Buena Vista, Colorado is a Statutory Town located in Chaffee County. The population was 2,855 as of the 2020 United States Census. The town is home to many interesting attractions and places to visit. The city has a small but diverse population.
House Rock Kitchen
If you’re in the area, be sure to check out House Rock Kitchen, a popular dining spot on Main Street in Buena Vista. The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items and drinks, and has a nice outdoor patio with mountain views. It accepts credit cards and also offers delivery. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Aside from the House Rock Kitchen, Buena Vista has numerous other places to eat and drink. The town is home to two distinct neighborhoods, one of which features multiple specialty shops. The downtown area offers unique Colorado gifts, antiques, and outdoor gear. There are also boutiques and hotels in the area. The city is also home to the Buena Vista Roastery Cafe, a local coffee roastery.
House Rock Kitchen offers an extensive menu, including salads and fresh ingredients. There are also takeout options available, as well. It also offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Located near the intersection of Hwy 24 and McPhelemy Park, this restaurant is an excellent choice for a relaxing lunch or an early dinner.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll also enjoy visiting the Rock Run Gallery, which is located in the South Main Neighborhood of the town. The gallery features a collection of artwork by local artist Nora Larimer. The shop also features pottery, glass, sculpture, and photography. In addition, it promotes local artists in the area.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
If you are planning a vacation in Colorado, you may be wondering where you can go to experience the beauty of natural hot springs. You can spend a day at the Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista Colorado to enjoy the natural hot springs. This hot springs is known for being clothing-optional, so you should dress accordingly. You can purchase robes or towels to wear, and you should be sure to pack sandals and hats. You can bring the entire family to enjoy the hot springs, as there are amenities available for children of all ages.
Cottonwood Hot Springs is a fully developed rustic hot spring that has been used by the Ute Indians for centuries. It is located on Cottonwood Pass, just outside of Buena Vista, and offers a variety of soaking options. It is also possible to spend the night in the nearby resort.
To cool off and relax after a long day of hiking, you can visit the Cottonwood Hot Springs. It is a hidden gem surrounded by beautiful mountains and features four heated soaking pools, plus a cooler “polar plunge” pool. The hot springs are open 365 days a year and guests staying on site have free access to them. There are hotel rooms, as well as creekside cabins for camping. You can also get a massage while you’re there.
There are many things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado, and the city itself is worth visiting if you’re looking for a fun vacation. There are hiking trails and whitewater rafting, and the town is known for its whitewater activities. In addition to whitewater rafting, Buena Vista is known for its rich mining history. The town has several old tunnels that were used by the railway company to move ore and supplies.
Visiting St Elmo
One of Colorado’s most well preserved ghost towns is St. Elmo, a former mining town located in the Sawatch Range about 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista. There are 43 buildings in the ghost town, which is open to the public year round. The town is still home to a few summer residents and is a great place to hike or go four-wheeling.
There are a few places to stay in St. Elmo, including a bed and breakfast in the Ghost Town Guest House, where you can stay year-round. You can also spend a night at the historic St. Elmo General Store, which is open seasonally until September. The owner of the guest house can give you a history lesson while you’re there. The town was founded in the 1880s.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit St. Elmo, with warm weather and beautiful fall foliage. The town’s aspen trees peak in the first half of September and first half of October, but this can vary from year to year. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, the town’s main street has many attractions.
St. Elmo was founded in 1880 as Forrest City. It’s one of the best preserved ghost towns in the West, with 43 buildings still standing. You can still see the courthouse, saloon, and mercantile. During the summer, the general store is open, and you can rent a four-wheeler from there. During the winter, the town may be closed due to snow.
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
If you love panoramic landscapes, you’ll enjoy the 57-mile-long Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byways in Buena Vista, Colorado. This scenic route parallels the Continental Divide and features the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the U.S. You’ll also have the chance to view historic towns and undeveloped ranchlands, and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities along the way.
If you’re driving on US 24, take the exit for US Highway 285 just south of Buena Vista, Colorado. This scenic byway will take you through Nathrop, Chalk Creek Dr, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and St. Elmo, an old-fashioned ghost town. While you’re here, you can sample the local sunflower seeds at the General Store and sample the tasty fare at Chipmunk Crossing.
The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byways are dotted with campgrounds. You can choose from several options, including the Collegiate Peaks Campground and Cottonwood Lake Campground. To the west of the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway is the Vicksburg Ghost Town, which features cabins and log buildings. If you have time, you can also visit Winfield Ghost Town, which features an old schoolhouse and cabins. There is also a scenic overlook on the byway.
The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byways of Colorado travel along US Highways 285 and 24. The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Highway passes Granite and meets the southern leg of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. It ends east of Twin Lakes. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness rises to the east and west of the road near the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.
Visiting the Buena Vista Heritage Museum
Visiting the Buena Vista Heritage Museum is a great way to learn about the history of the community. The museum highlights local history and shows a variety of events. The exhibits include historical photos and information about the local community. In addition, the museum features artifacts from local community events.
If you’re a train enthusiast, you’ll be interested in the model train collection, which reflects the 130 miles of railroads in the area. The displays give a glimpse into a time when mining and railroading were thriving industries in the area. The museum also has artifacts from the early days of the area.
The Buena Vista Heritage Museum is located inside the old Chaffee County Courthouse, which was completed in 1882. It later served as a school, but now houses various exhibits. The museum showcases antique mining equipment, traditional clothing, and even an old jail cell door. There are also several exhibits for children.
The town of Buena Vista is located in south central Colorado. It’s situated between the Arkansas River and the Sawatch Range. The town is a popular stop for through-hikers along the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. In addition, it’s a popular destination for snowmobilers and off-road enthusiasts. It’s also a great place to take the family for an outing on the mountain.
Visiting the Buena Vista Heritage Museum is a great way to learn about the area’s history. The museum is located inside the old Chaffee County Courthouse and has a model train for children. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. There is an abundance of things to do in Buena Vista, and you’ll surely be surprised!
Visiting the Barbara Whipple Trail
Located on the Arkansas River, the Barbara Whipple Trail is a grouping of trails that provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is also popular for mountain biking and boating. The main portion of the trail is a 2.6-mile loop with additional connectors that allow for a variety of activities. During the summer, visitors can enjoy rafting on the Arkansas River, which is also accessible via the trail. During the fall, visitors will be amazed at the fall foliage along the river.
Hikers can choose from several beginner and intermediate hikes. Some of these hikes take you to alpine lakes in the area. Among them are Lost Lake and Hartenstein Lake. If you’re visiting Buena Vista for a family vacation, you’ll probably enjoy the Barbara Whipple Trail System, which is also open to people who are not necessarily experienced mountain bikers.
Another popular trail in Buena Vista is the Arkansas River Trail. This 0.6-mile trail is nearly flat and combines with the Arkansas River Trail and the Rock ‘n Roll Trail. For a less strenuous option, you can explore the Buena Vista Wildlife Trail, located west of town off of CR 361. This trail follows Cottonwood Creek and includes benches, information kiosks, and ADA fishing sites. If you’re looking for a shorter option, there’s also Peaks View Trail that leads through fields. Lastly, you can take the Huron Peak Trail, which is seven-miles long and has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
There are several groups that are actively involved in the development of the trail system in Buena Vista. The Midland Bike Trail Association, a volunteer organization, has been providing maps and signage for the past 13 years. The Friends of Midland Bike Trail also provides brochures and maps detailing the trail system’s main routes. The group also trims brush on the trail annually.