Debra is a full-time RVer who has traveled coast to coast looking for the cutest bookstores and the perfect cup of chai. She and her husband enjoy creating community on the road by meeting up with friends or finding new ones enroute. They love sharing their adventures and making friends here at The Virtual Campground and sharing Barry’s great photography.
We have been to Colorado so many times that I have lost count. It is perfectly situated as we criss cross the country and feels like home every time we get there. It helps to have so many friends who do make Colorado their home, but it is more than that. There is something about the mountains, the fresh air, and the people that makes you feel at peace, relaxed, and ready to have fun. One town we return to often is Buena Vista (pronounced BYOO-nah VIS-ta, not the typical Spanish way of BWAY-nah VEES-ta). Here you can enjoy a unique blend of high desert and mountains, hot springs and cold rivers, small town shops and great restaurants. All this served by the nicest people who make you feel right at home.
Buena Vista: Small Town, Big Adventure
Tucked into the Arkansas River Valley and surrounded by the snow-dusted peaks of the Collegiate Range, Buena Vista, Colorado (also called BV) offers you adventures of all kinds. If you like to hike, mountain bike, or get on the water, you can find a trail to take you there.
The Arkansas River begins just north of BV near Leadville, CO but passes through town on its way to Salida and beyond. You can raft the river, kayak, or even surf at specially made sections. If soaking in water is more your style, you can also enjoy several natural hot springs nearby. Our favorite is Cottonwood Hot Springs. It has a more natural look with a rock bottom pool and great views of the mountains. This one is more local and has a hippy vibe to it. If you like more amenities, try Mount Princeton Hot Springs which includes several pools, a spa and a bar.
If you like to hike, you can enjoy many different types of trails. Just across the river, in town, is the popular, Bridge to Bridge Loop trail which is also used by mountain bikers. This tends to be a hotter trail with little shade as it is on the high desert side of town. There are several offshoots to the trail so you can add more vertical if you are interested or simply enjoy the relatively flat trail with great views of town. As you return to the beginning, cross the river and walk along the cement trail that follows the river. I am looking forward to returning to do the Lost Lakes hike which was snowed in still in June when we visited.
Mountain bikers have many trails to choose from in the area including a section near the BV Overlook called Midland Hills. We also hiked there and rarely saw the bikers since we tend to use less vertical trails.
Main Street (also known as our Hangout spot)
You are unlikely to find a small town with such great options for your dining and drinking pleasure. Talented people have made BV their home and you can benefit from their efforts! Plus unique shopping offers a little something for the everyone.
Start your mornings with a stroll down Main Street, where you will find the majority of shops and restaurants. It is amazing how many coffee shop are available in such a small town. My favorite is the Cool River Cafe which has great breakfast and lunch options as well as some of my favorite gluten free pastries. If you are there on a Saturday, make sure to look for the Bird and the Mouse Bakery. It is across the back alley of the BV Backyard and only open a couple days per week. She has the best goodies including a weekly gluten free option! For a great chai latte (and tasty coffee), check out The Long Table and ask for it to be spicy! The Long Table is located in a cute little shop and you can also pass through to another great home store, The Mercantile.
My favorite shop is Peace, Love, Dirt. The woman who owns it makes a lot of the art here and sells other artists items. It is a great spot to find unusual art and jewelry.
For lunch, you have many great options including Simple Eatery which has great sandwiches and loaves of bread for sale if you get there early enough.
Our favorite lunch spot is the Strangecraft BV Backyard. The newly opened beer garden has quickly become the heart of the community thanks to its owners, Ken and April Pishna. Host to two food trucks during peak season, they keep about 15 beers on tap with a selection ranging from lagers to sours. This cozy space may be outdoors, but with the umbrellas, tents and warming lamps, you can enjoy it nearly year-round. The Backyard hosts live music and special events through the year so be sure to check in on what is happening when you get to town.
Other great food options are Crave for really good entrees. I love their pizza which also has a tasty gluten free options. If you want to have a more upscale dinner, check out The Surf where the wine list and entrees are spectacular.
Sipping like a Local
Buena Vista punches way above its weight when it comes to food and music options. For such a small town, there is something to do nearly every night and incredible live music!
At the beginning of the week, check out Eddyline Brewing for a night with trivia or bingo along with your beers. On Thursdays, check out the Lariat for their very popular Karaoke. There is also the Deerhammer Distillery which often has live music or Coyote Mezcalería y Cervecería for great mescal and cocktails with your fun.
For craft cocktails in a cozy, historic setting, don’t miss The Slammer. This was once the town’s jail, this century-old stone building is now a popular saloon specializing in whiskey and special craft beers on tap. With over 100 whiskeys available, you can try anything from a $10 shot to over $100. Or you can ask for an old-fashioned with your favorite brand. We became Thursday night regulars while in town. On Thursdays, it is open mic and the locals have amazing skills so it is like a free concert.
“It’s the mere fact that we are surrounded. Surrounded by 14ers, rivers and trails. Surrounded by community. Surrounded by good food, drink, and music. Surrounded by artists of all kinds. Surrounded by love. It’s been one year since we moved to Buena Vista, and since day one, everyone here has welcomed us like we’ve been here from day one.” from April Pishna, former full-timer and now Buena Vista resident on why BV is special.
Before Leaving
Depending on what season you visit, check out Cottonwood Pass, one of the most spectacular drives in Colorado. The road climbs to over 12,000 feet and crosses the Continental Divide, offering jaw-dropping panoramas and wildflowers in summer. Do check the weather and if the Pass is open first before venturing up there. We were able to spot a moose and enjoy a magical sunset when we had a chilly picnic up there.
Where to Camp
If you want to stay close to the action, Mount Princeton RV Park offers mountain views and easy access to both town and the river. The Park connects to the trail just outside so you can bike in 15 minutes to town or walk in about 30. There are several other options in the area, including MoonStream Vintage Campground where you can rent a vintage RV if you don’t have one of your own.
Boondockers will also find plenty of public land nearby, especially along County Road 306 toward Cottonwood Pass. Our favorite boondocking spot is a bit further out of town, to the south, near Raspberry Gulch. This truly might be my favorite spot to camp ever, surrounded by the Collegiate Mountains and trees! We did check out a few spots north of town that offer amazing boondocking sites. Just check out your favorite app to find one that fits your rig.
The RV Traveler’s Takeaway
Buena Vista has a way of blending rugged adventure with small-town soul. Whether you’re hiking the high trails, soaking in natural hot springs, or enjoying a perfectly mixed drink at The Slammer, this mountain gem makes it easy to slow down and stay awhile.
Just don’t be surprised if, like us, you find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even left town.
Leave a Reply