Buena Vista Area

Copyright: Amy Pyle-Interactive Outdoors, Inc. Looking west toward Buena Vista from overlook in San Isabel National Forest

Attractions - The biggest attraction in the Buena Vista area are the mountains and terrain that surround the town. Buena Vista lies in the Upper Arkansas River Valley and lays claim to some of the best white water in Colorado. The town was established by silver miners in 1879 who made it the seat of Chaffee County. The Buena Vista Heritage Museum provides visitors with an opportunity to see relics from the mining era of the community.

Recreation - The self-proclaimed title of Buena Vista is "Whitewater capitol of Colorado." The upper Arkansas Valley has more whitewater than any other region in the state. Rafting opportunities abound with various companies that line the banks of the Arkansas south of Buena Vista proper.

The Collegiate Peak Wilderness area lies west of town and encompasses part of the Sawatch Mountain Range, that looms high above the valley. The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area lies northeast of Buena Vista and provides great opportunities for solitude and pack trips.

Backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are some of the winter outdoor activities visitors may choose from in Buena Vista. Summer provides opportunity for mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, motorcycling, fishing and camping.

Climate - Buena Vistas elevation is 7,954 feet. It is warm in the summer and relatively cold during the winter months. Due to the elevation sunless summer days can be very cool. Those don't happen often, usually the sun shines brightly. Bring your sunscreen, because thin air filters fewer harmful rays. (Tourists often sport severe burn lines when they play in the powerful rays of the sun all day.)

Summer days, especially in August, usually see some sort of precipitation. Bring your rain gear. Fleece hats and light gloves can literally be a lifesaver on a blustery mountain top in July. Prepare for the worst when your traveling in extreme terrain and you'll have a great experience.

For winter layers are important. The sun reflecting from a snow-covered field can be scorching. When the sun leaves the sky the temperature can drop severely. Sunscreen is also important during the winter months.

Location - Buena Vista is located where Cottonwood Creek intersects with the Arkansas River. The town lies in a wide valley in the heart of Colorado's Central Rocky Mountains. Highway 24 is the main highway that divides the town into east and west. It leads north to Leadville and south to Salida. Denver and Colorado Springs lie within two and a half hours of this mountain hamlet.