This Beautiful Log Cabin is nestled between tall trees and has a seasonal brook. Within easy walking and biking distance from most of the highlights of Buena Vista – from Arkansas River to parks and downtown dining. And yet this is an extremely quiet and secluded area – It’s like living in your own private forest in the middle of a small town that grew up around it. STR-061
If you haven’t experienced the unique community that is Buena Vista in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains – you need to go soon. This quaint “one-stop-light” town has deer walking through it constantly. There are several creeks flowing through town and ponds and lakes nearby. The trails for mountain biking and hiking along the Arkansas River are wonderful and Kayaking and raft trips are world class.
Make a short drive up Cottonwood canyon to the top of the pass for spectacular sunset views or go just 8 miles south up Chalk Creek Canyon to scenic Alpine and St. Elmo – Historic old Gold Rush Towns to get a flavor of the real Colorado of yesteryear. Enjoy the Hot Springs at Mt Princeton or Cottonwood – one up both of those most scenic byways and open year round.
Stuff to do.
Restaurants
Eddyline Restaurant & Brewery: A very popular spot known for its wood-fired pizzas, classic pub food, and award-winning craft beers.
Wesley & Rose at The Surf Hotel: An upscale option offering a seasonal, farm-to-table menu and craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up: A casual spot perfect for artisan sandwiches, soups, salads, and an attached frozen yogurt bar.
The Lariat:** A historic restaurant and bar in a beautifully restored building, offering American comfort food and often hosting live music.
The Buena Viking: A walk-up burger joint with a creative menu and a rooftop patio offering great views of Main Street.
Things to Do: Skiing, Hiking & Biking
Skiing
While Buena Vista itself doesn't have a ski resort, it's centrally located near several:
Monarch Mountain (Approx. 45-minute drive) This is the closest major ski area, famous for its all-natural snow (no snowmaking), great tree skiing, and more relaxed, local vibe.
Ski Cooper (Approx. 1-hour drive) Located near Leadville, this is another great, affordable family-friendly mountain known for its soft snow and lack of crowds.
Copper Mountain & Breckenridge: (Approx. 1 hour 15-minute drive) If you're looking for a large, world-class resort experience, these are also accessible for a day trip.
Hiking
You are surrounded by some of the best hiking in the state.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness: Buena Vista is the gateway to the Collegiate Peaks, which has the highest concentration of "14ers" (peaks over 14,000 feet) in North America.
Barbara Whipple Trail System: A network of trails accessible right from town, offering great views of the Arkansas River and the Sawatch Range.
Cottonwood Pass: When open (typically summer/fall), the drive up offers stunning vistas and access to numerous high-alpine trails, including hikes to alpine lakes.
Browns Canyon National Monument: Offers rugged hiking trails with dramatic canyon and river views.
Biking
Midland Bike Trail: This popular trail follows the path of three former railroads. It's a great intermediate mountain biking trail with rolling hills and beautiful scenery.
Arkansas River Trail: An easier, flatter, family-friendly trail that runs along the river in town.
Fourmile Recreation Area: A vast area east of town with a large network of singletrack and 4x4 roads for more advanced mountain biking.
Rafting Shops & Outfitters
Buena Vista is one of Colorado's premier whitewater rafting destinations, centered on the Arkansas River and the famous Browns Canyon National Monument.
Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
River Runners
The Adventure Company
Browns Canyon Rafting
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC)
Bars, Breweries & Distilleries
Deer hammer Distilling Company: A craft distillery on Main Street specializing in single-malt whiskey. They have a tasting room with excellent, creative cocktails.
Eddyline Brewery: (Also listed under restaurants) They have a taproom and beer garden with a wide selection of their local brews.
Browns Canyon Brewing Company: A family-friendly brewery with a spacious outdoor patio and a variety of craft beers.
The Lariat: (Also listed under restaurants) This historic spot has a full bar and is one of the main late-night and live music venues in town.
The Historic Jailhouse: A craft beer bar set inside an actual 1800s jail, offering a unique atmosphere and a large, rotating tap list.
Terrace on Main: A rooftop bar (located above Simple Eatery) offering handcrafted cocktails and unmatched mountain views.