Things to do in Buena Vista

Things to do in  Buena Vista

Good views only

It’s easy to see why Buena Vista ("Beautiful View") got it's name—look no further than its scenic valley location at the base of the Collegiate Peaks. This Colorado adventure town is also defined by water, and one of the top things to do in Buena Vista is depart for white-water rafting tours on the Arkansas River. However, visitors can even make a splash with river surfing or paddling at the Buena Vista River Park before enjoying the temptations of Main Street bars and restaurants.

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Top 1 attractions in Buena Vista

#1

Browns Canyon National Monument

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Relished by rafting enthusiasts as one of the best whitewater destinations in the US, Browns Canyon National Monument is a forested swath of central Colorado that’s carved by the Arkansas River. The nearly 22,000-acre (8, 903 recreation area is also the state’s newest national monument and a popular natural playground for hiking, snowshoeing, and fishing. More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Buena Vista by interest

Top activities in Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Half-Day Rafting plus Mountaintop Zipline from Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Half-Day Rafting plus Mountaintop Zipline from Buena Vista

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38
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$217.00
Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

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88
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$95.00
Lower Browns Canyon Mildwater Float Trip

Lower Browns Canyon Mildwater Float Trip

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22
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$95.00
Granite Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Buena Vista

Granite Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Buena Vista

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27
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$116.63
Rent an E-Bike and experience a fun, new way to explore Buena Vista, CO!

Rent an E-Bike and experience a fun, new way to explore Buena Vista, CO!

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27
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$78.00
Browns Canyon National Monument Whitewater Rafting

Browns Canyon National Monument Whitewater Rafting

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174
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$95.00
Milk Run Family Rafting Trip

Milk Run Family Rafting Trip

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70
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$85.72
Numbers Extreme Whitewater Rafting

Numbers Extreme Whitewater Rafting

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33
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$110.00
Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure

Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure

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750
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$149.95
Full Day Intermediate Rafting Trip in Browns Canyon

Full Day Intermediate Rafting Trip in Browns Canyon

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160
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$161.67
Browns Canyon Sizzler 6-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience from Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Sizzler 6-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience from Buena Vista

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16
From
$164.17
Browns Canyon Intermediate Rafting Trip Half Day

Browns Canyon Intermediate Rafting Trip Half Day

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464
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$107.42
Full Day Numbers Rafting Adventure

Full Day Numbers Rafting Adventure

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73
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$179.95
The Numbers Half Day Rafting

The Numbers Half Day Rafting

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1
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$110.00
Rentals: Half-Day SUPSQUATCH (6+ Persons)

Rentals: Half-Day SUPSQUATCH (6+ Persons)

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$125.00
per group
3/4 Day Arkansas River- Browns Canyon Express - No Lunch

3/4 Day Arkansas River- Browns Canyon Express - No Lunch

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8
From
$125.00
Rentals: 1-Day Personal Floatation Device PFD

Rentals: 1-Day Personal Floatation Device PFD

From
$19.00
Numbers Half-Day Whitewater Rafting plus Mountaintop Zipline from Buena Vista

Numbers Half-Day Whitewater Rafting plus Mountaintop Zipline from Buena Vista

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4
From
$199.80
Rentals: 1-Day Raft Accessories (PFD | Helmet | Splash Jacket) 1 person

Rentals: 1-Day Raft Accessories (PFD | Helmet | Splash Jacket) 1 person

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2
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$25.00
Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

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555
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$99.95
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All about Buena Vista

When to visit

With picturesque mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities abounding, Buena Vista, Colorado, is a must-visit all year round. Because the town experiences its warmest temps during the summer season from June until August, it’s a popular time of year for camping, hiking, and white-water rafting. With the towering mountains surrounding the town, winter can be quite brutal. The average temperature only reaches about 45°F (7°C) from December to March, but the many inches of snow make Buena Vista perfect for skiing and other winter sports.

Getting around

The charming mountain town is best reached by car, either your own or a rental. It’s only about a 2-hour drive from Denver. Once there, take advantage of the ample outdoor activities. Explore the stunning mountain trails right at your back door or bike your way through the town’s scenic routes. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are all really popular ways of discovering the Arkansas River, which beginners can do as part of a guided excursion.

Traveler tips

Buena Vista is known for being home to some incredible hot springs. Most people flock to Mount Princeton, one of the largest in the area. However, Cottonwood Hot Springs is more of a local favorite and closer to town. The water hovers between a warm 94°F (34°C) to a toasty 110°F (43°C), making it the perfect place to visit for a relaxing soak with a view of the mountains after a hike or bike ride.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
54
Reviews
4,371
EN
289a5450-a39c-4d58-9461-52fa3c84c654
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People Also Ask

Is Buena Vista Colorado worth visiting?

Yes. Buena Vista, Colorado, is surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning natural landscapes in the picturesque upper Arkansas River Valley. It has something for everyone, from plenty of outdoor activities all year long to a vibrant music scene and a variety of hometown restaurants and breweries worth exploring.

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What is Buena Vista known for?

Buena Vista, Colorado, is known as an outdoor recreation hub. Being situated in the Upper Arkansas Valley, with 14ers in every direction and easy access to the Arkansas River, there are endless adventures to be had all year round—from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, cycling, and kayaking when it’s warmer.

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What is there to do in Buena Vista in the winter?

Buena Vista is an ideal winter getaway in Colorado, offering magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and plenty of activities to keep you busy. There are skiing options at Salida and Monarch Mountain Ski Areas, or you can hop on snowshoes in Browns Canyon National Monument and explore snowmobile trails near Johnson Village.

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Is Buena Vista a mountain town?

Yes, Buena Vista is a mountain town in more ways than one. Not only does it feature the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, but there are plenty of outdoor activities that go hand in hand with the landscape. From skiing and snowboarding to rock climbing and hiking, the opportunities for adventures are endless.

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What is there to do in Buena Vista in the summer?

During the summer, Buena Vista offers a wealth of recreational activities. Explore the Arkansas River by rafting, kayaking, or fishing, or hike one of the many mountain trails. For something less extreme, the gorgeous scenery serves as a backdrop for picnics or a night spent camping under the stars.

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What are the top attractions to visit in Buena Vista?

From white-water rafting and paddleboarding to skiing and snowshoeing, there’s an activity to fit every adventurous spirit. Browns’ Canyon National Monument offers class III-IV rapids. The Collegiate Peaks range has hiking trails with picturesque views. And just outside of town is Cottonwood Hot Springs, which is perfect for a relaxing soak outdoors.

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