Things To Do
Mount Antero Hike or Drive
This is a 14,000-foot peak. Though you can drive much of the way with an 4WD all terrain vehicle, the hike is pleasant on foot. That said, it's long and requires a small scramble at the summit. Please check weather and aim to be off the summit by noon, which likely requires starting around 4:00 am or earlier!
Saint Elmo: A Ghost Town
It's a little bit of a drive, but any car can make it. Explore a real-life Colorado ghost town!
Browns Creek Falls
A pleasant, 5 mile hike with minimal elevation gain to a beautiful waterfall. Enjoy the views!
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
A great, well established and furnished natural hot spring resort. They sell day passes, have multiple pools, and a riverside cold plunge.
Once Upon a Trapeze Bookstore
Jake and Michelle's favorite bookstore in Buena Vista! So cute.
The Buena Viking: The BEST Burger
We've said it all. There can be a wait, but it's worth it!
Brown Dog Coffee Company: The BEST Burrito!
We also love their coffee and various espresso drinks, but the food here is spectacular.
Waterdog Lakes Trail
A pleasant 3 mile trail to a beautiful and secluded lake tucked below high peaks. It has 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so it isn't flat, but isn't insane!
Hi-Lonesome Boutique: An awesome clothing store!
The vibe of this place: perfect. And the staff are extremely friendly!
Deerhammer Distillery & Tasting Room: A BLAST!
They do fun tastings, the whiskey is wonderful, and the vibe of the place is what you're looking for.
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe: The BEST Coffee!
Jake regularly buys his beans from BV's Roastery. Also a great sit down spot.
Downtown Salida: Nearby Perfect Downtown!
Jake and Michelle love Salida. It's a quirky mountain town below Poncha Pass, which takes you to Colorado's high desert. There's plenty of stores and restaurants.
Browns Canyon National Monument: Whitewater Rafting!
Browns Canyon is one of Colorado's most recent national monuments. Most of the park's attraction come from rafting the raging Arkansas River. (Fun fact! Jake lived on the 'Ark' River when he was a college photo intern in Hutchinson, Kansas). Believe it or not, September is still a good time to raft the river. It'll be chilly though!