Things to Do in Buena Vista, Colorado
A local host's guide to the best adventures, eats, and experiences in and around BV, from the Arkansas River to the Collegiate Peaks.
Buena Vista, Colorado (locals just call it "BV") is one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the state. Nestled in Chaffee County at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, BV offers a rare combination of world-class whitewater, serious hiking, ATV trails, hot springs, and a walkable Main Street with great food and craft beer. All in a town of about 3,000 people.
Our rental is less than a mile from downtown, which means you can walk to breakfast, stroll the river trail before noon, and still have your trailer loaded up and rolling to the OHV trails by afternoon. Below is what we tell every guest who asks us what to do.
🚣 Whitewater Rafting & Water
Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting
The Arkansas River runs right through town and offers some of the best whitewater in Colorado. Browns Canyon National Monument, just south of BV, has Class III to IV rapids that are great for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. Multiple outfitters operate from town with half-day and full-day trips available.
Book a Trip ↗Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Calmer stretches of the Arkansas near the BV town park are perfect for kayaking and SUP. Several local shops rent gear by the hour or day, so no need to haul your own.
Rent Gear ↗Cottonwood Lake
A short drive west into the mountains, Cottonwood Lake sits among aspen groves and is great for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking with views of the Collegiate Peaks.
Trail Info ↗🏍️ ATV, UTV & Off-Road
Chaffee County OHV Trails
Chaffee County has miles of designated off-highway vehicle trails accessible from Buena Vista. Our property has a full circular driveway and ample parking for trailers, making it the ideal home base for riders. Load up and go.
Trail Info ↗St. Elmo Ghost Town
One of Colorado's best-preserved ghost towns, St. Elmo is accessible via ATV or UTV through the stunning Chalk Creek Canyon. A classic BV adventure and a great destination for families. The friendly ground squirrels are practically a mascot at this point.
Learn More ↗Ptarmigan Lake & Alpine Trails
More adventurous OHV routes lead up into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area, with high-alpine lakes and ridgeline views that are hard to believe.
Trail Info ↗🥾 Hiking & The Collegiate Peaks
Collegiate Peaks 14ers
Buena Vista sits at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, a concentration of 14,000-foot mountains named after Ivy League schools. Mt. Yale, Mt. Princeton, Mt. Oxford, and Mt. Harvard are all within driving distance. Whether you are summiting or just hiking to treeline, the access from BV is unbeatable.
Route Info ↗Arkansas River Trail
A paved and packed-gravel trail that runs along the river right through downtown. It is walkable from our property, perfect for morning runs, sunrise strolls, or a casual bike ride.
Town Info ↗Cottonwood Pass Road
A spectacular paved mountain road topping out over 12,000 feet. Opens in late spring and offers jaw-dropping fall foliage in September. Even non-hikers love this drive.
♨️ Hot Springs
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Just 20 minutes south of our property, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is one of the most popular natural hot spring resorts in Colorado. Multiple outdoor pools open year-round with direct views of a 14,000-foot peak. A must-do on any BV trip.
Book a Soak ↗Cottonwood Hot Springs
A smaller, more rustic experience in a quiet canyon west of BV. Great for a serene soak away from the crowds.
Learn More ↗🏘️ Downtown Buena Vista
Main Street Shops & Restaurants
Our place is under a mile from downtown BV's Main Street. The town has transformed in recent years into a legitimate food and outdoor destination with farm-to-table restaurants, a great local brewery, outdoor gear shops, and boutiques. Not a tourist trap, just a good time.
Explore Downtown ↗Eddyline Brewery
Local craft brewery with a large outdoor patio and award-winning beers. A great spot for an after-hike pint and one of the best breweries in the Arkansas Valley.
Visit Eddyline ↗Buena Vista Whitewater Park
A public whitewater feature right in the center of town, great for watching kayakers or letting kids play near the water. The adjacent grassy area is perfect for picnics.
Town Info ↗💍 Weddings
Downtown Wedding Venues
The Orpheum, The Lariat, and Terrace on Main all sit right in downtown BV, walkable from our property. A growing number of couples are choosing Buena Vista for a mountain-backdrop wedding without the Aspen or Vail price tag.
See All Venues ↗A Home Base for the Wedding Weekend
Our 3-bedroom home sleeps up to 6, making it a great fit for the wedding party or visiting family for a multi-night stay.
Learn More ↗❄️ Winter Activities
Monarch Mountain
About an hour from BV, Monarch is a laid-back, uncrowded ski resort with great terrain and none of the crowds or prices of Vail or Aspen. Families love it.
Check Conditions ↗Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing
Many of the summer hiking trails become excellent snowshoe and cross-country routes in winter. The Collegiate Peaks area is stunning under snow.
Find Trails ↗Ski Resorts Near Buena Vista
Monarch, Ski Cooper, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte are all within a one to two hour drive. See our full comparison of drive times and routes.
Compare Resorts ↗Christmas & New Year's in BV
Planning a holiday trip? See our guide to spending Christmas or New Year's in Buena Vista, from ski days to hot springs to a quiet countdown at home.
Holiday Guide ↗Ready to Experience Buena Vista?
Stay within walking distance of the action. Our 3-bedroom retreat on 2 acres is your perfect Buena Vista home base, pet friendly, ATV ready, and Superhost rated 5.0 stars.