HIGH ON BUENA VISTA
By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed
by Scott Peterson
Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off-the-beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.
Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to have fun exploring all this area has to offer.
Just a two-plus-hour drive from Denver is the small, charming mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. You’ll soon learn how picturesque and engaging this town is. First, let’s start by discussing the pronunciation. Locals say, “BEW-na VIS-ta,” “Bewnie” or “BV” for short. Legend has it that the townspeople adopted this moniker because of the “bew” sound in ‘beautiful.’ To be sure, whatever nickname you give the place, we know you’ll have a fantastic Western adventure here.
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HIT THE ROAD
Where to Eat & Drink
House Rock Kitchen—This spot boasts some of the best lunches, salads and creative bowls.
houserockkitchen.com
IG: @houserockkitchenbv
Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar (at The Surf Hotel)—Think upscale dinner options that are served Western casual. Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar is open evenings and Sundays for brunch. surfhotel.com/wesley-rose/ IG: @wesleyandrose
Eddyline Taproom & Brewery—Come here to hang with locals and enjoy some amazing area brews. eddylinebrewing.com
IG: @eddylinebrewing
Deerhammer Distillery— Riffing on traditional whiskey distilling, the team at Deerhammer puts their own twist on the process, producing single malts, four-grain bourbons and limited-run single barrel spirits. deerhammer.com
IG: @deerhammer
The Lariat—Refuel here after a morning hike, or come for dinner and stay for the live music. thelariatbv.com
IG: @thelariatbv
Cool River—Start your day here for hearty breakfast options that will fuel you for the day. coolriverbv.com
IG: @coolriverbv
Buena Viking—In their newly revamped brickand-mortar spot, the Viking offers up some of the best burgers in town. buenaviking.com
IG: @thebuenaviking
Where to Stay
The Inn: Railroad + Main—Located in the heart of downtown Buena Vista, the nine-room inn has been lovingly updated with all the modern amenities we appreciate in travel. The well-maintained exposed brick and reclaimed hardwood floors give this place charm on top of charm. High ceilings and fantastic views of the mountains are a total bonus.
theinnbv.com
IG: @theinnbv
The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau—Wraparound balconies line this four-star boutique hotel, which is located in the South Main part of town on the banks of the Arkansas River.
surfhotel.com
IG: @surfhotelbv
Mt. Princeton Resort—Just outside of downtown Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Resort is home to some of the area’s famed hot springs. Guests can stay in resort rooms, suites and private cabins to enjoy full access to the variety of hot springs options on site.
mtprinceton.com
IG: @mtprinceton
Camping—There are plenty of sites available in the Chaffee County area; Cottonwood Lake is closest to town. Check out colorado.com/ articles/your-guide-to-camping-in-buena-vistasalida for the entire list to find your backcountry, RV or camp site.
IG: @visitcolorado
Even Keel Lodge—If you’re keen to stay in the heart of it all, check out one of the three “Hygge-Centric apartments” Buena Viking restaurant owners Evan and Anna Winger have outfitted above their new location.
evenkeelbv.com
IG: @evenkeelbv
The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau
Mt. Princeton Resort
Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar
Deerhammer Distillery
What Locals Love about Buena Vista
A quick poll of local residents turned up a long list of their favorite things they’d recommend visitors not miss while in town. Here are just a few:
• Don’t miss Gold Rush Days (Aug. 10-11, 2024) and the annual Gem & Mineral Show.
• Swing by Crooked Cauldron Company for handcrafted teas— we’re partial to the ones with Blue Lotus, which some say helps with relaxation, muscle pain and anxiety.
• Make plans to be a part of the Land Rover National Rally (Aug. 19-23, 2024), when the group traverses mountain passes and visits old mining towns. Last year’s event had vehicles from more than 20 states.
• Pop in to Buena Vista Shell/ Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets & Treats for house-made fudge and popcorn, Blue Bell ice cream and more.
• A favorite easy hike in the Arkansas Valley is Clinton’s Gulch, just past the Climax Mine—hike around the lake for spectacular views.
• Little Engine Eatery—This 501©(3) social enterprise food truck operation provides paid work experience and job training for neurodivergent people.
• Check out the Drone Training Park by the Rodeo Grounds: mountainwestuas.org
• Chocolatte is a must visit—There is a play area for kids, while the adults can relax with a cappuccino. Everyone will want one of their milkshakes or sundaes.
• We love visitors but really want everyone to respect the natural beauty of this area by following the Leave No Trace guidelines posted lnt.org (several residents mentioned this one)!
WHAT TO DO
Hiking/Biking/Rafting—Summer in Colorado is synonymous with being outside.
For a complete list of area trails, stop in to The Trailhead downtown and chat with a local, or check out alltrails.com/us/colorado/buena-vista to plan your trip in advance. thetrailheadco.com
IG: @thetrailheadco
Rent a bike from BV Bikes (bvebikes.com), and hit the trails. Want to off-road even more? Check out BV Jeeps to rent a jeep, ATV or Razor (bvjeeps.com).
IG: @BV_jeeps and @biv.bike.co
Go whitewater rafting with one of the local outfitters such as The Adventure Company (theadventurecompany.com) or Noah’s Ark Rafting. IG: @adventurecompany and @noahsarkrafting
Buena Vista Whitewater Park—This phenomenal public park area boasts water features for everyone from beginner to expert. You just need a SUP or small kayak to ride the waves. outdoorproject.com/united-states/colorado/buena-vistawhitewater-park
Other Things to Do
Pack Burro Racing—In 2012, Colorado designated pack burro racing as the official state Summer Heritage Sport. To the uninitiated, these events feature runners competing in races with a donkey on a lead rope. Thousands of runners from across the state participate in these events with the top three races taking place in Leadville, Fair Play and Buena Vista. This year’s 13.1 miles-race takes place on Aug. 11, 2024, but to be sure, there will be people training for the event all summer long. buenavistapackburrorace.itsyourrace.com
Comanche Drive-In—Movies start at dusk at the highest elevation drive-in in the United States, which is one of only 305 drive-in movie theaters left in the country! comanchedrivein.com
Hot springs—Yes, hot springs are a must-do, even in summer as the temps here are cool in mornings and afternoons. The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs were first visited by Native Americans who relished the healing warm waters. Miners chasing gold in the area soon discovered these springs, and in 1879, a group of them built a three-story hotel. The resort thrived until mining operations dried up and the Great Depression hit. However, the allure of these natural springs remains, and the newest iteration of the resort is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon and take in a spa treatment and dinner. mtprinceton.com
Historic St. Elmo—One of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, this former mining town has stories to tell. Pack a lunch and tack on a hike in the area to make a day of it.
IG: @stelmocolorado
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
travel tips
At almost 8,000 feet in elevation, it is important to remember that your body may react differently to the change in environment. To avoid any discomfort, you are encouraged to follow these few guidelines:
• Drink lots of water —Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you hydrate. Consider adding sports drinks with extra electrolytes to your daily fluid consumption.
• Take your time —If your schedule allows, spend a night in Denver to start
Shop Downtown Buena Vista
Sundog Colorado—Some of the best vintage and new-to-you Western finds (think Native American artifacts, clothes, books, boots and more).
The Mercantile—A bit of everything from home décor to candles, art, frames and inspired gifts.
Little Elk Trading Company—A curated collection of Western furniture, Pendleton blankets, art and more.
Peace Love Dirt—Handcrafted, feel-good gifts imbued with the healing spirits of the area. Jewelry-making classes offered here by River Wilding.
BV Art & Photo—Showcases the work of local artists and photographers and is the perfect place to bring home a memory from your time in Buena Vista.
your acclimation process. This one step can reduce your chances of altitude sickness by 50-percent. Don’t want to wait to get to BV? Spend your first day doing something leisurely, such as taking in the shops downtown and enjoying the stunning vistas.
• Monitor your alcohol intake —It is easy to get tipsy quickly at higher elevations. While you are enjoying local breweries, distilleries and wineries, just be aware of how your body is reacting.
• Sunscreen & Layers —You are closer to the sun at this altitude, and the weather can change in an instant. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply often and pack clothes you can layer easily.
Peace Love Dirt
Little Elk Trading Company