Buena Vista Area - South Central Colorado

Includes Johnson Village, Nathrop, St. Elmo

 

Experience Buena Vista, Johnson Village, Nathrop, St. Elmo Colorado

The small town of Buena Vista, nestled at the base of the Collegiate and Sawatch Mountain Ranges, is named for its "good view." In the Upper Arkansas River Valley, Buena Vista and its surroundings were once home to the Ute Indians. Lt. Zebulon Pike, who passed through in 1806, found evidence of some 3,000 Utes. Like many other Colorado towns, miners came when they learned of gold strikes in the area and ranchers eventually followed. The city has a rowdy past, once hosting 36 bars and a hanging judge.

Buena Vista Colorado with Mt Yale in the background
Mt. Yale is a Hike-able 14er and part of the Collegiate Peaks near Buena Vista
rafting near Buena Vista, Colorado
The bridge near Johnson Village is a calm portion of the Arkansas River

 

Buena Vista lies right in the middle of the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway. The impressive Collegiate Range lies to the west and has the most concentrated number of peaks above 14,000' in Colorado. This area is filled with hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and riddled with ghost towns.

The Buena Vista Whitewater Park is located on the Arkansas River right in Buena Vista. There are 5 main recreational features and numerous eddies. This park is becoming one of the premier whitewater parks in Colorado. The Arkansas River runs along the eastern edge of Buena Vista and offers over 100-miles of whitewater rafting fun. Raft the lower part of The Numbers and the Milk Run in the upper Browns Canyon.

Jeeping & ATVing is abundant in this area. The San Isabel National Forest has lots of trails to choose from year round. Or start in St. Elmo, a fun little ghost town located southwest of Buena Vista.

Other fun activities in the area are the natural hot springs (choose from public pools or a private pool with your accommodation), snowmobiling in the Collegiate Peak range, and fishing along the Arkansas River Headwaters North and East.

Buena Vista Roastery Coffee shop, Colorado
Enjoy a Nice Cup of Joe
Chalk Creek Canyon, Colorado
Chalk Creek Canyon Near St. Elmo

 

A few food favorites in the town of Buena Vista: the Buena Vista Roastery has freshly roasted coffee and espresso drinks and a beautiful patio and indoor lounge area. The coffee shop is supported by WI-FI. Also try Punky's! It has a 50s style dining with Texas smokehouse BBQ, fountain drinks, and Blue Bell ice cream.

Buena Vista Area is near: Leadville & Twin Lakes Area, Park County & Salida Area

Buena Vista Area Activities & Maps

National Parks and Monuments:
Browns Canyon National Monument

Scenic Byways:
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

Seasonal Attractions:
Leadville CO & Southern Railroad Co

Hiking Trails:
The Colorado Trail

Fishing:
Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - East
Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - North

Rafting & Kayaking:
Arkansas River Rafting & Kayaking

Jeep & 4WD:
Buena Vista Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails
Salida & Monarch Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails
St. Elmo Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails

Hot Springs:
Buena Vista Hot Springs

Snowmobiling:
Buena Vista Area Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
Buena Vista, Park County, Leadville Area Map

 
 
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