Buena Vista Area - South Central Colorado
Includes Johnson Village, Nathrop, St. Elmo
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 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. Now Buena Vista is the jumping off point for some of the best river rafting in Colorado. Brown's Canyon, 8 miles south, is often called the whitewater capital. The impressive Collegiate Range, lies to the west has the most concentrated number of peaks above 14,000' in Colorado, abounds with hiking trails, mountain bike trails and riddled with ghost towns. Another feature of the Buena Vista area are the natural hot springs where you can soothe your body while gazing up at majestic, snowcapped peaks.
Buena Vista Area Featured Businesses
Chalk Creek Campground, Cabins & RV Park 
Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking and hot springs pools. Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6.
Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking and hot springs pools. Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks 14,000+ feet surround you. Hot springs melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals. NEW LUXURY SPA with creekside massage rooms, licensed therapist, and yoga.
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks 14,000+ feet surround you. Hot springs melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals. NEW LUXURY SPA with creekside massage rooms, licensed therapist, and yoga.
BIG RIGS & tenters; large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft, fish. On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, campfires & live music.
ATV/Jeep Mountain Adventure Rentals
Come & explore Buena Vista's high country! Experience the wonders of Colorado's highest back country and have a fantastic time getting there! Half-day & full day rentals. Weekly specials. 1 & 2 seaters.
Come & explore Buena Vista's high country! Experience the wonders of Colorado's highest back country and have a fantastic time getting there! Half-day & full day rentals. Weekly specials. 1 & 2 seaters.
Arrowhead Point Campground, Cabins & RV Park
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
St Elmo General Store, Inc. ATV Rentals
NO TRAILERING -- trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
NO TRAILERING -- trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
All Buena Vista Area Businesses
Adventure Company, The
Whitewater Rafting on 4 different rivers, serving vacationers from Buena Vista to Breckenridge. Activity Packages: Fishing expeditions, full moon raft trips, zip line tours, mountain biking & kayak instruction.
Whitewater Rafting on 4 different rivers, serving vacationers from Buena Vista to Breckenridge. Activity Packages: Fishing expeditions, full moon raft trips, zip line tours, mountain biking & kayak instruction.
Alpine Hot Springs Hideaway 
This private vacation home is located in a spectacular alpine setting between Buena Vista and Salida. Soothe your body and soul -- Soak in the private hand-built soaking hot mineral springs pool!!
This private vacation home is located in a spectacular alpine setting between Buena Vista and Salida. Soothe your body and soul -- Soak in the private hand-built soaking hot mineral springs pool!!
Antero Hot Springs Cabins
Historic creekside cabins each have a PRIVATE NATURAL HOT SPRING pool out your backdoor. They are in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Colorado's fourteener region, near Buena Vista and Salida.
Historic creekside cabins each have a PRIVATE NATURAL HOT SPRING pool out your backdoor. They are in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Colorado's fourteener region, near Buena Vista and Salida.
Arkansas River Rim Campground & RV Park 
WALK TO RIVER FISHING! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". On-site trailer & 5th wheel rental, cabin, RV & tent sites.
WALK TO RIVER FISHING! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". On-site trailer & 5th wheel rental, cabin, RV & tent sites.
Arrowhead Point Campground, Cabins & RV Park
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
A true country campground on 23 acres near Buena Vista. Cabins & cottages with kitchens & bathrooms. Yurts. Spacious RV sites. Tent sites in the trees. Free WI-FI. Free shuttle to river when rafting with us!
ATV/Jeep Mountain Adventure Rentals
Come & explore Buena Vista's high country! Experience the wonders of Colorado's highest back country and have a fantastic time getting there! Half-day & full day rentals. Weekly specials. 1 & 2 seaters.
Come & explore Buena Vista's high country! Experience the wonders of Colorado's highest back country and have a fantastic time getting there! Half-day & full day rentals. Weekly specials. 1 & 2 seaters.
A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. Two offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2-day and multi-day adventures.
Bunny Lane Cabins
Open all year. Great hiking! 1 & 2 bedroom, modern and semi-modern pioneer log cabins along Chalk Creek south of Buena Vista near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Small weddings and reunions welcome.
Open all year. Great hiking! 1 & 2 bedroom, modern and semi-modern pioneer log cabins along Chalk Creek south of Buena Vista near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Small weddings and reunions welcome.
Cabins at Chalk Creek
Modern housekeeping cabins with fully equipped kitchens on Chalk Creek (a trout stream that runs behind the cabins) near Mt Princeton Hot Springs and Buena Vista. Two trout lakes are within 1 mile.
Modern housekeeping cabins with fully equipped kitchens on Chalk Creek (a trout stream that runs behind the cabins) near Mt Princeton Hot Springs and Buena Vista. Two trout lakes are within 1 mile.
Chalk Creek Campground, Cabins & RV Park
Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking and hot springs pools. Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6.
Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking and hot springs pools. Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6.
Colorado Adventure Center
A full service adventure company with Rock Gardens Rafting, Glenwood Bike Tours & Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures, Highside Adventure Tours & Colorado Canopy Adventures offering rafting & zip-line.
A full service adventure company with Rock Gardens Rafting, Glenwood Bike Tours & Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures, Highside Adventure Tours & Colorado Canopy Adventures offering rafting & zip-line.
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
Connie's Mountain Orchid Cabin Rental
In Nathrop near Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Enjoy your mountain vacation at this historical log cabin built in 1878 with a kitchen, BBQ grill & claw-foot tub. Walk to Wright's Lake stocked with rainbow trout.
In Nathrop near Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Enjoy your mountain vacation at this historical log cabin built in 1878 with a kitchen, BBQ grill & claw-foot tub. Walk to Wright's Lake stocked with rainbow trout.
Deer Valley Ranch
Charming, affordable cabins, each with kitchen & fireplace, at the base of Mt. Princeton. Year round hot springs pool & hot tub. Mountain getaway for couples, families & singles. Dude/Guest Ranch summer.
Charming, affordable cabins, each with kitchen & fireplace, at the base of Mt. Princeton. Year round hot springs pool & hot tub. Mountain getaway for couples, families & singles. Dude/Guest Ranch summer.
Step into a quieter, peaceful time the moment you walk in! A get-away nestled in San Isabel National Forest at the base of Colorado's highest peak, west of Twin Lakes, near Leadville, Buena Vista & Aspen.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks 14,000+ feet surround you. Hot springs melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals. NEW LUXURY SPA with creekside massage rooms, licensed therapist, and yoga.
A "dream location." Mountain Peaks 14,000+ feet surround you. Hot springs melt away your cares. Dine on gourmet meals. NEW LUXURY SPA with creekside massage rooms, licensed therapist, and yoga.
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Located in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies, between Salida and Buena Vista. Fun, exciting raft trips for all ages and abilities, all with FREE WETSUIT USE! DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE.
Located in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies, between Salida and Buena Vista. Fun, exciting raft trips for all ages and abilities, all with FREE WETSUIT USE! DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE.
Sagewood Cabins
Family ranch, borders National Forest near Buena Vista south of Leadville. Quaint, quiet, country log cabins. A great place for honeymooners, family retreats, single solitude, artisans and writers.
Family ranch, borders National Forest near Buena Vista south of Leadville. Quaint, quiet, country log cabins. A great place for honeymooners, family retreats, single solitude, artisans and writers.
BIG RIGS & tenters; large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft, fish. On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, campfires & live music.
Snowy Peaks RV Rentals & RV Storage
Pop-up campers & travel trailers rentals in Buena Vista -- shorten' the haul! All sleep 4-6, have a sink, stove, refrigerator & furnace. Travel trailers are self-contained: full kitchen, bathroom & air-conditioning.
Pop-up campers & travel trailers rentals in Buena Vista -- shorten' the haul! All sleep 4-6, have a sink, stove, refrigerator & furnace. Travel trailers are self-contained: full kitchen, bathroom & air-conditioning.
St Elmo General Store, Inc. ATV Rentals
NO TRAILERING -- trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
NO TRAILERING -- trails start at our front door! St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880. Most reasonable priced rentals in the area. 56 miles of mapped out trips visiting ghost towns & gold mines.
Topaz Lodge
Family owned for most of the last 30 years! Expect to be treated like family. Originally built in 1879, this motel is a Buena Vista landmark. 2-room family units. Pets Welcome! Open for winter snowmobiling!
Family owned for most of the last 30 years! Expect to be treated like family. Originally built in 1879, this motel is a Buena Vista landmark. 2-room family units. Pets Welcome! Open for winter snowmobiling!
Treehouse Hot Springs
An octagon home in Nathrop near Mt. Princeton, elevated in a tree house fashion to enjoy the fabulous views! With a 27 foot hot spring soaking pool and fishing on site, this is the perfect family vacation spot!
An octagon home in Nathrop near Mt. Princeton, elevated in a tree house fashion to enjoy the fabulous views! With a 27 foot hot spring soaking pool and fishing on site, this is the perfect family vacation spot!
Twin Lakes Roadhouse Lodge
Unspoiled beauty of ancient Twin Lakes makes THIS part of Rocky Mountains unique. ONLY AAA rated lodging in area offers elegant comfort, WI-FI and crisp Rocky Mountain air dried sheets. New Art Gallery.
Unspoiled beauty of ancient Twin Lakes makes THIS part of Rocky Mountains unique. ONLY AAA rated lodging in area offers elegant comfort, WI-FI and crisp Rocky Mountain air dried sheets. New Art Gallery.
RV Sales, Service & Rentals
Snowy Peaks RV Rentals & RV Storage
Pop-up campers & travel trailers rentals in Buena Vista -- shorten' the haul! All sleep 4-6, have a sink, stove, refrigerator & furnace. Travel trailers are self-contained: full kitchen, bathroom & air-conditioning.
Pop-up campers & travel trailers rentals in Buena Vista -- shorten' the haul! All sleep 4-6, have a sink, stove, refrigerator & furnace. Travel trailers are self-contained: full kitchen, bathroom & air-conditioning.
For more travel information contact:
Buena Vista Area Activities and Maps
Scenic Byways:
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
Fishing:
Arkansas River Headwaters - North
Rafting & Kayaking:
Arkansas River
Jeep & 4WD:
Buena Vista Jeeping & ATV Trails
St. Elmo Jeeping & ATV Trails
Hot Springs:
Buena Vista Hot Springs
Local Area Maps:
Buena Vista, Park County, Leadville Local Area
Cabins/Cottages
Motels & Hotels
Lodges
Vacation Homes
Condos & Suites
Bed & Breakfast
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Pets Welcome
By Water Rentals
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Guest Horses
Groups/Reunions
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Transportation
Colorado Maps
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Scenic Byways
Hot Springs
Horse Riding
ATVing
Jeeping & 4WD
Rafting/Kayaking
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More Fun Stuff
Hunting
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