The Collegiate Peaks—Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard. The Arkansas River. A downtown full of shops and restaurants. And endless outdoor adventure. Buena Vista, Colorado is a special place. And a scenic drive in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is sure to be a day to remember.
Visit Buena Vista And you’ll find no shortage of views.
This small mountain town seems to have a good view everywhere you turn. From downtown Buena Vista to your adventures hiking, biking, and rafting, this is one of the most beautiful places to explore in the United States!
Where is Buena Vista, Colorado?
Buena Vista is located in the middle of Colorado, southwest of Denver (2.5 hours) and directly west of Colorado Springs (under 2 hours.) The small, laid-back mountain town is home to roughly 2,800 people. And it’s nestled into the San Isabel National Forest right along the Arkansas River with views of the Sawatch Range Mountains.
The Best Things to Do in Buena Vista, Colorado
So, what should you do when you spend a day (or weekend) here? Use this list of the best things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado and you will not be disappointed…
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
Get your day started in the best way with Buena Vista Roastery Cafe. Located right in the heart of Buena Vista, this coffee shop is a cool hangout spot that serves delicious coffee (100% organic, fair trade) and light food and baked goods. My favorite part was their outdoor space where you could feel the energy of this cute mountain town while enjoying the fresh air.
My Iced Vanilla Latte didn’t last too long—it was delicious!
Buena Vista River Park
One of the best things about Buena Vista is its beauty. And you will get that in full force when you visit Buena Vista River Park which is on the banks of the Arkansas River. This area is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, so pick your favorite outdoor activity and make sure this spot is on your list.
We spent a few hours hiking and not only are the mountain views something to see but watching (and listening to!) the river flowing is a highlight of our day trip. There are hiking and biking trails no matter what your skill level is and many trails intertwine to easily create your own path.
We ended up on the Bridge-to-Bridge trail which was super easy but we enjoyed it. Use this trail map to see what will work for you.
White Water Rafting
If you want to go white water rafting, Buena Vista is the ideal spot to do it! There are a ton of companies to choose from for your excursion, but we went with The Adventure Company and couldn’t have been happier with the experience. Great guide, clean facilities, and an epic adventure through Browns Canyon National Monument.
We did a half-day, Class III (intermediate) trip which is $95/person. It includes 2 hours on the water (9.5 miles) with an experienced guide, plus your paddles, and safety gear. Do plan for about 4 hours total with the inclusion of gearing up, bussing to/back from the river, and listening to a safety talk. Class III has its thrills, but it’s definitely manageable, even for beginners.
PRO TIP: Hit up Station 24 Cafe which is right next door for a quick breakfast burrito before you head out.
Buena Vista Whitewater Park
Another option is Buena Vista Whitewater Park which is the largest whitewater park in Colorado with 5 main whitewater structures for kayaking and rafting, plus climbing walls & trails.
The Olive Mediterranean Food Truck
This cute food truck reeled us in with its string lights, picnic tables, and bright green truck right in the middle of town. A sucker for a gyro, we stopped here to split one and curb our hunger before some other stops.
And let me tell ya, we were not disappointed! The classic gyro was so fresh with delicious lamb meat and veggies, plus their homemade tzatziki sauce that made it next-level YUM. If you’re walking around Buena Vista, definitely stop here for lunch.
Buena Vista Shopping
There are some great shops along Main St to visit while you are in Buena Vista! A few of my favorites:
- Once Upon a Trapeze: You know I love a good bookstore.
- Little Elk Trading Company: Beautiful, hand-crafted wood furniture. I didn’t buy anything but it’s remarkable to see what people are able to create.
- CKS Main Street: A kayak rental shop that also offers tons of fun gear to buy.
- The Mercantile: Fun goods for your home.
- Intentions Spa: Quality beauty products with only the best, natural ingredients. (I bought a brown sugar exfoliator and absolutely love it.)
The Slammer Saloon
Post-shopping beers anyone? This is a great place to come throw a few back in an upbeat environment. It’s got a cool Western aesthetic inside (the old BV jailhouse) and a lively outdoor patio. The Slammer Saloon offers plenty of craft beers and a huge selection (100+) of whiskeys served by fun bartenders.
We had so much fun here talking to the bartender, meeting other visitors, and trying different whiskeys and beers. I highly recommend a stop—easily one of the best things to do in Buena Vista!
Eddyline Brewery & Taproom
If you’re a brewery-lover, Eddyline Brewery & Taproom is one of the best places to grab beers in Buena Vista. Plus, they have great pizza and other bar bites as well. Located on Linderman Ave., just off of South Main Street, you can find a spot in their small bar area with handcrafted tables and local art hanging around you.
House Rock Kitchen
This is an order-at-the-counter, quick-service food option that offers high-quality ingredients and made-from-scratch meals. Located right along E Main St, they focus on healthy options and you can grab sandwiches, burritos, burgers, soups, and bowls. There is also a full-service bar.
Outside of the ordering experience, House Rock Kitchen looks like your typical restaurant with indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio space that includes games—and plenty of mountain views!
We split the Chicken Pesto Sandwich (bacon, brie, pickled red onion & pumpkin pesto aioli) and the Chips & Guacamole. Everything was good and you could tell the ingredients were high-quality.
Deerhammer Distillery
Craving a delicious cocktail? One of my favorite spots is Deerhammer Distillery. Located on East Main Street, stop in here for a delicious drink and something to eat from the food truck. They have a great outdoor space that’s usually lively and full of life!
Deerhammer Distillery is known for its whiskey and offers a few different Old Fashions. I stay away from whiskey, so if that’s not your thing either, try a BVs Knees made with their gin. It’s delightful!
Louie’s Ice Cream Shop
A day spent in a quaint, small mountain town better include some ice cream, right!? And at Louie’s Ice Cream Shop, not only are you going to get quality ice cream in unique flavors, but you will get to enjoy it on their beautiful outdoor patio! Plus, it’s worth noting that they are rated “the best frozen dessert in Buena Vista!”
Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
While we’re on the dairy train, let’s talk CHEESE. Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy is a small artisan goat cheese producer right off US-24 (north of downtown.) Enter a small, welcoming general store and find yourself a variety of high-quality cheeses, as well as meats, crackers, salsas, and merch.
We, unfortunately, did not make it here during our trip but it is certainly on my list for next time! Who doesn’t want fresh goat cheese curds for a road trip snack!?
Buena Vista Heritage Museum
If you are looking for a bit of history on this small mountain town, visit the Buena Vista Heritage Museum which is located inside the old Chaffee County Courthouse. It’s home to many fun and family-friendly exhibits which you can explore yourself or book a guided tour. And keep your eyes peeled in the summer months because there are often events going on.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn
When you’re deep into the mountains, you’ve gotta get a soak in some local hot springs! Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa offers 5 different natural water soaking tubs. Temperatures range from 80 (cold tub) to 104 degrees. The waters are full of minerals and it’s a place to relax and let your body heal. It’s $24 per adult on the weekend.
Full disclosure: this was our first hot springs experience. You hear ALL about them in Colorado so I sought this out before our day trip to Buena Vista. It felt AMAZING in the tubs. We started off super hot and then moved down to something more comfortable. But I will say, the amenities outside of the tubs are less than ideal, mainly the bathroom/changing area which was not clean. And the resort has more of a motel vibe than a “resort.”
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
If we go back, I’d like to try Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Their hot springs are $40 for an adult (on a weekend) and give you access to Historic Bath House, Creekside Hot Springs, Upper Pools & Infinity Pool. When we make it here someday, I’ll update my post!
Collegiate Peaks Golf Course
If you want to golf in the mountains with some great views, here is your chance! Right at the base of 14ers (peaks over 14,000 ft.), Collegiate Peaks Golf Course is one you will want to experience.
Plus, it’s affordable! It’s $50 for an adult on the weekend and $45 Monday-Thursday. Play a round and then sit outside for food and drinks.
The Best Things to Do in Buena Vista, Colorado
Buena Vista, Colorado is one of my favorite places in the state! With so many fun things to do and all of the surrounding adventure, it’s tough to beat! Looking for other Colorado towns to visit?
- Leadville, Colorado: The highest town in America! Mt. Elbert is sure to catch your eye!
- Colorado Springs: A bit more “city life,” but still fun mountain adventures.
- The Ultimate Guide to Skiing Breckenridge
- The Best Hidden Gems in Colorado
