Things To Do
Collegiate Peaks - Hiking
Buena Vista lies at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, a breathtaking section of Colorado’s Sawatch Range. There are hundreds of trails throughout the area for all skill levels of hikers to get out and enjoy
Arkansas River - Fishing
The Arkansas runs right through Buena Vista and is a gold medal trout fishery. There are serval fly shops and guide services in town if you’d like to outfit yourself or book a float or wade trip!
White Water Rafting
Buena vista is a rafting destination and there are many outfitters in town that offer whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas and Browns Canyon
Hot Springs & Spa
Take some times to relax at many of the natural hot springs in the area such as Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, Mt Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Charlotte Hot Springs and Botanical Garden
Buena Vista Downtown
Explore historic Main Street with plenty of shops and restaurants. Some of our favs things to do are grab a drink at Deerhammer Distillery or The Slammer for a beer & shot, sit outside and have ice cream at Louie's, try new mezcal at Coyote or just hang out by the Arkansas river in the green space in front of The Surf hotel!
Off Road Adventures
There are countless off-road trails to explore out of Buena Vista on ATV, Jeeps or dirt bikes. The Four mile Recreation Area is open pretty much all year, plus the many dirt roads traversing the Continental Divide are a summertime treat.
Salida
Buena Vista is 30 minutes north of Salida, CO a big rafting town along the Arkansas River with plenty of historic shops, restaurants like our favorite "Sweetie's Sandwiches" or check out some winery’s and distilleries.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, CO a beautiful set of lakes that are a great place for kayaking, paddle board, fishing, or a beach day with great views if Mt Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak!
Leadville
Buena vista is 45 minutes south of historic Leadville, CO the highest elevation city in the US! Feel free to make a day trip up and enjoy the area’s hiking and downtown’s shops and dining.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Buena Vista is an hour and 45 minutes drive from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Open year round with no timed-entry or reservation system visit the tallest sand dunes in North America with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains!