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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Climate: Continental
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Population: Approximately 2,700 people.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during summer for outdoor activities or winter for skiing.
- Visa Requirements Buena Vista, being part of the United States, follows U.S. visa requirements. Citizens of visa-free countries like the U.S., EU, and UK generally do not need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Others may require a non-immigrant visa.
About Buena Vista
Buena Vista is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Colorado, offering breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range and access to the Arkansas River. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from rafting and kayaking to hiking and skiing. The town's historic charm and friendly community make it an inviting destination for those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can explore the local shops and restaurants, enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains, or simply unwind in the serene natural environment.
Top Attractions
1. **Arkansas River**: Known for its rafting and kayaking opportunities, the river offers stunning views and exciting water sports. 2. **Mount Princeton Hot Springs**: A natural hot spring resort perfect for relaxation amidst beautiful scenery. 3. **Sawatch Range**: Offers breathtaking mountain vistas and excellent hiking trails. 4. **Buena Vista Whitewater Park**: A popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. 5. **Four Mile Recreation Area**: Provides scenic hiking trails and picnic spots.
Popular Activities
Buena Vista offers a wide range of activities, including rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and skiing. Visitors can also explore the local art scene, visit historic sites, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. The town hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its outdoor lifestyle and community spirit.
Buena Vista Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Colorado
- Duration Range: Buena Vista offers a wide range of activities, including rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and skiing. Visitors can also explore the local art scene, visit historic sites, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. The town hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its outdoor lifestyle and community spirit.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during summer for outdoor activities or winter for skiing. Pack layers for variable mountain weather. Cultural etiquette includes respecting the natural environment and local community. Safety tips include being prepared for outdoor adventures and staying informed about weather conditions.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $250
61 Available Tour Excursions in Buena Vista
Get an introduction to rafting on this 1-hour family friendly rafting trip. Enjoy impressive mountain views, easy splashes, and soul-soothing current. This gentle floating adventure is great for children over the age of two years. Please note: This in one hour on the water!
Price: $98.00
Duration: 2 hours
Get your toes wet on this fun and splashy float! This trip is a gentle excursion that allows you and your family to take in all the beauty of the Arkansas River. It is perfect for first-time rafters, small children and anyone looking to have a great time in nature!
Price: $79.95
Duration: 2 hours
Why not make the most of your trip and enjoy a package day to excite the senses! Why just enjoy whitewater rafting when you can add on an exciting zipline tour in one of the most beautiful, scenic places imaginable. On this family rafting & zipline tour you will start your day with exciting whitewater followed by a zipline tour that swoops by towering lodge pole pines through the beautiful Colorado Mountains!
Price: $199.80
Duration: 8 hours
Experience 3 hours of clear, crisp water crashing through the Granite Gorge. This half-day adventure is led by a local guide and all boating equipment such as rain gear, drinking water and personal flotation device is included.
Price: $95.00
Duration: 3 hours
Prior to entering the Canyon Challenge Course, guests are fitted with gear, given a safety briefing and instructions, and then off they go! Guests begin on easy courses and graduate to more challenging routes. Once a course is completed, guests can proceed to more challenging courses. The Canyon Aerial Course was designed and built by Swiss Alpine engineers to industry standards, including those of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) as well as the specifications and safety standards of the state of Colorado. Participants are secured throughout their experience to the life safety systems using the Bornack Smart Safe Belay (SSB) lanyard system which prevents participants from detaching from the system during transfers from one element to the next while providing participants the freedom to choose their route and move at their own pace. Staff are positioned nearby to offer encouragement and assist if needed.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 3 hours
Join us for a half day rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River! This is our most popular rafting trip with breath taking canyon scenery and views of the Collegiate Peaks (some of the highest mountains in Colorado) This whitewater section is a great beginner/intermediate with consistent class III rapids to keep seasoned paddlers excited and not to scary for beginners. Come see for yourself why the Browns Canyon section on the Arkansas River is the most rafted section in the country!
Price: $99.00
Duration: 3 hours
COVID 19 Pre-trip screening for all guests: MASKS are required during transportation. This DAILY trip includes 14 miles and 5 hours of clear, crisp Class II-III+ whitewater crashing through the Browns Canyon National Monument. We have added 6 more miles to make this the most rapids in a 3/4 day no lunch adventure. A professional river guide and all boating equipment: splash jackets, drinking water, and PFD, personal floatation device. Bring your personal water bottle, noncotton clothing, secure footwear or rentals of wetsuits and boots available to reserve. Situated in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River's 145 miles, threads its way through a vacationer's paradise. From the river's source in the beautiful Arkansas Valley with dramatic 14,000-foot peaks to the bottom of the Royal Gorge, Arkansas River has it all.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 4 hours
Experience a family-friendly, class II section of the Arkansas River on a half-day or full-day rafting adventure! This is the perfect section for beginners of all ages.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 3-4 hours
A full day rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument. Great class III (beginner/intermediate) adventure for the entire family. We meet at 10 am for this trip.
Price: $165.00
Duration: 5 hours
We are a small company BIG on adventure! That means you get a more personalized trip. It'll feel like your on your own private rafting adventure. We meet at our office, shuttle you to the river. You raft on the river for a few hours, and then we shuttle you back to our office. We are located closer to the access points than any other company.
Price: $95.00
Duration: 2 hours
Raft the most continuous whitewater in the state on the Arkansas River, just one hour from Denver, Colorado.
Price: $121.00
Duration: 3 hours
Start the morning with one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures - ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 43-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Break for lunch, then get ready for the notorious Numbers. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater on this exhilarating section, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5 rapid. Minimum age 15 years. Minimum weight 50 lbs. maximum weight 250 lbs. Good physical condition required.
Price: $205.22
Duration: 7 hours
Rent an IK (ducky) and forget about the confines of a hardshell kayak or standing tall on a SUP as you pilot one of the most forgiving and maneuverable crafts available for going down river. A shuttle is recommended, as they are not the easiest things to carry by yourself. Paddle, Helmet, PFD included.
Price: $55.00
Duration: 4 hours
Rent a double duckie for the day. Take a friend with you for twice the power and twice the fun! The Salida area is the perfect zone for beginner and intermediate paddling teams, ask us about shuttles to and from different access points in the surrounding area.
Price: $115.00
Duration: 8 hours
Mini-Me Rafts are 9' long and accommodate 2 people and a dry bag or cooler quite easily. You can fit up to 4 people if you prefer, but be prepared to be in close quarters. These rafts are one of the most fun ways to go down a stretch of river and they are surprisingly stable for their size as long as you keep them straight they hardly flip and are difficult to rap on rocks. Guiding experience is necessary. The responsible party is liable for all losses and damages or replacements.
Price: $175.00
Duration: 4-6 hours
Pick up a SUP take it to the river or a lake and learn or paddle on your own. A lesson is recommended, but if you have experience then paddle on! PFD, Helmet, and Paddle included. Don't forget to bring some shoes you can swim in!
Price: $46.00
Duration: 4 hours
Why stay on the beaten path when you can see Colorado up close? Let us show you the real Rockies where the spirit of adventure is alive and the landscapes inspire awe at every turn! Our tour is unique from any other tour company you’ve likely encountered before. Off-roading, and the discovery of out-of-the-way places, is our passion and has been since coming to Colorado over 30 years ago. Here are just a few of the things that set us apart from all others: - Our tours are 100% private for your group of six or less. - Our tours range from mild to wild and, based on your preferences, are planned just for your group. - Our owner personally drives every group. - Our vehicle is a custom Toyota Land Cruiser with safety, comfort, and off-road capabilities that are unmatched by nearly any other vehicle.
Price: $1,000.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Paddle the most continuous whitewater in Colorado on a Numbers full-day whitewater rafting tour with River Runners Browns Canyon - just one hour from Denver, Colorado.
Price: $196.00
Duration: 6 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Buena Vista.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Buena Vista's cuisine is a blend of traditional American fare with a focus on local ingredients. Signature dishes include hearty mountain meals like burgers and steaks, often served at family-owned restaurants. The town also offers a variety of cafes serving coffee and pastries. Noteworthy restaurants include those serving farm-to-table meals and craft beers.
Getting Around
To get to Buena Vista, visitors typically fly into Colorado Springs Airport or Denver International Airport and then drive. Local transportation options are limited, so renting a car is recommended for exploring the area. Costs vary depending on the rental company and duration.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during summer for outdoor activities or winter for skiing. Pack layers for variable mountain weather. Cultural etiquette includes respecting the natural environment and local community. Safety tips include being prepared for outdoor adventures and staying informed about weather conditions.
Culture & Customs
Buena Vista has a strong outdoor culture, with many residents and visitors alike enjoying nature-based activities. The town hosts several festivals celebrating its natural beauty and community spirit. Important etiquette tips include respecting local wildlife and natural areas, and engaging with the friendly community.
