Buena Vista, Colorado lives up to its name—and then some. Translated from Spanish, “buena vista” means “beautiful view,” and if you’ve ever stood in this mountain town with the Collegiate Peaks towering overhead, you already know that’s an understatement. Equal parts charming and adventurous, it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you waited so long to visit.
Chris and I rafted the Arkansas River here and it was an absolute highlight—the kind of adventure that immediately lands on the “we’re doing that again” list. Now that we’ve made Southern Colorado home, the Salida and Buena Vista area has become our go-to for finding new things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado. We keep coming back and it keeps delivering.
17 Things to Do In Buena Vista, Colorado
This page may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on one of the links and then make a purchase, Just Wander More may earn a small commission. The commission is paid by the company at no extra expense to you. Read the full disclosure here.
If you love the outdoors, Buena Vista—or “BV” as locals call it—has a sport with your name on it. One of the most rewarding stops on a Colorado road trip, this charming mountain town delivers hiking, biking, white water rafting, and some of the best hot springs access in the state. Prefer a more chill than thrill travel style? The natural hot springs in the area have you covered too. Chris and I have made BV one of our favorite mountain towns in Colorado, and the more we explore, the more there is to discover.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Buena Vista
The historic downtown of Buena Vista is perfect for strolling along and window shopping. You’ll find excellent shopping, unique gifts, and fun boutiques. The beautifully restored buildings in the historic downtown are pretty photogenic too.
There are a variety of great eateries, cafes, restaurants and food trucks to visit. In our experience, we recommend that you make reservations in advance at the more popular places, especially on the weekend. We visited over the 4th of July, and the wait time for Crave was almost 2 hours!
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 10 restaurants in Buena Vista:
- Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up
- House Rock Kitchen
- Jan’s Family Restaurant and Lounge
- Eddyline Brewery and Taproom
- Eddyline Restaurant at South Main
- Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar
- Quincys Steak and Spirits Buena Vista
- The Buena Viking
- Casa sanchez 3
- Crave
2. Experience a Drive-In Movie Under the Stars
The Comanche Drive-In movie theatre is a fun evening activity. You can’t beat the setting with mountains surrounding the area.
Did you know that today there are only around 350 drive in theaters still currently in operation in the United States? At the peak of their popularity, there were approximately 4,000 drive in movie theaters throughout the United States.
3. Sample Cheese at Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
Any cheese lovers out there? You’ll love the hand-crafted varieties of artisan goat cheese available at Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy. It is worth a trip! Not to worry though, they’ll ship the good stuff to you too!
Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy was originally founded by Dawn Jump in 2002 and has since become a Buena Vista staple. Artisanal goat cheese and dairy products include cheese, fudge, ricotta, queso, salami, crackers, feta, blue cheese, cheese curds, cheddar, honey, gift boxes, and cheese boards—all the fixin’s for a great summer picnic as you explore Buena Vista.
You can also find fun t-shirts, hats, lip balm, goat milk lotion, beeswax tea lights, calendars, stuffed animal goats, soap, and calendars. Interested in buying a goat? That’s an option too.
4. Visit the Farmers Market
Find the freshest local foods available at either the Buena Vista or Salida farmers markets. Shop for arts and crafts, listen to live music, and bring the whole family for some tasty treats.
Buena Vista Farmers Market – Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, starting the first weekend in June until the first weekend in September at the North Railroad Tracks Parking Lot
Salida Farmers Market – Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to noon, starting the first weekend in June until mid October at Alpine Park
Discover Adventurous Things To Do in Buena Vista, Colorado
5. Buena Vista, Colorado White Water Rafting
If you are looking for something new, exciting and memorable, you can’t go wrong with a white water rafting Buena Vista adventure. Whether you are looking for a gentle beginner rafting adventure through Class I & II white water or a more advanced Class IV technical experience, you can find some of the best white water rafting in USA along the Arkansas River in Buena Vista.
Chris booked our white water rafting adventure on the Numbers—a Class IV section along the Arkansas River. It is considered “advanced”. When we arrived, we found that we were the only two that had signed up for this trip. Score!
We enjoyed a private adventure with our guide, Rye, plus an extra staff member along to help with the paddling, and Kevin as our spotter in the kayak.
If you happen to book with American Adventure Expeditions, you’ll receive a wetsuit, booties, jacket, helmet, lifejacket and paddle. Be sure to wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses, and attach a sunglass strap to your glasses to keep them on your face.
6. Experience Browns Canyon Adventure Park
Are you up for harnessing a new challenge? How about a guided high ropes course adventure along the banks of the Arkansas River? It is among one of the best things to do in Buena Vista Colorado. Browns Canyon Adventure Park features a giant swing, high ropes bridges, climbing challenges, obstacles, and ziplines—the perfect way to spend the afternoon for kids 7 and older.
7. Mountain Bike
Perhaps road biking or mountain biking is more your speed. Both Buena Vista and nearby Salida are well known for their biking trails—sometimes right out your front door. And whatever the season—early spring, late fall or the middle of winter—it’s biking time. Mild temperatures and trails on sandy slopes make for year-round riding in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
A fun choice is to ride the 24 miles from Salida to Buena Vista or vice-versa. If you are looking to test your mettle and endurance, how about Poncha, Monarch, Cottonwood and Independence passes with up to 4,000 feet of elevation gain?
8. Explore the Historic Beaver Falls Bridge
Beaver Falls Bridge, a historical landmark worth making a stop to admire, is a wooden bridge meant for foot or bicycle traffic; you won’t have to worry about dodging cars. It spans the Arkansas River and offers instagrammable views of the river and surrounding mountains.
You can find the bridge at 112 River Run Dr, Buena Vista, CO 81211, United States.
9. Discover Adventure at Brown’s Canyon National Monument
Enjoy magical moments at one of Colorado’s nine national monuments— Brown’s Canyon earned its designation in February 2015. Marvel at the sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley with the backdrop of Sawatch Range.
Brown’s Canyon National Monument is made up of 21,500 acres of pristine rivers, canyons and forest (this includes the San Isabel National Forest). You will discover plenty of recreational opportunities from fishing to hiking to epic white water rafting.
Hiking the Collegiate Peaks
10. Hike to Brown’s Pass
There are numerous hiking trails all around Buena Vista. Hiking the Collegiate Peaks in Colorado requires preparation as well as acclimation if you are not used to the altitude. My husband and I love to hike. Spring, summer, winter, fall… if you are prepared for the conditions, hiking can be an enjoyable adventure. Take the time to assemble and pack your ten hiking essentials and be safe!
Related Posts:
- Best Travel Backpack for Hiking
- What to Pack for The Best Day Hikes
- 29 Best Day Hikes in the World to Stay Fit as You Travel
- 25 Incredible Hikes in Colorado Near Denver
11. Hike a 14-er
Chaffee County where Buena Vista is located, has the highest concentration of peaks over 14,000 feet high in Colorado. 15 of those peaks can be easily reached from Buena Vista.
There are a total of 58 fourteeners within Colorado.
Buena Vista Hot Springs
12. Take a Dip in Cottonwood Hot Springs
After a rigorous day of hiking one of the Collegiate Peaks, how about a soak in one of Colorado’s many hot springs—Cottonwood Hot Springs?
You might find that Cottonwood Hot Springs has more of a rustic vibe. There are five pools ranging in temperature from 94-110 degrees, all of which have naturally occurring minerals with no chemicals added. Feeling a little brave? Take a break from the heat for a refreshing dip in the Cottonwood Creek.
13. Soak at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Mt. Princeton began welcoming guests in 1897. This historic resort is a favorite among Coloradans. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs features two large pools next to Chalk Creek, an infinity pool, and a waterslide pool.
In the summer months IF the creek is running low, relax in one of the numerous natural hot rock pools. The hot springs pools located in the middle of the cool rushing waters of Chalk Creek create a unique soaking experience.
14. Get Back to Nature at Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs lies at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Owned and operated by Orient Land Trust, Valley View is somewhat secluded in nature.
As a swimsuit optional resort, you can come for the day to enjoy the hot pools or make a reservation for an overnight stay. Lodging includes camping, private rooms, and cabins. All cabins have access to the restroom and wash facilities.
The only rooms that have access to a shared half bath are the rooms in the Sunset Lodge. The bonus to staying onsite is having access to the hot springs after 10:00 pm. If you are a day use visitor, the hours for visiting are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
15. Discover Charlotte Hot Springs
Charlotte Hot Springs is one of the newer additions to the Colorado hot springs scene and already generating buzz among locals and visitors alike. Located just outside of Buena Vista, this natural hot springs experience offers a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path soak compared to the developed resorts in the area. If you’re a hot springs lover, Charlotte Hot Springs deserves a spot on your Buena Vista itinerary.
Scenic Drives
16. Drive the Collegiate Peaks Historic Byway
The Collegiate Peaks is a section of the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Several of the mountains are named for prominent universities—Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Oxford, and Mount Columbia.
This byway is also home to the highest concentration of 14,000 plus foot mountains in the United States. In fact, there are 58 peaks in Colorado that can claim a 14-er designation.
The scenic drive starts in Salida along Interstate 291 and continues past dramatic scenery until you reach Granite. The entire byway is just under 60 miles.
17. Drive the Midland Tunnels
As the first standard gauge railroad to run throughout Colorado, the Colorado Midland Railway, crossed the Continental Divide as it made its way between Colorado Springs, and Aspen. Today, this series of tunnels are open for you to explore and span along the Colorado Midland Trail for 5 miles outside of Buena Vista.
Adventurous Day Trips From Buena Vista
Salida
Salida is a beautiful Colorado mountain town along the Arkansas River that is definitely worth a visit. It is a 30-minute drive from BV.
Home to the largest National Historic District in Colorado, Salida boasts 136 preserved buildings. If taking a dip in the river is on your list of things to do in Salida, the Arkansas river section in Salida is generally calmer than in BV. Salida makes the perfect destination if you are planning a family reunion in Colorado.
St. Elmo Ghost Town
St. Elmo, Colorado in Chalk Creek Canyon is a little more than 30 minutes southwest of Buena Vista. It is one of the most accessible and best preserved ghost towns in the West. Today, there are 43 buildings that still remain in this Colorado mountain town—a saloon, courthouse and jail, mercantile, and private homes. This ghost town is accessible year round, though the General Store which still serves customers is only open in the summer.
Leadville
If you are looking for things to do in Buena Vista Colorado and the surrounding area, step back in time in Leadville. The drive from BV to Leadville should take about 45 minutes.
Be sure to stroll along Main Street, explore Leadville’s mining history, and visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, the Healy House Museum, and Dexter Cabin.
Leadville also has many hiking and biking trails around the town.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, or “Breck” as it is affectionately called, attracts tourists from all around the world all year long. Similar to Aspen, Telluride and Vail, Breck’s big draw is the ski resort and outdoor sports during the winter months.
Did you know there are cool things to do in Breckenridge besides skiing?
According to CBS News, Breckenridge makes the perfect place for summer travel in Colorado for amazing outdoor adventures and family vacations. It is the “IT” place to visit in summer. Breckenridge may be a former mining town, but you will find that it is now home to a variety of adventures, restaurants, shops, and even saloons!
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers another hidden gem in Colorado that is really a magnificent marvel—The Garden of the Gods.
The Garden of the Gods is made up red rock formations. The “Garden” was purchased in 1879 by Charles Elliott Perkins, and was originally scouted as an endpoint to the Burlington Railroad.
Due to the stunning beauty of the area, Perkins made official arrangements for the land to become a public park and donated the land to the city of Colorado Springs in 1907 with the stipulation that it would always be FREE to the public.
Colorado Springs is approximately 2 hours from Buena Vista.
Vail
Vail has a vibrant European look and feel. If Vail weren’t so darn expensive, it would be a lovely place to live… in the summer (I wouldn’t want to deal with the winter snow!).
Vail is home to the beautiful Vail Ski Resort and offers fun adventures and activities for families in the summer months too! The drive to Vail is just under 1.5 hours from Buena Vista.
- Stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Enjoy summer concerts and art shows
- Experience summer gondola rides and enjoy the view
- Enjoy Vail Mountains Epic Discovery
- Go off road for fun adventures
- Go mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding
- Try your hand at the Whitewater Park in Vail Village
- Kayak, paddle board, boat, canoe or raft on the lakes and rivers around Vail
- Relax at the spa
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a treasure. Only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Buena Vista, it is such a unique places to visit in the middle of the Colorado mountains.
Walking through the sand and climbing the dunes WILL BE your daily workout; if you and your kids are planning on sledding, you’ll get more exercise hiking back up the dunes after your race down on your sled.
If you are lucky enough to visit the dunes when the Medano Creek is running in late May and early June, it is perfect for wading through and splashing in. The creek rarely gets deeper than 2 inches, with occasional surges up to 4 inches.
Be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring water! There is no shade once you are on the dunes.
PS. As with most national parks in the United States, a reservation is required.
Aspen
While you might immediately associate Aspen, Colorado with world class skiing, winter sports and one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for families, Aspen and Snowmass are also some of the coolest area in Colorado in the SUMMER months as well. Listed by Forbes as one of the top 22 places to visit in the U.S. Discover these amazing adventures and destinations in Aspen this summer:
- Go Take a Hike
- Visit Maroon Bells
- Stroll through the Saturday Market
- Enjoy the Summer Music Festival
- Ride the Silver Queen Gondola
- Visit the John Denver Sanctuary
Glenwood Springs
Whether you drive through the mountains from Buena Vista to Glenwood Springs (120 miles) or hop the Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs, fun adventures await the whole family.
Once you arrive in Glenwood Springs, the opportunities of things to do will keep you busy whether you are visiting for a quick weekend getaway or longer. There are activities that you will love to experience as a couple along with plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Relax at Iron Mountain Springs
- Join the crowd at Glenwood Hot Springs
- Visit the Vapor Caves at Yampah Spa
- Enjoy summer sports – rafting, fishing, paragliding, golfing, hiking, mountain biking
- Book a spa treatment
- Hike to Hanging Lake (you will need a reservation)
- Ride the gondola to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- Enjoy a scavenger hunt
Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado
For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, Buena Vista is surrounded by exceptional camping options. The San Isabel National Forest and Collegiate Peaks Campground are popular choices, putting you right in the heart of the mountains with easy access to trails, the Arkansas River, and everything else BV has to offer. Not a camper? Me neither—the hot springs are waiting for you instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did St. Elmo become a ghost town?
When the train service to Chalk Creek Canyon in 1926 was canceled, the town slowly dwindled. While once a thriving town, by 1958 it became a virtual ghost town.
Why visit Buena Vista Colorado?
If you are big on outdoor adventure, you’ll love the hot springs, river rafting, and mountain views in Buena Vista.
How do you say Buena Vista?
Buena Vista in Colorado is pronounced “BEW-na Vista”. The town’s name has been pronounced “BEW-na Vista” instead of the Spanish “BWAY-na Vista” ever since it was founded.
What are some fun facts about Buena Vista?
*Elevation is 7, 965
*Population is approximately 2,750
*It is the biggest white water rafting town in the US
What are Colorado locals called?
Those who live in Colorado are officially called Coloradans.
When did Buena Vista get its name?
Originally named Mahonville, local residents voted in 1879 to rename the town to Buena Vista using a name suggested by Alsina “Sadie” Deerhammer.
Love this Post? Pin it!
Buena Vista, Colorado: Where Every Day Feels Like an Adventure
Chris and I loved our first weekend in Buena Vista so much that we made plans to return just a couple of weeks later—and honestly, that says everything. This is the kind of town that makes a lasting impression. World-class white water rafting, hot springs, stunning hikes in the Collegiate Peaks, and a charming downtown that’s worth slowing down for—Buena Vista, Colorado delivers in every season, not just summer.
Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a family adventure, or a solo trip to recharge, BV belongs on your Colorado bucket list. Before you hit the road, make sure you’re packed and ready with my Colorado Road Trip Packing List—because once you discover Buena Vista, one trip is never enough.
You may also love…
- Hot Springs Etiquette: 20 Practical Tips for Your Hot Springs Adventures
- 20 Adventurous Things to Do In Durango, Colorado This Summer
- 35 Essential Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
- 25 Best Places in Colorado This Summer for Family Travel
- 25 Best Hikes in Colorado Near Denver
- 10 Things to Do in Pagosa Springs—Plus Epic Day Trips
- Colorado Adventures: 37 Epic Tours and Excursions
I need to plan a trip to Colorado! This is an amazing list! Thank you for sharing!
Some amazing places on your list. Obviously Colorado is worth visiting for a month or two! Is there one place you would base yourself or is it best to move around to different places?
I would probably pick a few destinations within the state and take small day trips. There’s just so much to see and do.
Great list. I think I would be chilling in the hot springs before and after the hikes 🙂
Never been to Colorado, but this looks like such a great summer destination. I wouldn’t want to deal with the snow either!
I would LOVE to visit Colorado! Thinking of doing a road trip around since there is so much to see.
Visiting the farmer’s market is a lovely experience filled with fresh scents, colorful displays, and a sense of community.
Looks like there’s really a lot to do in Buena Vista! I would love to visit the Great Sand Dunes National park! And of course Colorado Springs 🙂
Colorado is somewhere I’d love to visit as I love the outdoors and adventure and seems to be perfect for that! Also love the idea of chilling in hot springs after a hike 🙂
Wow – I can’t believe how much there is to do in this area of Colorado!
Colorado is definitely on my bucket list! So many awesome outdoor things to do and it looks stunning! Saving this post.
Buena Vista looks like a great place to choose as a home base for visiting lots of great destinations in Colorado. There are so many fun things to do. I would love to white water raft on the Arkansas River. The hot springs look amazing. Curious about what you meant by “swimsuit optional resort”. Hmmm