A Unique Colorado Town Has A 'Mountain Beach' Right In The Middle Of Its Walkable Downtown

While mountain towns are speckled throughout Colorado's highest elevations, arguably none is more jam-packed with outdoor activities than Buena Vista. The town is nestled on the banks of the winding Arkansas River, which also flows past other great Colorado vacation spots like the underrated small mountain town of Salida. With that riverside location and epic, storybook-worthy mountain vistas, the town's easy access to water-centric activities in the summer and its ideal environment for winter sports and hiking has earned it the moniker of a "mountain beach" town, as Colorado.com puts it. Thanks to the purchase of 41 acres by a local developer and subsequent growth and improvements to connect the town more directly to the river, it's become a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, vacationers, and families alike.

Just over 60 miles from the world-class ski slopes and luxury living of Aspen, Buena Vista offers hiking trails, dog parks, restaurants, retail shopping, and campgrounds, centered around an environmentally friendly and walkable residential community. With the development of the state's largest whitewater park, its downtown also plays host to a unique array of outdoor activities and water sports. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, river surfing, and tubing keep residents and visitors actively engaged with nature, while its many gathering spaces, recreational parks, and downtown businesses offer a connection with the local community.

While winters in Colorado can be quite harsh, Buena Vista's unique location along the state's "banana belt" and its topography protect it from some of the extreme cold snaps, heavy snowfall, and unpredictable weather patterns many neighboring mountain communities experience. Its placement within the Sawatch Mountain Range impedes excessive snow accumulation and means the town experiences higher temperatures throughout the year compared to towns such as Aspen, Breckenridge, and Leadville, even getting into the 80s in summertime. These factors make Buena Vista an ideal summer destination for mountaineers, and its comparatively milder winters make it a great escape for cold lovers who enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snow tubing, and fishing. Just make sure that your vehicle can get there — mountain passes can become impassable in the winter, and Colorado state law requires that your tires have adequate traction for the job.

If you'd rather not brave the cold, visit April through October and take on the nearby aerial and zipline parks to tackle suspended obstacle courses and travel through the clear mountain air at speeds reaching 40 miles per hour. Local farms and farmers' markets offer a glimpse into the region's agriculture, livestock, and produce, while both traditional golf and disc golf courses create opportunities to enjoy the area's scenic views in competitive settings. There's even Comanche Drive-In Theater for movie buffs and nostalgia seekers.

If you're looking for some much-needed R&R, head over to one of Colorado's many steamy mountain hot springs, like Charlotte Hot Springs and Botanical Gardens or Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Buena Vista and neighboring Salida also play host to several popular outdoor events during the summer and early fall months, including the FIBike and Banana Belt bike races and FIBArk, the country's longest-running whitewater festival, which attracts tens of thousands to the region.

In addition to local restaurants and breweries, mom-and-pop shops, and boutique lodging options, Buena Vista's walkable downtown district is also home to several recreational parks; pickleball, tennis, and volleyball courts; community pavilions; and a skate park. If you're not in town for adventurous outdoor activities, there's plenty of cozy places to go and enjoy a hot meal. Access to Buena Vista's Whitewater Park and some of its more distinct features, including the Staircase River Surf Wave and Beaver Falls Bridge, can be found just past West Main Street and U.S. Route 24. 

Travelers will need to fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), or for more routes and options, major airports such as Colorado Springs Airport (COS) or Denver International Airport (DIA), and then drive to Buena Vista. When departing from Colorado Springs, you'll pass through several of Colorado's charming mountain towns. Journeying from DIA will take you from the far east outskirts of Denver's suburbs, into its densely populated center, and then onto more scenic mountain highways. Whichever route you take, be prepared for winding roads, evergreen trees, wild animal sightings, and breathtaking views.