Buena Vista Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Photo provided by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Buena Vista

Explore a mountainous wilderness, travel down fast-flowing waterways and learn about mining history in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Experience Buena Vista’s spectacular scenery in many ways. Holiday in the small mountain town in the Upper Arkansas River Valley to hike rocky trails, ride river rapids and study mountain wildlife. Appreciate history in the remains of former mining towns.

Get out and explore part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This extensive trail system covers 3,100 miles (4,989 kilometres) between Mexico and Canada. Find hikes for all abilities, including family-friendly options such as the moderately difficult trek from Spring Creek Pass to Snow Mesa. 

Jump on a four-wheeled vehicle for a drive through the rugged wilderness. For an adventurous ride, drive along the Mosquito Pass. At more than 13,000 feet (3,962 metres), this is one of the highest mountain passes in the United States.

Buena Vista’s location on the Arkansas River offers plenty of stretches for whitewater rafting. Some of the roughly 100 miles (161 kilometres) of whitewater start in the city. Begin your adventure at the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. 

After all the strenuous activity, you may be in need of a rest. Unwind in bathing pools of warm water at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Learn about local history on a scenic drive into the mountains. The drive from Chalk Creek Canyon to St. Elmo passes through five ghost towns, remnants of the gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During winter, go to Monarch Mountain and Copper Mountain for skiing and other snow-based activities.

Spend many happy hours on wildlife-spotting trips. Observe the herd of elk at the Heckendorf Elk Reserve and look for mountain goats in the rocks of Chalk Cliffs. 

Reach Buena Vista by flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport or Denver's international airport and rent a car for the 2-hour drive to Buena Vista. Visit to explore the wilderness, discover abandoned towns and study wildlife.

Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista

Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista

2 out of 5
530 N US Hwy 24, PO Box 4993, Buena Vista, CO
The price is ₹13,074 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹13,074
₹14,388 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Easy access to unload from car"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Buena Vista
Best Western Vista Inn

Best Western Vista Inn

2.5 out of 5
733 U S Highway 24 N, Buena Vista, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹24,615 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹24,615
₹27,088 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (968 reviews)
Great Stay
"John and the front desk team were so welcoming and attentive. The stay was great"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Best Western Vista Inn
Surf Hotel & Chateau

Surf Hotel & Chateau

3.5 out of 5
1028 Wave St., Buena Vista, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹28,070 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹28,070
₹31,314 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Buena Vista. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"One of my very favorite hotels in Colorado!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Surf Hotel & Chateau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BV Overlook Camp & Lodging

BV Overlook Camp & Lodging

2 out of 5
27700 Co Rd 303, Buena Vista, CO
Stay at this campsite in Buena Vista. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Arkansas River and Buena Vista River Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
Beautiful views! Mostly comfortable.
"Overall, we really enjoyed our stay in the tiny house. It was cute, quiet, and the views are amazing! However, it could use a deep clean on the window sills and shelves. In a tiny house, you use every space. Beds were great! However, the couch cannot be considered as a sleeping area. It’s not just ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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