Buena Vista, Spanish for “Good View,” is nestled at the foot of the Continental Divide. It is the sort of community most people only dream of. The hardworking, quiet people who have always resided in this area are a large part of what has made this town a great place to live and play.
14,000-foot peaks abound in its vicinity. Among the more than 10 in the area are Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia — located directly west of Buena Vista. This impressive collection of “14ers” (as locals call them), inspired the name for the newly designated Collegiate Peaks Colorado Scenic Byway that runs along Hwy. 24 right through town.
Buena Vista is considered by many to be the capital of whitewater rafting for the United States with the Arkansas River adjacent to the east side of town. A new expansion to the South Main River Park will make it the longest whitewater park of its kind in the country. Good fly-fishing spots along the river are just one of the many fishing venues in the area.
Historic mining and railroading sites allow for fascinating and beautiful excursions by four-wheeling, mountain biking or hiking. St. Elmo, one of the best-preserved ghost towns is only thirty minutes from town, and you can stop on the way to fish, hike or swim in Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Winter provides for mild temperatures in the valley but excellent cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are available minutes away. Additionally, there are 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that can be accessed just west of town on Cottonwood Pass. A dip in Cottonwood Hot Springs on the way down makes for a great day in the mountains. At dusk or early morning, large elk herds, bighorn sheep and many deer can be viewed from your car.
Step back in time with historic events such as Gold Rush Days in August. Watch the professional burro racers in the Third Leg of the Triple Crown Burro Race, or try your luck running with a burro yourself in a much smaller race. The event is complete with gunfighters, gold panning, constant entertainment and over 100 vendors. Take in a cemetery tour and visit with local characters from the past. Melodramas, concerts, art shows and lectures help round out your visit to Buena Vista.
Community Resources:
Buena Vista Area Chamber Of Commerce
343 Hwy. 24 South
P.O. Box 2021
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-6612
Chaffee County Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 726
Salida, CO 81201
877-772-5432 or 800-831-8594