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Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a river town with the mountains close at hand. Rafts and kayaks bounce through Arkansas River rapids beneath the Collegiate Peaks, while trails lead into the open mountain air.

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Featured Trip Itineraries

A Weekend of Adventure in Buena Vista

Recommendations

Landmark4.8/5

Buena Vista Whitewater Park

Whitewater park with river trails and a surfing spot. From the rocks, you can watch kayakers play in the rapids.

Shop4.5/5

The Trailhead

Outdoor outfitter with hiking gear, shoes, bike supplies and clothing. Fresh bread from the café fills the shop with its smell.

Landmark4.8/5

Collegiate Peaks Overlook

Mountain overlook with picnic tables, benches and trail access, where covered shelters frame the Collegiate Peaks above the valley.

Landmark3.9/5

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Tucked away in the heart of Colorado's picturesque Mt. Princeton, lies a traveler's oasis known as Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Dive into an adventure-filled day, splashing around in the rejuvenating geothermal pools or unwind with a leisurely hike through the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Treat yourself to ultimate relaxation and naturopathic bliss in this natural playground. Don't forget to bring your sense of adventure!

Landmark

Browns Canyon

Browns Canyon cuts through granite above the Arkansas River in central Colorado. Rafting trips run its whitewater past boulders and steep canyon walls, while trails climb into the surrounding hills.

Shop4.9/5

Book Nook

Book Nook in Buena Vista, CO is a charming bookshop oasis nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This cozy spot is the perfect place to browse through a selection of new and used books, grab a coffee, and maybe even find a hidden gem. Don't miss this quaint little retreat for book lovers!

Landmark4.9/5

Mount Yale

Colorado fourteener with a forest trail that follows streams before climbing above treeline. Boulder fields give way to a rock-hopping scramble near the summit.

Landmark4.4/5

Mount Princeton

Colorado’s 14,197-foot mountain rises among the Collegiate Peaks, with a rough route of boulders and loose rock toward the summit. The summit opens onto views across the Collegiate Peaks.

Landmark4.5/5

Kroenke Lake

Landmark4.7/5

Mount Harvard

This Colorado fourteener rises above Horn Fork Basin, with Bear Lake along the route. From the saddle, you can continue to Mount Columbia. Near the summit, the trail cuts into scree.

Landmark4.9/5

Mount Columbia

Culture4.7/5

Depot & Caboose

Buena Vista's history museum keeps a model train on its top floor. A historic courtroom doubles as a reception room.

Landmark4.8/5

Cottonwood Pass

This high-alpine pass crosses the Sawatch Range above treeline, with the Continental Divide beneath the road. At 12,126 feet, it opens onto broad mountain views and trail access to the Continental Divide Trail.

Eat$$4.5/5

Joyful Bakery & Coffee

Looking for a cozy pit stop in Buena Vista, CO? Swing by The Midland Stop! This funky spot on Front Loop offers everything a weary traveler needs – tasty snacks, refreshing drinks, and friendly locals to chat with. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of the Rocky Mountains!

Eat4.6/5

Louie's Ice Cream Shop

Buena Vista ice cream shop with a garden patio, where you can take a guitar outside and play.

Outdoor4.9/5

Performance Tours Rafting

Get ready for splashes and laughter at Performance Tours Rafting in Buena Vista, CO! Nestled by the breathtaking Arkansas River, they offer thrilling white-water adventures for all levels. With expert guides and stunning scenery, you'll conquer rapids while making unforgettable memories. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, prepare for an epic day on the water!🌊🛶🌞

Eat$$4.7/5

Biggies

Craving some delicious barbecue while exploring Buena Vista? Look no further than Biggies! Located at 234 US-24, this spot is a must-visit for meat lovers. Enjoy their mouthwatering ribs and brisket, paired with their selection of tasty sides. Don't forget to wash it all down with a cold drink - the perfect pit stop for any road trip adventure!

Eat4.4/5

Eddyline Brewery

Brewery restaurant with pizza and house-brewed beer, where a red-and-green block lets you signal for service.

Stays

Stay4.8/5

Buffalo Peaks Lodge

BuffaloPeaks Lodge in Buena Vista offers family rooms with private bathrooms, garden and mountain views, and amenities such as free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, and a hot tub. Guests enjoy a hearty American breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, including warm dishes, pancakes, cheese, fruits, and juice. The property features an outdoor fireplace, sun terrace, picnic area, and outdoor seating, ideal for relaxation and leisure. Located 108 km from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, the lodge is near Rock Run Gallery (3.9 km), Adventure Company (7 km), and Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (12 km). Activities include skiing and cycling. Highly rated for breakfast and host.

Stay$$$$4.6/5

Surf Hotel & Residences

Welcome to Surf Hotel & Chateau, where relaxation meets adventure in the heart of Buena Vista, Colorado. This funky boutique hotel brings the beach vibes to the mountains, offering cozy rooms with rustic charm. Just steps from the Arkansas River and minutes from outdoor activities, it's the perfect spot for thrill-seeking nomads and laid-back wanderers alike. Hang ten and ride the waves of mountain bliss at Surf Hotel & Chateau!

Cafe$$$$4.15/5

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Buena Vista is housed in a historic building, offering a unique and charming atmosphere. Guests can relax in the spa facilities, including a sauna and hot spring bath, and enjoy the year-round outdoor swimming pool and seasonal outdoor pool. The resort features a traditional and modern restaurant serving American and local cuisines, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, with vegan and gluten-free options. Activities available include fishing, yoga, fitness classes, skiing, hiking, cycling, and film nights. Nearby attractions include Highside Adventures Tours (8 km) and Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (10 km). Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is 120 km away.

Stay3.5/5

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa in Buena Vista offers family rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain views. Each room includes a work desk, dining table, and free toiletries. Guests can relax in the spa and wellness centre, sauna, hot tub, and terrace. The inn provides free WiFi, a garden, and a dining area. Breakfast includes continental, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The dining area features a table and chairs. Nearby attractions include Rock Run Gallery (10 km), Adventure Company (13 km), and Wilderness Aware Rafting (14 km). Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is 102 km away.

Stay4.7/5

Collegiate Peaks Campground

Camp among the towering pine trees and breathtaking mountain views at Collegiate Peaks Campground in Buena Vista. With easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots, this ranger district is the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. Get ready to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of Colorado's great outdoors!

Stay4.7/5

Cottonwood Lake Campground

Looking to pitch a tent under the stars in Nathrop, Colorado? Look no further than Cottonwood Lake Campground! With stunning mountain views, great fishing opportunities, and cozy campsites, this place is a nature lover's dream. Just remember to pack your marshmallows for some fireside s'mores!

Stay4.4/5

Best Western Vista Inn

Looking for a cozy hideaway in beautiful Buena Vista? Look no further than the Best Western Vista Inn! Situated on US Hwy 24 N, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, stunning mountain views, and a refreshing indoor pool. With friendly staff and a prime location near local attractions, it's the perfect base for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don't miss the chance to experience the best of Colorado at this delightful retreat!

Stay4.3/5

Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park

This campground has shaded tent sites and RV spots along Chalk Creek, with cabins and a small camp store. Kids can tube in the creek.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

4 h

Rentals: Half- Day Inflatable Kayak Single (am or pm)

Rent an IK (ducky) and forget about the confines of a hardshell kayak or standing tall on a SUP as you pilot one of the most forgiving and maneuverable crafts available for going down river. A shuttle is recommended, as they are not the easiest things to carry by yourself. Paddle, Helmet, PFD included.

$55.00

5/5

4 h

Rentals: Half-Day Stand Up Paddleboard SUP

Pick up a SUP take it to the river or a lake and learn or paddle on your own. A lesson is recommended, but if you have experience then paddle on! PFD, Helmet, and Paddle included. Don't forget to bring some shoes you can swim in!

$50.00

8 h

Rentals: 1-Day TUBE (Single)

Take your own non guided adventure on the Arkansas River. Float through the Salida play waves and walk the river path to do it again, or grab a shuttle, or shuttle your own vehicle and take a long float into our out of downtown historic Salida.

$23.00

5/5

8 h

Rentals: 1-Day Inflatable Kayak (2 Persons)

Rent a double duckie for the day. Take a friend with you for twice the power and twice the fun! The Salida area is the perfect zone for beginner and intermediate paddling teams, ask us about shuttles to and from different access points in the surrounding area.

$115.00

5/5

4 h

Rentals: Half-Day SUPSQUATCH (6+ Persons)

Rent the beast for 1/2 Day (Use of SUPSQUATCH)! Don't forget to bring appropriate footwear, swimwear, and sun protection. Enjoy your activity with us.

$125.00

5/5

3 h

Canyon Challenge Course

Prior to entering the Canyon Challenge Course, guests are fitted with gear, given a safety briefing and instructions, and then off they go! Guests begin on easy courses and graduate to more challenging routes. Once a course is completed, guests can proceed to more challenging courses. The Canyon Aerial Course was designed and built by Swiss Alpine engineers to industry standards, including those of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) as well as the specifications and safety standards of the state of Colorado. Participants are secured throughout their experience to the life safety systems using the Bornack Smart Safe Belay (SSB) lanyard system which prevents participants from detaching from the system during transfers from one element to the next while providing participants the freedom to choose their route and move at their own pace. Staff are positioned nearby to offer encouragement and assist if needed.

$84.32

24 h

Rental: 1-Day Stand-Up Paddleboard SUP

$88.00

3/5

8 h

Rentals: 1-Day Raft Accessories (PFD | Helmet | Splash Jacket) 1 person

Single bundle recommended with boat rentals: Individual's Personal Gear required for your river safety.

$25.00

8 h

Rentals: 1-Day Inflatable Kayak (Single)

$80.00

5/5

Private Colorado Backcountry 4x4 Off Road Adventure Tour

Why stay on the beaten path when you can see Colorado up close? Let us show you the real Rockies where the spirit of adventure is alive and the landscapes inspire awe at every turn! Our tour is unique from any other tour company you’ve likely encountered before. Off-roading, and the discovery of out-of-the-way places, is our passion and has been since coming to Colorado over 30 years ago. Here are just a few of the things that set us apart from all others: - Our tours are 100% private for your group of six or less. - Our tours range from mild to wild and, based on your preferences, are planned just for your group. - Our owner personally drives every group. - Our vehicle is a custom Toyota Land Cruiser with safety, comfort, and off-road capabilities that are unmatched by nearly any other vehicle.

$1,195.00

5/5

3 h

Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

Browns Canyon rafting trips contain the perfect combination of Colorado scenery and adventure and are great for the whole family. If you are considering Rafting in Colorado, Browns Canyon is a must. This section is filled with plenty of fun and exciting rapids and is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!

$99.95

5/5

2 h 30 mins

Salida Valley Rafting Adventure

We are a small company BIG on adventure! That means you get a more personalized trip. It'll feel like your on your own private rafting adventure. We meet at our office, shuttle you to the river. You raft on the river for a few hours, and then we shuttle you back to our office. We are located closer to the access points than any other company.

$125.00

5/5

3 h

Browns Canyon Intermediate Rafting Trip Half Day

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River is our most popular trip! The unique combination of lots of exciting whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, great mountain views of some of Colorado’s highest mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife make this the ideal raft trip. Exciting enough for seasoned paddlers, but not too scary for first-timers. You will want to bring your friends and family for epic rapids such as Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Big Drop!

$145.00

5/5

6 h 30 mins

Brown's Canyon Full Day Rafting

Colorado's most popular whitewater rafting trip trough Brown's Canyon National Monument. Enjoy spectacular scenery and thrilling whitewater on this professionally guided river trip.

$172.05

5/5

6 h 45 mins

Full Day Intermediate Rafting Trip in Browns Canyon

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River is our most popular trip! This in an intermediate trip but also not too scary for first-timers. The unique combination of lots of exciting whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, great mountain views of some of Colorado’s highest mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife make this the ideal raft trip. Please note that we offer over 20 trips on 4 rivers. However, not all trips are able to be booked through Trip Advisor. Please contact us directly for more detailed information about the many whitewater raft trips that we offer.

$209.00

5/5

3 h

Granite Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Buena Vista

A Via Ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a method of mountaineering & rock climbing that’s been used in Europe for centuries. Via Ferrata courses use a combination of ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges to aid in moving across and up a cliff face. The Iron Way in Idaho Springs is an assisted rock climbing guided tour where guests clip into cables that run along the side of a cliff. They then move along a designated path of iron rungs and bridges to move across, and along the way they will be required to clip in and out of the cable to progress through the course. This is made possible through an advanced internal locking system in the carabiners. Each guest will have 2 carabiners connected to bungee-style lanyards on their harness. The internal locking system makes it impossible to clip out of both at the same time, insuring that climbers are connected to the cable of the course at all times.

$116.63

5/5

4 h

Browns Canyon National Monument Whitewater Rafting

Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with family friendly Colorado rafting through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. Exciting class III-IV rapids intermixed with calm water in between make Browns Canyon rafting great for beginners and experts alike.

$95.00

4.9/5

6 h

Full Day Numbers Rafting Adventure

The Numbers rafting is the ultimate Colorado rafting adventure! Experience the non-stop thrills and excitement of rafting in Colorado at the headwaters of the Arkansas River. You’ll navigate through tight passages, steep drops, and continuous action on this incredible Colorado river rafting trip.

$179.95

5/5

3 h

Brown's Canyon Half Day

Colorado's most popular whitewater rafting trip. Exciting moderate level whitewater through Brown's Canyon National Monument. Spectacular scenery and lots of thrills and memories for a lifetime.

$116.55

5/5

2 h

Family Float Beginners Rafting Adventure

Get your toes wet on this fun and splashy float! This trip is a gentle excursion that allows you and your family to take in all the beauty of the Arkansas River. It is perfect for first-time rafters, small children and anyone looking to have a great time in nature!