Buena Vista, Colorado and Chaffee County have an abundance of world-class, year-round activities to enjoy. Whether you want to challenge yourself or take it easy, we have your vacation experience. We are a short drive from Denver and Colorado Springs. Drive one of the newest named Scenic Byways on Route 24 from I-70 or you can take a leisurely drive on Route 285. Don’t forget to stop at the Coney Island Hot Dog just outside of Bailey!
Buena Vista is located in central Colorado in the Upper Arkansas River Valley at an elevation of about 8000 feet. The area is often referred to as the Banana Belt, due to its relatively mild winters. The term Banana Belt actually refers to the fact that Buena Vista lies in a wide valley and is a high mountain desert with milder temperatures than nearby communities such as those on the I-70 corridor.
The town lies at the base of the 14,000+ peaks of the Collegiate Peaks, Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Mt. Columbia, and Mt. Harvard, of the Sawatch Range. In summer, Buena Vista is a popular access point for world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing on the Arkansas River, and mountain climbing and backpacking on local Fourteeners and the Colorado Trail. Sizable elk and deer herds attract hunters in the winter months, and bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and antelope are also found in the area.
If you are a pilot you can fly into the Buena Vista airport (KAEJ) which boasts one of the longest general aviation runways in the state at 8300 feet as well as an automated weather system and a non-precision global positioning system (GPS) approach.
Hiking and walking in the area is a great experience. The Barbara Whipple Trail is named after a local artist and is accessible from the Buena Vista River Park Bridge, the Midland Railroad and Four Mile Trails, the Arkansas River Trail and the Whitewater Trail. From the traffic light in Buena Vista, take Main Street east until you reach the dirt parking lot at the boat ramp.
The Barbara Whipple Trail is a grouping of several trails on the east side of the Arkansas River. It is the most popular hike in town and hiking this trail is easily combined with any biking or boating experience nearby. Looking back across the valley, you will see great views of the Collegiate Peaks. The trail runs through pinions and branches to a portion of the old Midland Railroad grade. Several kiosks along the way provide current and historical information about the area.
You can drive to the tops of either Cottonwood Pass or Independence Pass and feel like you are on the top of the world. The view of the Continental Divide is spectacular. And for the more adventurous, go as far as a Trailhead and climb or “bag” a Fourteener. Easy or hard, take your choice.
The river corridor is part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, which spans 150 miles from Leadville to Pueblo. For play-boating kayakers, Buena Vista has world-class play holes right downtown. Park the car, unload your boat and show off your skills and river savvy. Join us for two events in May that attract world-class kayakers, Paddlefest/River Rally and the Whitewater Pro Rodeo.
You don’t have to raft, kayak or fish to enjoy the Arkansas. Although these are fun things to do, there is nothing like the mesmerizing sound of the river to bring a sense of calm to over-scheduled lives. You can sit in the park or watch from one of several bridges.
Traveling light? We have first-rate outfitters right here in town. Want a little peace and quiet? Take a leisurely stroll around town. Visit a gallery or antique shop. Enjoy lunch or dinner in a variety of restaurants.
And after a strenuous or not so strenuous day, you can relax in your choice of two natural hot springs, Mt. Princeton or Cottonwood.
Whether you come for romance, business, or adventure, let the Inn at Buena Vista be your oasis in a busy world. A redesigned church, with five gracious rooms, each with its own well- appointed private bath is decorated with original artwork and custom furnishings. Free high-speed wireless internet access, concierge, turndown service, luxury bathing therapies, freshly ironed linens, evening reception, and a holistic day spa.
Return to The Inn and enjoy the quiet tranquility of our setting. Wetlands and wildlife are abundant. Mule deer make their afternoon stroll through the horse meadow and our yard. Bring your binoculars for antelope and bird watching from the deck. You live well, so why not relax in comfort with the amenities that stimulate your senses and soothe your soul. The Spa at The Inn offers massage therapy, and customized facials. Enjoy soft music and subdued lighting while you are being soothed by a licensed therapist or esthetician. Give us a toll free call at 1-877-466-2828 or you may reserve online at www.innatbuenavista.com. Details are for your work life. This is The Inn at Buena Vista. Imagine Yourself Here…
