We're very lucky to live in a state and community that is so beautiful and that many people want to visit. But sometimes it's nice to get away from the tourists crawling over our neighborhoods and remember what Colorado was like in the good ole' days. Here is one of my favorite day trip destinations, complete with local attractions, some side trips, and some places to stay if one day isn't enough to enjoy these beautiful Colorado delights.
Buena Vista: Where to Go
We've lived in Colorado for 30 something years, and August 2020, was our first time staying in Buena Vista! We've driven through it and around it and even rented a pop-up camper there one time on our way to Lake City, but never found the time to visit it until recently.
NOTE: As you're coming down 285, just before Johnston Village, there is a pull-off on the right that has a Collegiate Peaks Overlook. It is most definitely worth stopping 1) to see the view, 2) to look at the map telling you which peak is which and 3) to take a selfie. (there is a fee but it is worth it for the view, restrooms and picnic tables)
What to Do in BV
Buena Vista has a new whitewater park. With 5 water features, changing rooms, beaches for warm weather, mountain bike and hiking trails, and climbing rocks, this is the ultimate multi-use attraction. It is also a nice place to walk along the river and listen to the rapids and maybe catch a video of a kayaker practicing in the waves.
The park is adjacent to the unique South Main neighborhood with its restaurants, nightlife and shopping, including the Eddyline Restaurant, which serves the locally made Eddyline beer on tap.
Buena Vista Heritage Museum includes mining relics, traditional clothing, an old jail cell door, and a working model railroad of the Upper Arkansas River Valley in 1900.
For something a little more exciting, you can zipline through the Arkansas River Valley. (Minimum age 6, minimum weight 40 lbs. Maximum weight 250 lbs.)
And of course one of the most exciting things to do is the White Water Rafting. There are many companies available, but we've used River Runners in the past. The minimum age for whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River is 7 years old. However, there are sections of the river for ages 15+ only. River Runners has a Family Float. You will need to book in advance.
Side Trips
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is right next door and the trail head to Mount Yale is about 15 minutes from Buena Vista. All Trails lists 61 trails in the Buena Vista area.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a family friendly, odorless hot springs less than 10 miles from Buena Vista. The upper hot spring pools have a 400 foot water slide. These pools offer incredible Rocky Mountain views and are kept at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
An easy drive, about 20 miles from Buena Vista, on the road past Mount Princeton Hot Springs, is Colorado's most original ghost town of St. Elmo. The website outherecolorado.com has some great photos and mentions: “The fact that there are still locals here is one reason that makes St. Elmo unique among other ghost towns. While the older buildings are abandoned, a few blocks away from the main strip, you'll find new Jeeps and satellite dishes for television at a few newer homes. While most ghost towns are so remote that habitation is impractical, St. Elmo's accessible nature has kept it an option for some.”
Staying Overnight
“Situated at the base of the 14,000+ foot Collegiate Peaks alongside the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is a beautiful place to camp. It's teeming with outdoor recreation, with a slew of great campgrounds and free dispersed camping options.”
Check out the hotels in Buena Vista using my booking.com link. I would also recommend Buffalo Peaks Lodge. That's where we stayed when we climbed Mt Yale. Our pictures are here.
Make the Most of It: A Happy Place Travel Will Help Plan Your Trip
Book your trip using a local travel agent! You don't need to travel far to find adventure. Kathie with A Happy Place Travel can help you find the hidden gems no matter where you go. Schedule a time to chat with Kathie to get started on planning your getaway now. Schedule NOW!
A Happy Place Travel Let's Start Planning Your Perfect Vacation Today! |
 | Kathie Snyders with A Happy Place Travel |
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