Colorado

BUENA VISTA

Buena Vista, Colorado

Between the Collegiate Mountains and the Arkansas River is a small town full of adventure. From Cottonwood Pass to hot springs to luxurious restaurants, this city has everything you need, especially if you have an adventurous spirit.

  • It doesn’t appear that this city has a true spring. The weather can be lovely or wintery between March-May.

    June-early October are the best times to visit Buena Vista, from stunning wildflowers in alpine meadows, hiking the continental divide, to explore all the magnificent fall colors.

    December-February is full winter mode, and would be great it you love outdoor adventures in the snow.

  • The elevation is about 7,960 feet. Drink extra water, wear sunscreen, and go a little slower than you would at sea level. Also, remember that one drink of alcohol is about 2-3 drinks at sea-level!

  • [all transportation times below are for driving]

    From Airports:
    + Denver (DEN) is a 3 hour drive.
    + Colorado Springs (COS) is a 2 hour drive.
    + Grand Junction (GJT) is a 3.5 hour drive.

    From Buena Vista:
    + to Monarch Ski Resort - approx. 45 minutes
    + to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort - approx. 15 minutes
    + to Cottonwood Pass - approx. 30 minutes (only open May-Oct.)
    + to Salida - approx. 30 minutes
    + to Twin Lakes and Leadville - approx. 30-40 minutes.

Where To Stay

  • The Surf Hotel $$$— our favorite hotel in the mountains. Stay in the hotel or in their boutique chateau lofts, you’ll enjoy the luxury either way. The owners of this hotel also own several accommodations in the nearby area, so check out South Main Residences. You can also get married here.

  • The Inn at BV Railroad and Main $$-$$$— original 1800s building renovated with charm and laidback luxury in the middle of BV. Downstairs is a great pizza shop called Crave.

  • Wolf Den at Twin Lakes — luxury in the wilderness with the most breathtaking views right from the living room.

  • Vacation Rentals with South Main — I love this section of Buena Vista. This company owns several amazing large homes, town houses, tiny houses, and various vacation rentals. Some are modern, culturally inspired, minimal, charming, and basically there is a home for everyone. A few of these homes can be used for small weddings too!

Buena Vista, Colorado hiking guide with the Trekking Terrells on the Arkansas River

WHERE TO EAT

  • Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar — amazing restaurant for dinner and Sunday brunch. Joe and I eat here every time we visit! It’s located inside The Surf Hotel, and you can look at the river while you dine. Love it here.

  • Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up — you can’t go to BV without eating their daily fresh baked & cooked breakfast-dinner options.

  • Crave Pizzeria & Italian BV — delicious (and allergy friendly) Italian food after a day of hiking or skiing - yes, please!

  • The Lariat — moody restaurant with live music and allergy friendly food.

COFFEE & TEA

  • The Midland Shop — right next to the Arkansas River and the Surf Hotel, this coffee shop is a regular stop for us.

  • Buena Vista Roastery Cafe — delicious coffee with small pastries and breakfast sandwiches, we love stopping here. It’s also the only coffee shop open early, even on weekends.

  • The Blend — one of our snack breaks or breakfast stops.

Buena Vista, Colorado hiking guide with the Trekking Terrells at The Surf Hotel
Buena Vista, Colorado hiking guide with the Trekking Terrells at the Surf Hotel
Buena Vista, Colorado hiking guide with the Trekking Terrells

WHAT TO DO

  • HOT SPRINGS

    There are 8 hot springs available to the public. Some are resorts, some are vacation rentals. View some here!

  • HIKING

    The continental divide is in Buena Vista’s backyard, and the hiking options are endless. View some trails here!

  • ADVENTURES

    1. White Water Rafting

    2. Camping

    3. Snowmobiling

      There are so many adventures here: nordic skiing, hunting, fishing, jeeping, dogsledding, backpacking, off-roading, etc.

  • LOCAL SHOPPING

    1. Rock, Paper, Scissors

    2. The Long Table

    3. The Trailhead

  • SCENIC DRIVING

    1. Cottonwood Pass

    2. Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

    3. Monarch Pass

  • VISIT SALIDA or TWIN LAKES

    A neighboring town with lots of restaurants, adventure rentals, the river, and close access to Monarch Pass, Marshall Pass, and heading south to the Great Sand Dunes.

    Twin Lakes is north of Buena Vista and has two gorgeous lakes. The hike to Mt. Elbert (a 14er, so make sure you train for this!) is here, or you can take a flat 6 mile trail to an abandoned hotel in an aspen grove.

Buena Vista is located in Chaffee County.The county website has a free visitor guide that I recommend!

View their visitor guide.

As always, all photographs are products of Shannon Terrell’s/Century Tree Co.