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With a name like Buena Vista—which means good view in Spanish—you have some idea of what awaits you in this idyllic community situated in the Sawatch Mountains in Central Colorado. Of course, first you have to get there.
Where is Buena Vista, Colorado?
Fortunately, it’s never been easier to reach. Fly into Denver—with more than 1,600 flights per day it’s one of the world’s busiest airports—rent a car or RV, and cruise for 120 miles southwest on U.S. Highway 285 S. After about two hours, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the highest concentration of 14’ers (peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation) in the Lower 48 states and some of the friendliest people in America.
While the town’s population is just 2,700, what Buena Vista lacks in residents, it more than makes up for with its lifeblood: the Arkansas River.
This Gold Medal river is famous for its world-class whitewater rafting. Interested in world-class relaxing? Hit up Mount Princeton Hot Springs just down County Road 321.
Buena Vista also has plenty of man-made memories to be made. My family of four, including two kids under the age of 8, recently visited for the first time, and we were overwhelmed—in the best way possible—with all of the ways we could spend our days.
In just 24 hours, we had the opportunity to catch a classic film in a historic drive-in movie theater, overcome a fear of heights on one of the country’s coolest high ropes courses, play cards on the Shorehouse Hotel’s inviting patios, and taste test homemade ice cream like it was an Olympic sport.
And that’s to name a few of the options. In fact, our family’s weekend trip could have easily been extended into a week-long adventure. For that reason alone, we’ll definitely be back someday.
And most importantly, we hope to see you there. Whether you like to plan every second of your vacation in advance or you simply show up and go with the flow like we did, here are the top 10 things to do in Buena Vista.
1. Stay at the Shorehouse Hotel
In the 1880s, when Buena Vista was teeming with miners and settlers, the prime real estate Shorehouse Hotel sits on what was home to the town’s brothel. Today, this chic four-suite boutique property is owned by the same local family that owns CKS River Supply, conveniently located just downstairs.
It attracts travelers like us who appreciate local art—each suite is decorated with artwork created by a Chaffee County artist—a Main Street location, and family-friendly amenities like in-suite laundry, a full kitchen, and even a stocked fridge if you wish.
We loved having the option to cook our own meals, but the proximity to downtown also meant we could walk to restaurants like Buena Viking, an elevated burger food truck turned brick-and-mortar Main Street mainstay.
Read more about Colorado’s natural hot springs.
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Bellies blissfully full, we’d retire to our suite to relax on our patios—yes, that’s plural. While all four suites are beautiful, we were lucky enough to score the spacious Throne Room Penthouse, which sleeps seven and has three bathrooms.
It featured two outdoor patios, 360-degree mountain views, two primary suites, and a fun sleeping nook that our 7-year-old son, Everett, still raves about to this day.
2. White Water Raft Browns Canyon
Want to see the rugged cliffs and ethereal rock formations of Browns Canyon National Monument? Buckle that brain bucket and slip into a PFD. Rafting is the best way to explore this scenic stretch of the Arkansas River that offers rapids for all abilities.
Half-day guided trips traversing Class II and Class III rapids are the most popular. If you have a multigenerational group or littles like us, consider the family floats.
They’re advertised for ages 4-94. While kids aren’t expected to paddle, they are encouraged to participate in the water fights. Finally, if you’re an adrenaline junkie who needs Class V+ to feel alive, sign up for trips to Pine Creek and Triple Drop.
3. SUP at Cottonwood Lake
Whether born-and-bred or an East Coast transplant, every local in Buena Vista has a mental scrapbook full of fond memories from Cottonwood Lake. This 40-acre man-made alpine oasis—surrounded by aspen trees and 14’ers—is just 11 miles east of town.
“It’s a must for any Buena Vista bucket list,” said the friendly employee at CKS River Supply, who outfitted us with user-friendly inflatable SUP board rentals.
Since they deflated, they easily fit in the back of our truck. CKS River Supply also has a huge fleet of rafts, boogie boards, kayaks, and accessories, including PFDs, pumps, and even wetsuits.
While Cottonwood Lake doesn’t allow motorized boats (making it a quiet and peaceful place to recreate), it welcomes canoers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. The fish—northern pike and three types of trout—aren’t sure how they feel about fishermen, but technically they’re welcome, too.
4. Hike to Lost Lake
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, Lost Lake is as accessible as it is aesthetically pleasing. A unique blue-green color—the result of mineral deposits—distinguishes this alpine lake from others in the San Isabel National Forest.
Lost Lake is also photogenic because it’s anchored by a mysterious rocky island—big enough for trees, but not much else.
Although the lake is at nearly 12,000 feet, the 3.3-mile round-trip hike was enjoyable. There are beautiful views all along the way, and it’s easy to do with young kids. Just remember to wear close-toed shoes, as the trail has a few sections where mud likes to make a cameo.
Read more about affordable passes to Colorado’s winter ski resorts.
5. Soak and Slide at Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Families have been making pilgrimages to Mount Princeton Hot Springs for nearly 150 years. And long before that, Native Americans soaked in these odorless (no sulfur) geothermal waters just 9 miles south of Buena Vista.
Today, the springs are open 365 days a year, and visitors can choose from relaxing in the historic bathhouse, racing down Colorado’s highest water slide, or embracing their inner Goldilocks, trying to find the perfect spot in the 20 natural creekside pools where Chalk Creek’s cool water mixes with the warm, bubbling springs.
Overnight guests get exclusive access to the infinity pool featuring therapy jets and built-in seating.
6. Stroll Main Street
Don’t expect skyscrapers and strip malls. Buena Vista’s charming downtown is a walkable district filled with historic stone and brick buildings dating back to the 1880s. Local kids flock to Stedman’s, an old-fashioned candy store with more than 150 flavors of homemade fudge and Colorado’s largest selection of soda (more than 200 glass bottle varieties).
Once Upon a Trapeze Bookstore is also worth a visit. If you’re in the market for an heirloom souvenir, stop in Mt. Antero Treasures, where most of the jewelry features precious gems mined from a nearby 14er.
Our family’s Main Street MVP, however, was Spark Provisions, where we stocked up on gourmet grab-and-go snacks and sides made fresh by one of Chaffee County’s best chefs.
7. Scream for Ice Cream
Buena Vista has a surprisingly strong ice cream game for a small town. According to my family of cone connoisseurs, the award for the most satisfying scoop is a toss-up between Louie’s and Chocolate. They’re both so different, and it’s not really fair to compare them.
Louie’s best asset, for example, is its outdoor patio complete with a kids’ clubhouse—no adults allowed—lawn games, and shaded courtyard with comfy Adirondack chairs for adults.
Meanwhile, Chocolatte is a kid-friendly (it has an indoor slide and swing) coffee shop where you’ll find everything from espresso drinks to milkshakes—try the Malted Mazel Tov or Purple Mountain Majesty—and handmade chocolates.
8. Get a Bird’s Eye View at Browns Canyon Adventure Park
In addition to being a natural playground, Buena Vista boasts Browns Canyon Adventure Park, a destination featuring 66 different high ropes challenges and seven ziplines.
The park’s elevated wooden platforms, connected by cables and swinging bridges, provide a unique perspective of the Arkansas River below and are where comfort zones go to expand.
Need some moral support? No problem! The Leap of Faith Climb is a partner challenge, and the Big Drop Swing has room for three.
9. Lap it Up at the Pump Track
Hundreds of mountain bike trails surround Buena Vista. But that doesn’t mean you must leave city limits to find fun on two wheels. River Park’s pump track, next to the disc golf course on East Main Street, is the perfect place to pedal (or pump if you have the technique down).
We like to travel with our bikes, but it’s nice to know that nearby Black Burro Bikes rents bikes for all ages. If you’re looking for more variety in terms of terrain, head 7 miles south to the new Junk Yard Bike Park. It also features a pump track, a skills area, and pro-level jumps.
10. Travel Back in Time at Comanche Drive-In
With fewer than 400 left when there used to be 4,500+ in the 1950s, drive-ins are a dying breed. Fortunately, Buena Vista still has an outdoor theater three miles west of town. And thanks to the mountains in the distance, it gets serious bonus points for having a beautiful backdrop.
Never been to a drive-in? Forget Bluetooth and Bitcoin. Audio is old school, via FM radio—portable radios are available for rent if you don’t want to drain your car battery—and Comanche Drive-In offers a generous cash discount.
Movies begin at dusk. Try not to be too distracted by the stunning sunset or the smell of popcorn made with real butter.
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Author Bio: Living across Europe and South America unlocked Carri’s passion for traveling. Never shying away from a new adventure whether swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas, bird watching in the Galapagos or Heli-Hiking in British Columbia, you never know where you will catch Carri next. She resides in Colorado between freelance trips with her husband and 2 kids where they enjoy hiking, mountain biking and skiing.
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