Buena Vista Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Buena Vista
Explore a mountainous wilderness, travel down fast-flowing waterways and learn about mining history in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Experience Buena Vista’s spectacular scenery in many ways. Vacation in the small mountain town in the Upper Arkansas River Valley to hike rocky trails, ride river rapids and study mountain wildlife. Appreciate history in the remains of former mining towns.

Get out and explore part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This extensive trail system covers 3,100 miles (4,989 kilometers) between Mexico and Canada. Find hikes for all abilities, including family-friendly options such as the moderately difficult trek from Spring Creek Pass to Snow Mesa.

Jump on a four-wheeled vehicle for a drive through the rugged wilderness. For an adventurous ride, drive along the Mosquito Pass. At more than 13,000 feet (3,962 meters), this is one of the highest mountain passes in the United States.

Buena Vista’s location on the Arkansas River offers plenty of stretches for whitewater rafting. Some of the roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) of whitewater start in the city. Begin your adventure at the Buena Vista Whitewater Park.

After all the strenuous activity, you may be in need of a rest. Unwind in bathing pools of warm water at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Learn about local history on a scenic drive into the mountains. The drive from Chalk Creek Canyon to St. Elmo passes through five ghost towns, remnants of the gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During winter, go to Monarch Mountain and Copper Mountain for skiing and other snow-based activities.

Spend many happy hours on wildlife-spotting trips. Observe the herd of elk at the Heckendorf Elk Reserve and look for mountain goats in the rocks of Chalk Cliffs.

Reach Buena Vista by flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport or Denver's international airport and rent a car for the 2-hour drive to Buena Vista. Visit to explore the wilderness, discover abandoned towns and study wildlife.

Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista
Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista
2 out of 5
530 N US Hwy 24, PO Box 4993, Buena Vista, CO
The price is AU$137 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$137
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very comfortable beds and room. Rooms were clean and the staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 3 Mar. 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista
Best Western Vista Inn
Best Western Vista Inn
2.5 out of 5
733 U S Highway 24 N, Buena Vista, CO
The price is AU$314 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
AU$314
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (932 reviews)
"Place was clean, staff was friendly, and breakfast was good and about what you’d expect. There’s a great Peet’s coffee shop (and boutique) just off the lobby if you want better coffee options."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Best Western Vista Inn
Surf Hotel & Chateau
Surf Hotel & Chateau
3.5 out of 5
1028 Wave St., Buena Vista, CO
The price is AU$354 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
AU$354
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"The property is a in a great location and a great value."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

Surf Hotel & Chateau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
2 out of 5
27700 Co Rd 303, Buena Vista, CO
Stay at this campground in Buena Vista. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Arkansas River and Buena Vista River ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (37 reviews)
"This is perfect for a couple. We did see a bball hoop, horseshoe pit and volleyball net. Wish we knew we would have had some extra fun. There was a firepit but didnt know how to work it which sucked but overall recommend."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
River Haven - Beautiful Home, Private River Access, HotTub, Detached Guesthouse
River Haven - Beautiful Home, Private River Access, HotTub, Detached Guesthouse
Buena Vista
Stay at this vacation home in Buena Vista. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Buena Vista Heritage Museum and Arkansas River ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (227 reviews)
Beautiful and charming
"We stayed for my birthday and it was perfect! The river was beautiful and it was everything we were hoping for in terms of lodging. Communication with the owners was great! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

River Haven - Beautiful Home, Private River Access, HotTub, Detached Guesthouse
Rustic-cozy cabin with modern amenities in quiet neighborhood w/ state park yard
Rustic-cozy cabin with modern amenities in quiet neighborhood w/ state park yard
Buena Vista
Stay at this cabin in Buena Vista. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Buena Vista ...
10/10 Exceptional! (121 reviews)
Family Gathering Buena Vista/ Monarch
"Fun cozy little cabin with a great landscaped yard totally fenced in so the dog loved it. Close to all activities in the area. Perfect stay for our family ski gathering at Monarch."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

Rustic-cozy cabin with modern amenities in quiet neighborhood w/ state park yard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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