Buena Vista is located along the Arkansas River in southern Colorado, Spanish for “Beautiful View” and it certainly is. A small remote town that is loaded with activities for everyone and anyone looking for some adventure and gorgeous mountain views.

Here is a list of  the activities to pack into 24 hours in Buena Vista:

White Water Rafting

For the adventure seekers and water lovers you can raft right on the Arkansas River. Brown’s Canyon National Monument is a gorgeous canyon that you can raft through where you will be surrounded by huge rock formations. The white-water experience is definitely one you don’t want to miss out on. The Arkansas offers some fun rapids from intermediate to advanced, for the serious paddlers out there, that our AVA guides will help you rip through.

Start your day off with a morning rafting trip and you will not regret it!

Aerial Tours

Grab a bite to eat, and fly high in the afternoon. You can zipline, rock climb, and even try via ferrata just outside of downtown Buena Vista. You will not regret these excursions as they provide the BEST views of the Arkansas River Valley, oh, and not to mention, they will have a smile spread across your face that you cannot get rid of.

Buena Vista Zipline

Restaurants

Buena Vista’s small town has some of the best unique restaurants to satisfy your appetite. Local joints like The Buena Viking, located in the heart of town on Main Street, this food truck offers great comfort food and some of the best burgers. Another option called House Rock Kitchen is a nice casual spot for healthy American food with live music and a fun atmosphere.

You will have worked up an appetite and there will be a restaurant for every type of eater downtown!

Local drinks

Beer has never tasted so good after a day on the water. Opened back in 2009, Eddyline Brewery is your classic mountain town brewery located right in the town of Buena Vista. Packed and served up in 16oz tallboy cans Eddyline is made for the outdoor enthusiasts for on the go adventures and perfect for protecting our environment with recyclable cans. Winning awards from beer competitions, Eddyline is nothing short of a true Colorado brewery.

Surf Hotel

Climb into the cutest little villa and get a good night sleep. You will be resting right next to the Arkansas River and will be able to enjoy one of the best breakfasts in town when you wake up. Just walk into the Wesley and Rose and grab a bite before the next activity.

*Pro Tip: If you are looking to save money, then camp under the stars or rent an affordable cabin to sleep in. You will get a great night sleep and you won’t break the bank!

Get a good night sleep, so you can get in one (maybe 2 more activities) before skipping town.

Hiking

Buena Vista is a hiker’s paradise. Chaffee county has the highest amount of 14ers in Colorado. Known for the Collegiate Peaks, which span across many summits including 8 fourteeners like Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard all reaching above 14,000 feet. Climbing to the top of any of these mountains will surely make you feel accomplished.

Hot Springs

Best way to rejuvinate after all of these activities is to soak in some of Buena Vista’s natural hot springs. Around 10-20 minutes from town are Mount Princeton and Cottonwood hot springs. Mount Princeton is a resort with hot spring pools, a slide, lodging, and restaurants. Cottonwood has geothermal hot springs that are natual and causal and include lodging and massage therapists. Both locations will put you in the ultimate relaxing state and is great end of the day treat.

You can hit a hot spring on your way out of town to make the most of your time in Buena Vista!

Cottonwood Lake

Bonus activitiy- we know it may be a little longer than 24 hours but if you can swing it, then end you trip by relaxing by the beautiful lake. Cottonwood Lake which offers fishing and paddle boarding. Located right near downtown Buena Vista, this lake is a great mellow alternative to relax and take in some amazing views while fishing, exploring on some stand-up paddle boards or just having a picnic with the family.

We only scratched the surface of fun activities in Buena Vista. If you have more time or one of these isn’t calling your name, check out all of the options here.  

Don’t think about it, become a weekend warrior and make the nost of your days off in Buena Vista, Colorado. We promise you that you will not regret it!