The wonder and splendor of the Rocky Mountains attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The Buena Vista in the Colorado Rockies is one of America’s most popular tourist attractions, with a population of under 5,000 and events and activities for every time of the year. The variety of resorts, bed and breakfast, and lodging ensures that you can find the right hotel in beautiful Buena Vista. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Buena Vista CO.
Climb a Mountain
With over 10 peaks that reach up to 14,000 feet tall, Buena Vista has gorgeous mountains and trails. When the town was founded in 1879 it was given its name which means “Beautiful View,” we think you’d agree. Some of the most famous of Buena Vista’s peaks include Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Harvard, and Mount Columbia.
Chase Ghosts
Colorado has a reputation as being one of America’s most haunted states. Brave ghost hunters can hike along the San Isabel National Forest, located just minutes away from several bed and breakfast lodges. San Isabel has several ghost towns dotted on its more than 700 miles of trails. One of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns, St. Elmo, is located just a half-hour outside of Buena Vista.
Winter Sports
Colorado is famous for its ski and snowboarding hotels, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Cottonwood Pass is a must for snowmobilers with over 100 miles of groomed trails to satisfy even the most intense of adrenaline junkies.
Summer Sports
For those wanting a summertime excursion to the Rockies, Buena Vista offers over 100 miles of whitewater rafting along the gorgeous Arkansas River. For those intimidated by the extremity of whitewater rafting, there is canoeing and rafting available along the river.
Explore the Past
Buena Vista is a town known for its beauty and its 120 year history. Many of the town’s buildings are beautifully preserved from the late 1800’s, making it a popular spot for amateur historians and those with a general interest in the past. With museums and historic shops, there is more than a little reason to visit historic Buena Vista.