20 Exciting Things To Do In Buena Vista, Colorado

1. Enjoy Water Sports At Buena Vista River Park

Buena Vista River Park is a haven for anyone interested in water activities. Conveniently located on the banks of the Arkansas River, this Buena Vista Park is home to some of the best whitewater features in the nation that attract enthusiasts of river kayaking, paddleboarding, as well as river surfing.

From the beginner waves, such as the Staircase waves, a relatively huge number of waves amounting to five allows everybody to enjoy the waves. The park is not only about fun, although there are many fun activities one can enjoy with families and friends.

Swimming, having a picnic, going on a nature trail, or just going sunbathing beside the water are some other activities to try here.

2. Experience Whitewater Rafting

Get the activity of whitewater rafting with the help of Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure, located in Buena Vista CO. It is an awesome trip that will follow the path through the Browns Canyon National Monument with guaranteed Class III rapids such as the Zoom Flume and Widow Maker.

Best for families and for people who have not done it before. The adventure takes around 2.5 hours of cruising to go along with the extremely picturesque granite walls and wildlife that can be observed here.

Away from the risky touch of the sport, rafting here is also one of the best adventures that can help one embrace nature and create great memories.

3. Check Out Local History At Depot & Caboose

While in Buena Vista CO, one must take time and visit the Depot & Caboose. It is one of the town's incredible jewels that can help you gain an insight into the town's history. This is an early 1890 construction and used to serve the train depot to Buena Vista and other parts of Colorado.

Today, it has become a museum where people can see the development of the transportation means in the given area. It has undergone elaborate renovation works, and one gets the feeling of being in the old days when trains were the backbone of society.

4. Hiking The Harvard Lakes Trailhead

It is a trail that is a part of the Colorado Trail, and the hike provides views of two alpine lakes located at more than ten thousand feet above sea level. The trek is an approximately 5.5-mile roundtrip with an elevation difference of 1,522 ft; this hiking trail will be suitable for almost anyone.

Initially, the track is on a relatively slow access track, which then transfers the way into an attractive wooded area. As you begin your hike forward, you might come across several steep rocks which may pose some challenges. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

5. Stroll Through The Historic Downtown

Visitors will have the impression of traveling back in time when walking through the downtown of Buena Vista, Colorado. This locality has a beautiful historical character due to its historical and beautifully renovated houses of the late 19th century.

When walking, one can find local shops, art centers, quality restaurants, and quality coffee, which display the town's spirit. There is a choice to try one of the loved places to eat, such as The Lariat or Eddyline Brewery, to have a meal and taste beer.

Here people are always willing to interact, which is why this is a perfect place to find friendly people.

6. Relax In The Cottonwood Hot Springs

Nestled just 5.5 miles away from the town, there are natural Buena Vista hot springs, excellent for relaxation with the views of the Collegiate Peaks. There is a five-rock natural hot pool varying from 94 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit to sort out the muscle tension in a natural, simple environment.

Its springs have a hippie-like setting and mainly embrace natural sources, hence making its springs popular among the environmentally conscious. Moreover, the limited access to phones and Wi-Fi in the soaking areas is highly helpful, making people serene.

Lastly, do not miss the list of their spa services should you want to have a relaxing session with your subscription.

7. Challenge Yourself With A Hike To Mt. Yale

For lovers of rocky terrains and mountain trails, Buena Vista is the right place, and little wonder with one of the toughest climbs, Mt. Yale. This is one of the highest mountains with a stand that reaches 14,196 feet in the world; it is a perfect choice for all types of climbers.

The round trip can take you six to eight hours, though the trail is moderately difficult. It is the perfect place for climbers to train for steeper 14ers later in the summer. Starting from the Denny Creek Trailhead, the trail takes hikers through a scented coniferous region, through wildflower meadows, to the top of the summit ridge.

8. Mountain Biking

Off-road cycling, especially mountain biking in Buena Vista, Colorado, is a thrilling activity that is embraced by all cyclists. If you have trails for biking starting from your doorstep, then you can enjoy the awesome views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River Valley.

The area has several cycling trails, ranging from the easy Midland trail to Monarch Crest, a rocky and steep climb and thrilling descent. The best thing is that Buena Vista's tourism industry is growing in popularity for mountain biking because of its great riding conditions and vibrant biking culture all year round.

Blacks Burro Bikes offers rentals and equipment for visitors who would like to participate in these activities.

9. Catch A Vintage Movie At Comanche Drive-In Theatre

One of the tourist attractions to visit in Buena Vista is the Comanche Drive-In Theatre, which is located in the Rockies. It is the highest elevation drive in the US that creates memories from the past but is updated with modern events.

This is a family business theatre that started back in 1967 promptly to wow its guests with popular movies that include classic films and the latest blockbusters presented in high-quality 4K digital after the 2018 upgrade.

The sound is provided through the FM radio; therefore, you can easily switch it on without having to start the engine. It is mostly open during the summer season, and the majority of the movies go on at 9:00 PM.

10. Agnes Vaille Waterfall

This 40-foot waterfall is very spectacular and can be accessed by a short walking trail that should take about an hour to complete. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery without demanding trails.

The trail is located along Chalk Creek and provides incredible sights of the mountains, including Collegiate Peaks. It has quite historical significance because it was named after a climber who died in the 1920s.

People can spend their time resting in the base with the opportunity to have a picnic because of the calm environment. But remember that one has to avoid standing too close to the rocks at the top, as it may lead to falling rocks.

11. Sample Local Craft Beers At Eddyline Brewery

Tucked in the beautiful mountain town, Eddyline boasts a tremendous rotation of local beers, from the light IPAs to the robust stouts. The seating area in the brewery is stylish, with indoor and outdoor areas, making it ideal for relaxing after a day of fun.

With their wood-fired pizzas, you can perfectly enjoy a cold beer. The brewery opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 in the midday to 9 in the evening and on Sunday it opens from 12 in the middle of the day to 8 in the evening.

12. Tour Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy

If you are interested in the tourism of Buena Vista, it would be wise to visit the Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy. This adorable farm will let the client go through the whole process of cheese production, right from the grass that the cows feed on to the udder and then to the shelf.

During the walk through the farm, you will personally interact with the friendly goats and get to see how hardworking the employees are. Of course, the visitors should not forget to stock up on tasteful dairy products, such as cheeses, goat-milk-based soap lotions, and fudges.

13. Explore Horseback Riding

Having several outfitters, riders, no matter what their experience levels, can have trail rides with the guides through beautiful surroundings. No matter if you choose to ride for one hour or all day long, you will go through forests, ride across streams, and maybe meet some wildlife during the ride.

Especially for families, it will be rather entertaining because children starting from the age of five are allowed to ride, while the younger kids are allowed to ride the pony.

The riding here, therefore, remains on the rise, with more people embracing eco-tourism as well as the need for traditional sporting activities.

14. Dine In At The Buena Viking

Among various Buena Vista restaurants, this place with its delicious, high-quality burgers has surged to become the go-to place for many burger lovers. It is, for many, an exciting, no-fuss eating place. Previously just a food truck, The Buena Viking has now had its first stand-alone store just there on Main Street.

From mushrooms to pizzas that have goat cheese and honey to the balsamic marinated portobello caps, every customer will be able to find something to his/her liking. Sit outside on the patio and savor the tenderness of the juicy burger accompanied by a glass of fresh beer that is brewed at the nearby brewery.

15. Stop By Buena Vista Winery

Buena Vista Winery is a great place to visit for those with an interest in wine production as well as those with a taste in history. Established in 1857, this is one of the oldest premium wineries situated in California, and it has a rather interesting history.

Located just a short drive from Buena Vista's downtown, the historical territory of the first Buena Vista vineyard is a California Historical Landmark, where visitors can find the winery, the tasting room, and the visitor center.

Sample some of the finest wines, including their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and unique historical varietals from the "Vinicultural Society" label.

16. Cast A Line In The Arkansas River Or Nearby Lakes

The Arkansas River passes through Buena Vista, which is well known for its diverse population of wild brown and rainbow trout. With 100 miles of Gold Medal waters, the longest ones in Colorado, fishing enthusiasts can expect to catch fish of different sizes and species.

The river contains pocket water, riffles, and deep holding water, which challenges all the anglers depending on their experience. However, the fishing opportunities are not limited to the shore of the river.

Nearby Buena Vista Lake and reservoirs such as Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, and Clear Creek Reservoir, provide opportunities to find trout, pike, and other species.

17. Take A Scenic Drive On Independence Pass

This awe-inspiring drive gets to an elevation of 12,095 ft and provides excellent views of the Sawatch Range and the entire countryside. As you move around the circuit, make sure to appreciate the various lookout points for spectacular and photo-friendly views of the countryside.

At present, there are still the remains of the ghost town of Independence, which used to be a thriving mining town. For those who fancy walking around after some car adventures, different trails start at the beginning of the pass, from easy walking paths to steep hikes.

18. Drive Through The Nearby Midland Tunnels

About 5 miles from Buena Vista these deserted tunnels were once of the Colorado Midland Railway which started service in 1880 and ceased in 1918. While moving from one tunnel to another, one can almost hear and see remnants of the past with beautiful scenery comprising the Arkansas River and the mountains in the background.

The experience is available any time of the year and visitors will not need to have a park pass, therefore suitable for any time of the year and a good option for last-minute trips. Some of the visitors take bikes or walk while cycling and walking through the tunnels, however, driving enables one to witness their hugeness from the car.

19. A Peaceful Escape To The Rainbow Lake Resort

Located just 8 miles west of Buena Vista, the Rainbow Lake Resort is a perfect place for people who want to get to know the unusual and relaxed atmosphere of Colorado landscapes on the shore of a calm Lake Buena Vista.

Guests can enjoy this lovely resort that is near the Great Rockies Mountains. There are nice cabins, sometimes those with a kitchenette so that guests can cook their meals, especially after a day out.

The resort sits adjacent to the most attractive hiking trail, the Colorado Trail, which ranges from mild to difficult for all types of hikers. Anglers will be happy to find several lakes located nearby, while the Arkansas River provides great opportunities to have rafting adventures.

20. Attend Local Festivals

The two festivals held throughout the year are the Gold Rush Days Festival and Turner Farm Applefest, both of which offer food, music, and especially history depicting parts of the region.

Gold Rush Days consist of live performances, dance, and historical character portrayal. The Applefest contains good fun fare such as an apple pie-baking competition, a butter-making challenge, and so on.

Such events help not only to develop and maintain the original homegrown talent but it provides a chance to communicate with welcoming locals and gaze at the mesmerizing mountains in the background.