanced freestyle hole perfect for experts who want to hone their skills. Gear can be rented from nearby Colorado Kayak Sports; most visitors choose to use a tiny play boat, but kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also welcome.
922 South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-2408
Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway
Constructed to connect Salida to Granite, the Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway stretches for 57 miles through the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area. Mountains such as Mount Princeton and Mount Yale soar more than 14,000 feet above sea level, and the road passes by plenty of fascinating historical sites like the Old Nathrop Schoolhouse and the Hutchinson Ranch.
Visitors can also go fishing on the Arkansas River, stop for a hike, or relax at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop. Despite the road's relatively short length, visitors are advised to allow for at least two hours of driving time.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Only 5.5 miles west of Buena Vista, Cottonwood Hot Springs boasts geothermally heated gravity-fed pools of therapeutic mineral water. Temperatures in the pools range from 94°F to 110°F, and there is also a dry sauna for guests to use. The hot springs are open to visitors 365 days a year, and no advance reservations are required. Anyone staying on-site is given complimentary access to the thermal pools; accommodation options include hotel rooms, creek-side cabins, and a campsite. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, and towels can be rented for an additional fee.
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-6434
House Rock Kitchen
Conveniently located right on Main Street, House Rock Kitchen is a health-conscious fast food joint that prepares all of its food from scratch using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. A lively outdoor patio is open in the summer months, and the restaurant prides itself on the positive, welcoming atmosphere created by its friendly staff and great music. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, burgers, burritos, and bowls; customers can also choose from a variety of sides. Young customers can order from a special children's menu, and adults can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and mixed drinks made with kombucha.
421 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-966-2326
Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy
Family owned and operated since it was first established in 2002, Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy is a goat dairy and creamery that specializes in making small batches of artisan goat cheese. The cheese is made with all-natural ingredients, and the farm is proud to prioritize the health and happiness of its goats. Right next to the dairy is a small store that offers complimentary cheese tastings and a variety of local products for sale. Guided farm tours are offered free of charge throughout the year, and special milking tours are also available between late March and the end of September.
31700 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-4646
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Tucked away in the mountains between Buena Vista and Salida, the Mount Princeton Hot Springs is an upscale hotel that features rejuvenating thermal pools. The pools range in temperature from 70°F to 120°F; special features include a historical bathhouse built in 1867, a large pool with a 400-foot waterslide, and a luxurious adults-only sanctuary. Complimentary hot springs passes are given to all guests of the hotel, but day passes can be purchased by visitors staying elsewhere. Visitors are also welcome to use the sauna and steam room or enjoy a meal at one of the four on-site restaurants.
15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236, Phone: 719-395-2447
Noah's Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park
Noah's Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park is one of the largest and most experienced whitewater rafting companies in Colorado. In addition to rafting tours down the Arkansas River, the company also offers rock climbing tours, guided backpacking trips, and packages that include a trip to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Another highlight is the aerial adventure course, which overlooks the Browns Canyon National Monument and boasts 66 elements including ziplines, rope bridges, and a giant swing. The company only offers tours and trips between May and Labor Day weekend, and reservations are recommended.
23910 US Hwy 285, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-2158
St. Elmo Ghost Town
Often referred to as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado, St. Elmo Ghost Town was founded in 1880 and abandoned in the early 1950s. The town reached its peak in the late 1890s; there were 150 patented mine claims in the area, and town amenities included a telegraph office, a general store, five hotels, and several saloons and dancing halls. Many of the buildings are still intact, but some are being restored to their original state. The general store is open in the summer to sell souvenirs and rent four-wheelers to tourists, and the creek that runs through the town offers excellent fishing.
Alimento, 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, Phone: 719-395-2117
The Trailhead
Established in 1972, The Trailhead is one of the best outdoor specialty retailers in Colorado. The shop sells equipment for every season and almost every outdoor activity possible, including rock climbing gear, bicycles, and ski and snowshoe equipment. Gear can also be rented by the day; supplies are limited, especially on weekends, so customers are advised to reserve their equipment in advance. The staff are extremely knowledgeable about both the equipment and the backcountry around Buena Vista, and are happy to provide route directions and helpful tips for enjoying the local hiking, camping, and skiing.
402 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-8001
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
Offering affordable, locally roasted coffee, the Buena Vista Roastery Cafe specializes in coffee drinks made with beans roasted right down the street at their very own roastery. The business makes a great effort to support fair trade and organic coffee growers, and they're proud to follow environmentally friendly practices like using coffee cups and lids made from recycled materials. A wide range of sweet and savory baked goods are made by hand every morning, including scones, cookies, and quiches, and customers who come in the morning can enjoy one of the signature bacon, chorizo, or veggie breakfast burritos.
409 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-966-5500
ArkAnglers
ArkAnglers offers guided fly fishing trips as well as a full-service fly shop, and it prides itself on providing the best possible customer service. There is a wide selection of half and full-day trips for guests to choose from; the company also offers rowing courses and classroom-based fly fishing courses. Most trips bring guests to the famed Arkansas River, but some also go to the South Platte River or nearby high-altitude alpine lakes that can only be accessed by hiking in. There is also a shuttle service available to anyone with enough experience to go fishing on their own.
517 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-395-1796
Eddyline Brewery and Taproom
Eddyline Brewery and Taproom has been brewing high-quality ales and lagers since 2009, and the taproom is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts to gather and swap tales about their adventures. An excellent selection of craft beers is available on tap, including both signature and seasonal options, and 16-ounce six-packs of beer can be purchased to enjoy elsewhere. The taproom also offers a food menu that includes traditional pub appetizers, wood-fired pizzas, soups, salads, tacos, and burritos. Tours of the brewery can be arranged upon request, and special Eddyline merchandise is available for sale in the taproom.
102 Linderman Ave, Buena Vista, CO 81211, Phone: 719-966-6017
Stedman’s Sweet Shop
In 2006 Mark and Tacy Lewis bought the Buena Vista Shell Station and decided they would like to try something completely original and unexpected. To this end they converted the station convenience store into a nostalgic 1940’s soda and sweet shop. When you visit them today you can take a trip down memory lane as you browse their great collection of vintage sodas, sweets, fudge and other candies. They also serve hand-scooped Blue Bell Ice Cream (made the old-fashioned way), home-brewed iced tea and a wonderful choice of glass-bottled sodas from all over the country. Allow yourself plenty of time – there are more than 200 vintage candies to discover.
Stedman’s Sweet Shop, 227 US Hwy 24, South Buena Vista, CO 81211, 719 395 6286
