Buena Vista Area - South Central Colorado
The small town of Buena Vista, nestled at the base of the Collegiate and Sawatch Mountain Ranges, is named for its "good view." In the Upper Arkansas River Valley, Buena Vista and its surroundings were once home to the Ute Indians. Lt. Zebulon Pike, who passed through in 1806, found evidence of some 3,000 Utes. Like other Colorado towns, miners came when they learned of gold strikes in the area and ranchers eventually followed. The city has a rowdy past, once hosting 36 bars and a hanging judge. Now Buena Vista is the jumping off point for some of the best river rafting in Colorado. Brown's Canyon, 8 miles south, is often called the whitewater capital. The impressive Collegiate Range, lies to the west has the most concentrated number of peaks above 14,000' in Colorado, abounds with hiking trails, mountain bike trails and riddled with ghost towns. Another feature of the Buena Vista area are the natural hot springs where you can soothe your body while gazing up at majestic, snowcapped peaks.
Buena Vista Area is near: Leadville & Twin Lakes Area, Park County & Salida
Buena Vista Area Featured Advertisers
Walk to river fishing! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". RV & tent sites. On-site trailer, 5th wheel & cabin rentals.
Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6. Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking & hot springs pools.
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks more than 14,000 feet will surround you. Hot springs that will melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals and stay in comfortable, yet affordable lodging.
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
Buena Vista Jeeps will help you experience Colorado. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks with rows of "Fourteeners". We provide you with a true mountain travel vehicle.
A place for quiet relaxation! Spa services: water therapies - massages - soak in the hot springs - women's retreats. Lodging: room & creekside cabins. Group rates. About 5 miles west of Buena Vista.
On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. BIG RIGS & tenters! Campfires & live music. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft & fish.
NO TRAILERING--trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
All Buena Vista Area Advertisers
Bed & Breakfast Hotel with a twist in Johnson Village, 2 miles from historic Buena Vista. Close to golf, restaurants, hiking, fishing, whitewater river rafting, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling.
Come & explore Buena Vista's high country! Experience the wonders of Colorado's highest back country and have a fantastic time getting there! Hourly, half-day & full day rentals. Weekly specials. 1 & 2 seaters.
World-class rafting trips, from mild floats to advanced whitewater. Discounts offered daily, free wetsuits & jackets. Trips on 8 rivers in multiple Colorado locations, including rafting only 30 minutes from Denver.
Whitewater Rafting on 4 different rivers, serving vacationers from Breckenridge to Buena Vista. Also offered are fishing float trips, rock climbing, biking, hiking, hot air ballooning & kayak instruction.
Ride the Divide! Guided or unguided, you choose. Come enjoy the fun of riding through back country of Rocky Mountains near Salida and Buena Vista. Open all year. Enjoy our spectacular Fall Color Tours.
Soothe your body and soul -- Soak in the private hand-built soaking hot mineral springs pool!! This private vacation home is located in a spectacular alpine setting between Buena Vista and Salida.
Historic creekside cabins each have a PRIVATE NATURAL HOT SPRING pool out your backdoor. They are in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Colorado's fourteener region, near Buena Vista and Salida.
Walk to river fishing! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". RV & tent sites. On-site trailer, 5th wheel & cabin rentals.
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
Colorado's 1st licensed outfitter. Est. 1969. 1/2-day to 10-day rafting trips. Float fly-fishing, family rafting, whitewater rafting. We offer multi-sport packages: mountain bike, 4x4, hike, kayak & custom fishing.
Trips on 8 rivers across Colorado! Our dedicated, skilled, and enthusiastic guides will show you the best river rafting adventure. Discounts offered daily. Free wetsuits and jackets.
In Salida, low prices, surrounded by majestic Mountains. The motel features rooms to fit your needs with full and queen size beds, phones with free local calls, microwaves and refrigerators. Hunter Welcome!
Buena Vista Jeeps will help you experience Colorado. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks with rows of "Fourteeners". We provide you with a true mountain travel vehicle.
A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. 2 offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2 day and multi day trips.
1 and 2 bedroom, modern and semi-modern pioneer log cabins along Chalk Creek south of Buena Vista near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Open all year. Small weddings and reunions welcome.
Modern housekeeping cabins with fully equipped kitchens on Chalk Creek (a trout stream that runs behind the cabins) near Mt Princeton Hot Springs and Buena Vista. Two trout lakes are within 1 mile.
Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6. Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking & hot springs pools.
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
Vacation homes in the Upper Arkansas River Valley: Buena Vista, Salida & Monarch. Rentals for your family from modest to elegant: Sit back, relax & let us organize your perfect western vacation for you!
Enjoy your mountain vacation at this historical log cabin built in 1878 with a kitchen, BBQ grill & claw-foot bathtub. In Nathrop near Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Walk to Wright's Lake stocked with rainbow trout.
A place for quiet relaxation! Spa services: water therapies - massages - soak in the hot springs - women's retreats. Lodging: room & creekside cabins. Group rates. About 5 miles west of Buena Vista.
Come to the mountains and soak in magical mineral waters along the rustling waters of Chalk Creek. The vacation home is between Buena Vista and Salida providing mountain views and secluded privacy.
Christian Family Ranch in Nathrop with Western lodge rooms & cabins with kitchens. Horse rides, golf, raft, hike, fish private lake & hot spring pools. Attractive off-season rates. In the same family since 1954.
Located on the top of Poncha Pass within a short drive of Salida, Buena Vista, Villa Grove and Saguache. Horseback Rides on private land in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains overlooking historic Mt Ouray.
4 bedroom Inn with hot tub & WI-FI next to Chalk Creek in Nathrop. Children of all ages & pets welcome. Game room with pool table, dart boards, big screen TV, movie library, piano and organ.
Between Buena Vista & Salida, is a 37 acre Vacation Estate waiting for you. "Experience what a Colorado vacation should be!" The home has access to BLM & National Forest land & panoramic mountain views.
A Family Friendly modern log lodge near Buena Vista along the Arkansas River. Enjoy a full mountain breakfast outdoors on the deck above the river. All rooms have queen bed with private baths.
A quiet get-away nestled in San Isabel National Forest at the base of Colorado's highest peak. West of Twin Lakes, between Leadville, Buena Vista and Aspen.
1 mile north of historic Buena Vista with views of Collegiate Peaks: Cabin rentals, RV & tent sites. Free WI-FI throughout. Parking and storage for your vacation toys: ATV, Jeep, Trail Bike, and Snowmobile.
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks more than 14,000 feet will surround you. Hot springs that will melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals and stay in comfortable, yet affordable lodging.
A secluded mountain setting with Chalk Creek flowing around your cabin. Between the National Forest & State Wildlife Preserve near Buena Vista. Abundant wildlife, stream fishing on-site & hikes to waterfalls.
Mining's colorful history is showcased, in Leadville, known as the 'Smithsonian of the Rockies', exhibits are numerous and fascinating. CONVENTION CENTER: Available for weddings, dinners, conventions.
A totally sweet cabin with views that will stop you in your tracks: Sunrises, Sunsets and Moonlit Cliffs are truly magical from all three decks. Near Buena Vista the cabin has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full and Multi-day trips for all ages and abilities. Private beach and hot showers await your group. Buena Vista and Royal Gorge.
Family ranch, borders National Forest near Buena Vista south of Leadville. Quaint, quiet, country log cabins. A great place for honeymooners, family retreats, single solitude, artisans and writers.
On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. BIG RIGS & tenters! Campfires & live music. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft & fish.
NO TRAILERING--trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
Catch a Big TROUT or PIKE. On the southern edge of Taylor Park Reservoir, near Almont. A full line of tackle, bait, boat rentals, equipped trolling poles & casting poles. Stop at the Marina Grill for a burger!
In the heart of the Collegiate & Sawatch Mountain Ranges on the banks of the Cottonwood Creek in Buena Vista. 8 pine log cabins have a tree covered courtyard. Open for hunting and winter season fun!
Family owned for most of the last 30 years! Expect to be treated like family. Originally built in 1879, this motel in Buena Vista is rumored to have been a brothel. Pets Welcome! Open for winter snowmobiling!
An octagon home in Nathrop near Mt. Princeton, elevated in a tree house fashion to enjoy the fabulous views! With a 27 foot hot spring soaking pool and fishing on site, this is the perfect family vacation spot!
Unspoiled beauty of ancient Twin Lakes makes THIS part of Rocky Mountains unique. ONLY AAA rated lodging in area offers elegant comfort, WI-FI and crisp Rocky Mountain air dried sheets. New Art Gallery.
Beautiful mountain home 4 miles to Nathrop, 2-1/2 hours from Denver, and great views of the Chalk Cliffs. 3 bedrooms, wrap-around deck, Jacuzzi, fully equipped kitchen, gas grill & fenced dog run.
Spectacular mountain views embrace this delightful log cabin near Buena Vista, sleeps 4. Experience nature's 4-SEASON playground at your doorstep. Romance packages are customized for you.
RV Sales, Services & Rentals
Pop-up campers & travel trailers rentals in Buena Vista - shorten' the haul! All sleep 4-6. Amenities: sink, stove, refrigerator & furnace. Travel trailers are self-contained: full kitchen, bathroom & air-conditioning.
For More Information Contact:
Buena Vista Area Maps
Fishing Maps
Arkansas River Headwaters - East
Arkansas River Headwaters - North
Jeeping & 4WD Maps
Buena Vista Jeeping & ATV Trails
St. Elmo Jeeping & ATV Trails
Rafting & Kayaking Rivers
Arkansas River
Scenic Byway Maps
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
Snowmobiling
Buena Vista Snowmobile Trails
Leadville Snowmobile Trails
Salida & Monarch Snowmobile Trails




