23 Things to Do in Buena Vista (for First Timers)
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Food & Drink | Day Trips | Summer
I’m a Colorado local here to share the absolute best things to do in Buena Vista, CO!
This guide highlights the mountain town’s most popular activities, like rafting at Browns Canyon National Monument and soaking at Mount Princeton Hot Springs. But I also share lesser-known spots where you can break away from the crowds and take in unique experiences.
For a longer getaway, be sure to read my article on where to stay in Buena Vista!
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Best Things to Do in Buena Vista
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Take a long soak in the hot springs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-2447 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $40 – $45 adults, $35 youth under 16 and seniors | 👉 Book a Stay at Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is one of the larger, nicer hot springs in Colorado. Because of that, it’s also more expensive and can be more crowded. But the creekside pools are spectacular and kiddos love the seasonal waterslides.
You get complimentary access to the pools if you stay at the resort, which features private cabins and suites. Day guests are first-come, first-served. There’s also a full-service spa, a restaurant, and other amenities on-site.
Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens
Buena Vista’s newest hot spring resort features three outdoor pools and a lovely botanical garden — say hello to the resident parrots when visiting!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-6015 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $30 – $35 adults, $25 – $30 youth ages 4 – 17 and seniors 65+, free under 4
Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens debuted in Buena Vista last spring. It’s set along scenic Cottonwood Pass and accessible year-round.
I really enjoyed my visit here, namely for the quieter, more intimate ambiance compared to the other local hot springs. The greenhouse garden is a lovely place to sit when the pools get to be too steamy. Say hello to the resident parrots while perusing the plants — they may greet you back! Additionally, the new shower and changing facilities are exceptionally clean.
Make sure to punch “Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens” into Google Maps. “Charlotte Hot Springs Resort” will take you to the company’s sister location. It features on-site lodging in historic cabins and private soaking pools. Book an overnight stay for a relaxing retreat!
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Warm up in quiet pools and take in the mountain scenery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-6434 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 mn daily | Entrance: $30 – $34 adults, $24 – $30 under 16
Cottonwood Hot Springs features five soaking pools ranging between 80 and 104°F. It’s cheaper and often less crowded than nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs. It’s also much simpler with fewer features, but it’s a great place to soak after a day outdoors. There’s also on-site lodging, including private cabins along the creek.
Cottonwood Pass
Drive this scenic mountain pass in the summer — or snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross-country ski in the winter.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Cottonwood Pass connects Buena Vista to Almont, Colorado. It offers stunning views of the Continental Divide. The entirety of the route is typically open from late May through November. Though, you can drive sections (like the segment to Charlotte Hot Springs) year-round.
In the winter, Cottonwood Pass gets lots of snowmobilers. You can also cross-country ski or snowshoe on groomed snowmobile tracks. The trail to Hartenstein Lake is a beautiful one.
👉 Pro Tip: Note that there is no downhill skiing in Buena Vista itself. However, Colorado ski resorts like Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper are about an hour away.
Midland Tunnels
Hike or drive to see railroad history.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Colorado Midland Railway constructed a series of tunnels between Colorado Springs, Leadville, and Aspen in the late 1800s for mining purposes. Those tunnels can now be explored by hiking or, in some cases, driving.
The tunnels are open year-round. Although, in winter, you may want a good vehicle for snow — or good snow gear for hiking!
Food & Drink
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
Grab a cup of coffee and people-watch.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 966-5500 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm daily
Downtown’s Buena Vista Roastery Cafe roasts coffee in small batches, so it’s ready and fresh when you grab a cup. It features beans from growers around the world, and it also has breakfast and light lunch food.
After your pick-me-up, explore East Main Street, full of cute shops and other attractions including the Buena Vista Heritage Museum.
Deerhammer Distilling Company
Stop and sip a locally-made spirit.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Spring hours: 1 pm – 9 pm Thu-Mon
Sample some local whiskey and take a tour at Deerhammer Distillery, set in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. Try a single malt or its new four-grain bourbon.
Colorado Farmhouse Cheese Co.
Meet the producers of delicious cheese.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-4646 | Website | Hours: Store: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat
Sample award-winning artisan goat cheese in the shadow of the Rockies. This location was long known as Jumpin Good Goat Dairy but was recently bought by new ownership. However, Colorado Farmhouse Cheese Co. plans to honor Dawn Jump’s legacy. Shop from familiar favorites like creamy chevre, as well as new selections.
Eddyline Brewery
Wood-fired pizza and cold craft beer — what better way to cap off a day outdoors?
📍 Google Maps | Website | Brewery Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Tues – Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Restaurant Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm Sun & Tues – Thurs, 11:30 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat, Closed Mon
I always pay a visit to Eddyline Brewery when in Buena Vista. This local favorite has two locations: a downtown tasting room, plus a full restaurant within the newer South Main development. Grab a tasty bite, sample a range of craft beers, and take a six-pack to go. After all, there’s no better place to crush Eddyline’s River Runner than on the Arkansas!
Day Trips
Leadville
Pop by another one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Leadville Tours on Viator
Leadville is about a half-hour drive from Buena Vista. There are things to do in Leadville for everyone, whether you want to shop, learn about area history, or enjoy outdoor adventures. There are also several places to stay in Leadville if you’d like to extend your trip.
Twin Lakes
Paddle out onto the water, explore hiking trails, and fish year-round at this nearby destination.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Twin Lakes is set between Buena Vista and Leadville. It’s a haven for outdoor recreation, both on land and water. Rent a paddleboard or kayak, or cast for rainbow and brown trout along the shore.
Mount Elbert looms over Twin Lakes. Although it’s Colorado’s tallest mountain, it’s one of the easiest 14ers. My husband even made it to the summit in slides after he realized he forgot his boots! The northeast ridge is the most approachable. But still, no 14,000-foot mountain is a breeze.
For a more mellow hike, check out the trail to Lily Pond Lake. There are also short, easy paths to viewpoints along Independence Pass which connects Twin Lakes to Aspen.
Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway
Take a scenic drive when you visit Buena Vista.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway connects Salida with Granite. It’s a beautiful drive year-round, but especially in the fall and summer months.
You’ll pass several famous 14ers including Mt. Princeton and Mt Yale, and you’ll see plenty of historic buildings. You’ll also get great views of the Arkansas River where you can stop, stretch your legs, and fish for abundant trout.
St. Elmo Ghost Town
Take a trip back in time when visiting one of Colorado’s numerous ghost towns.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-2117 | Website | Season: Mother’s Day weekend – Last Sun in Sept | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (peak season), 10 am – 4 pm (after Labor Day)
St. Elmo Ghost Town was an active town from the 1880s until the 1950s. Like many ghost towns in Colorado, it peaked in the 1890s when many miners hoped to make their fortune.
It had a telegraph office, a general store, and several saloons and dance halls (gasp!). You can see a lot of the original buildings during the summer season. There’s also fishing and hiking in the area.
Things to Do in Buena Vista In Summer
Browns Canyon National Monument
See jaw-dropping gorges by foot or raft.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 269-8500 | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Whitewater Rafting Tours on Viator
Browns Canyon is between Buena Vista and Salida. It features gorges and forests of pine trees. You can go hiking and use the ATV and mountain biking trails throughout the area.
Though, whitewater rafting tours are the most popular activity in Browns Canyon National Monument. Taking on these challenging rapids is one of the best things to do in Colorado!
Fishing
Hook a big catch at a number of nearby fishing areas.
📍 Google Maps | 1-Day Fishing License: $16.72 adults, $12.98 youth under 16
There are several places to cast a line in and around Buena Vista. Fly fish along the Arkansas River or test your luck at Twin Lakes, which also allows ice fishing. Turquoise Lake and Crystal Lakes are great year-round options for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Cottonwood Lake
Relax with some beautiful scenery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 539-3591 | Website | Entrance: $10 day-use fee
Buena Vista is one of the best Colorado mountain towns and Cottonwood Lake is yet another reason why. This seasonal destination is set deep in the Collegiate Peaks, offering quiet hikes and fishing. Take the scenic drive from Cottonwood Campground to Mineral Basin when visiting.
Comanche Drive-in Theater
Catch a movie under the stars.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-2766 | Website | Season: May – Sept | Hours: Fri – Tues (May – Aug), Fri – Sun (Sept) | Entrance: $15 adults, $12 adults with $6 child ages 5 – 12, free under 5
The Comanche Drive-In is the highest in elevation of any drive-in in the country…and it arguably has the best view, too! You can watch current and classic movies all summer long.
Buena Vista Heritage Museum
Learn about Buena Vista’s history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 398-1682 | Website | Season: June – Oct | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily (June – Aug); 11 am – 4 pm Fri – Sun (Sept) | Entrance: $10 adults, kids free
Learn about the history of Buena Vista and the surrounding area at this museum inside the old Chaffee County Courthouse. Kids will love the old-fashioned classroom with slate boards and the model train.
Buena Vista Whitewater Park
Surf in a landlocked state.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-6612 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 8 pm Sun & Wed, 7 am – 7 pm Mon & Tue, Thurs – Sat | Entrance: free
Paddleboarders, kayakers, and even surfers can take on the waves at this whitewater park. The artificial features have names like the “uptown wave” and the “LoDo wave.”
This section of the Arkansas River is part of the Buena Vista River Park, a bigger rec area that includes a pump track, a disc golf course and a dog park. There are also boat ramps, changing rooms, and bathrooms in the parking area.
Noah’s Ark Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park
A day of thrills!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-2158 | Website | 👉 Browse Whitewater Rafting Tours on Viator
There are many whitewater rafting tours in Buena Vista. But Noah’s Ark is a family favorite, as it also features an aerial adventure park! Try ziplines, ropes courses, and the giant swing before rafting 10-16 miles on the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon.
Clear Creek Reservoir
Go boating on a stunning mountain lake.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 530-5520 | Website | Entrance: free
Clear Creek Reservoir has a boat ramp for motorized boats, plus several trails for Jeeps and other 4x4s. There’s also camping, fishing, and a few ghost towns nearby.
BV Jeeps Mountain Adventure Rentals
Head off-road and enjoy a bumpy, scenic ride.
📍 Google Maps | Website
You can explore old mining areas, drive mountain passes, and check out ghost towns in a Jeep or ATV! Helpful staff can plan a trip for you, or give you a map and let you head off on your own.
Buena Vista Singletrack Loop
Play in the dirt at this spacious bike park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-6612 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm Mon, Tue, Thu – Sat; 7:30 am – 8 pm Sun & Wed | Entrance: free
This bike trail starts at the Buena Vista River Park and climbs up to the Whipple Trail and onto the South Loop. It’s an intermediate to difficult loop with views of the Arkansas River and the mountains.
👉 Read Next: Top Things to Do in Denver
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Safe travels and have fun exploring! For more insights from a local, see our guide to the top places to visit in Colorado.
– Abigail Bliss contributed to this article.
