Buena Vista Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado region, Buena Vista is a hidden gem that offers a truly enchanting experience for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and a taste of small-town charm. Surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains and bordered by the majestic Arkansas River, this picturesque town is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

One of the main attractions in Buena Vista is the stunning Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This vast expanse of wilderness boasts towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and miles of pristine hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on exhilarating hikes to conquer peaks like Mount Princeton and Mount Yale, or explore scenic trails that wind through dense forests and showcase breathtaking vistas at every turn.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Arkansas River offers world-class whitewater rafting opportunities. With its thrilling rapids and stunning canyon scenery, it's no wonder that Buena Vista is considered one of the best rafting destinations in the United States. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter, the river has something to offer for everyone.

Buena Vista is also known for its charming downtown area, which is lined with historic buildings that date back to the town's mining era. Strolling through the streets, visitors can browse unique boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the cozy local eateries. The town's vibrant arts scene is also worth exploring, with numerous galleries showcasing the work of talented local artists.

For a truly unforgettable experience, a visit to the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a must. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this luxurious resort offers a range of mineral-rich hot springs pools where visitors can soak their cares away and unwind in nature's own spa.

Alternative names: Population: 2.8 thous.Area: 3.46 mi²Elevation: 7936 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°50'33"N, 106°7'48"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Buena Vista Top Attractions

Buena Vista Attractions - What to See and Explore

Buena Vista offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Yale, Browns Canyon Adventure Park, Grace Church, CKS Main Street. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Yale
Mount Yale is a high and prominent mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
38°45'52"N • 106°5'35"W
Browns Canyon Adventure Park
Nature • Natural attraction • Adventure park
Church
Grace Church
Grace Church, formerly the Grace Episcopal Church, is a historic Carpenter Gothic style church building located in Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado.

38°50'33"N • 106°7'44"W
CKS Main Street
Gear rental • Outdoor activities • Shopping
Italianate architecture
Jacobs Building
The Jacobs Building, at 414 Main St. in Buena Vista, Colorado, was built in 1888. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. The listing included two contributing buildings and a contributing structure, with one apparently being a jailhouse.
38°50'37"N • 106°7'37"W
Chaffee County Courthouse and Jail Buildings
The Chaffee County Courthouse and Jail Buildings, at 501 E. Main St. in Buena Vista, Colorado, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The courthouse is a two-story five-bay brick building, with brick laid in stretcher bond, on an ashlar foundation.
38°50'39"N • 106°8'13"W
J. M. Bonney House
The J. M. Bonney House, also known as the Josiah Morris Bonney House, is an historic Carpenter Gothic house located at 408 Princeton Avenue in Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado.

Day trips

Buena Vista – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Buena Vista, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Crested Butte Mountain Resort (Crested Butte), Wheeler–Stallard House (Aspen), South Park City (Fairplay).

45 milesW
Winter sport, Ghost town, Ski area
Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Crested Butte
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. Located in the charming town of Mount Crested Butte, Colorado, this ski resort is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exceptional...
45 milesNW
Museum, History museum, Queen Anne architecture
Wheeler–Stallard House, Aspen
The Wheeler–Stallard House is located on West Bleeker Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is an 1880s brick structure built in the Queen Anne architectural style, and renovated twice in the 20th century. In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
27 milesN
Ghost town, History museum, Museum
South Park City, Fairplay
South Park City is an open-air museum located at the west end of Front Street in the town of Fairplay in Park County, Colorado.
39 milesW
City, Museum
Ashcroft, Aspen
Ashcroft, originally known as Castle Forks City then Chloride until 1882, was a mining town located ten miles south of Aspen, Colorado, United States. A few buildings remain standing as a testament to the town's past.
45 milesNW
Museum
Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, Aspen
The Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum is located on the former Holden Mining and Smelting Company facility on the western edge of the city of Aspen, Colorado, United States. It consists of one remaining building and the remains of some others.