Attractions

Rafting

The Arkansas River is home to the best whitewater rafting in Colorado. Its headwaters are high in the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado where the river drops 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles. This is where you will find world-class whitewater. The most popular whitewater rafting sections include the Numbers, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Royal Gorge.

Colorado Trail

Among a massive cluster of 14,000-foot peaks known as the Collegiate Peaks, and near the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, are several great segments of the Colorado Trail. This branch will take you high on the flanks of Mount Yale, where you can summit the 14er as part of your journey. Along the way, dip your feet in Chalk Creek.

Fourteeners

There are few better places to serve as a fourteener base camp than here. Situated in the Arkansas River Valley, it’s bordered by the massive Sawatch Range, home to more 14ers than any other range in the state. You can get to more than a dozen different major peaks within a one hour drive. In fact, there are more 14ers near Buena Vista than almost any other major mountain town.

Winter Sports

Despite being at elevation, Chaffee County’s ‘banana belt’ valley sees unusually warm temperatures beautifully combined with abundance of snow fall in its higher elevations. Because of this combination of snow and sun, any imaginable outdoor activity is possible. This magical winter destination is a true Colorado secret, awaiting your adventures.

Fishing & Hunting

With unparalleled whitewater and endless mountain biking opportunities, people often look to this area for another amazing activity, fly fishing. The Arkansas River is a phenomenal haven for trout, with everything from smaller creek brook trout fishing near its headwaters by Leadville to great high quantity and quality brown trout fishing as you move down stream.

Hiking

Buena Vista (7,954-ft.) is surrounded by the high peaks of the San Isabel National Forest. The area boasts the highest concentration of summits over 14,000-ft. in Colorado. Hikers with less lofty goals discover glorious scenery along trails ascending beautiful valleys to shimmering alpine lakes and high passes surrounded by towering peaks in the Collegiate Peaks and Mt. Massive Wilderness areas.

Rock Hounding

The Buena Vista Contin-Tail Rock, Gem, and Mineral Show has been running annually for over 40 years! Each year over 100 gem, mineral, fossil, handmade jewelry, lapidary artists, and rock dealers gather together near the Continental Divide in Buena Vista Colorado to share their wares with the public. The show always has free parking, free admission, and fun for the whole family

Birding

Join us on the Colorado Birding Trail to experience a wildlife adventure of your own! Explore our incredible diversity of wildlife and the habitats they depend on in unbelievably spectacular settings. From the dry grasslands of the short-grass prairie to the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has nearly 1,000 species of wildlife for you to seek.

Hot Springs

There are several hot springs in the area.

History

Up the road is St. Elmo. It is considered a ghost town, although still inhabited by a few hardy folks and some say a ghost if you look hard enough, and offers a glimpse of what the mining life was like in the late 1800s. There are lots of old buildings to see, a general store, and a number of hiking trails nearby. Also nearby is the Iron City Cemetery, which is interesting to explore for the history buff.

Horseback Riding

Come on up to experience horseback riding in Nathrop, Colorado. We have horses for all riders. All of our Colorado trail rides provide plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the high country. We offer a variety of rides, so please click the button below to learn more and book online. Come experience the best horseback riding in Colorado!

Salida Art Walks

Held every summer, the annual Salida Art Walk features works by local and regional artists as well as live music and theater, demonstrations and exclusive gallery previews. Salida’s creative culture isn’t contained by gallery walls. Art is virtually everywhere, from “ghost” signs gracing buildings from the early 1900s to the many public art installations that pepper Riverside Park.