Buena Vista is a friendly community set on the Arkansas River and framed by the Rocky Mountains. It combines small-town charm with a passion for outdoor adventures. Stroll around the historic downtown district, soak in thermal hot springs and stay active with pursuits like hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Things to do in Buena Vista
Explore the historic downtown district filled with independent boutiques and art galleries. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe and sample local flavours at the craft brewery. Visit the Buena Vista Heritage Museum to learn more about the region’s unique narrative. Housed in the historic red-brick courthouse, it features exhibits on everything from rocks, gems and minerals to pioneering women who shaped mountain communities like Buena Vista.
The Collegiate Peaks tower over Buena Vista and provide a dream backdrop for outdoor adventures. Hiking and biking trails lace the mountains and make it easy to explore the pristine wilderness. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the banks of the Arkansas River or get your pulse racing with activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Soothe tired muscles at Cottonwood Hot Springs. Set against the backdrop of the Collegiate Peaks, the complex features steaming pools filled with mineral-rich, geothermally heated water. Visit after dark to experience the magic of a soak under the starlit Colorado sky.
Ghost towns dot the surrounding hills and recall Colorado's mining heyday. Nestled in Chalk Creek Canyon, St. Elmo is one of the best-preserved. Walk along dusty Main Street and snap photos of historic buildings from the 1800s, including a saloon, courthouse and wood frame church. Stop by the nostalgic General Store for snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
Getting around Buena Vista
Downtown Buena Vista is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is conveniently located along U.S. Route 24, a 2.5-hour drive from Denver and 3.5 hours by bus. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Denver International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.