Buena Vista is a region in Colorado situated at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, a range of 14,000-foot mountains. The Arkansas River flows through the area, contributing to a landscape that transitions from high mountain desert to alpine environments. This diverse geography, including parts of the San Isabel National Forest and Fourmile Recreation Area, provides varied terrain suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging.
Buena Vista offers several…
33
Routes
4.8
(4)
Average rating
138
People visited

13
hikers
17.0km
05:11
560m
540m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.25km
01:16
360m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.59km
01:40
100m
340m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
6.50km
02:18
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

1
riders
43.6km
03:11
990m
990m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

35.9km
02:41
870m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
17.1km
01:27
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
16.1km
01:11
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

21
runners
14.9km
01:39
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
35.5km
04:36
1,230m
1,230m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

2
runners
7.82km
00:49
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
6.20km
00:41
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

15
riders
74.6km
03:26
770m
770m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
50.8km
02:24
540m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

6
riders
74.6km
04:05
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.0
(1)
3
riders
64.6km
03:19
810m
810m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Buena Vista offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region's diverse landscape, from high mountain desert to alpine environments, supports these sports.
Buena Vista provides access to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the Barbara Whipple Trail System. These areas offer numerous hiking opportunities, from riverside trails to high-alpine ascents. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Buena Vista guide.
Yes, Buena Vista is a hub for cycling, offering touring, road, and mountain biking options. The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway provides 57 miles (92 km) of road cycling, while the Midland Trail System and Fourmile Recreation Area offer mountain biking. Explore the Cycling around Buena Vista guide for more information.
Road cyclists can enjoy scenic routes such as the 22-mile (35 km) Buena Vista to Mount Princeton/Nathrop loop. The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway also offers a 57-mile (92 km) route with mountain views. More routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Buena Vista guide.
Extensive trail systems, including the Barbara Whipple Trail System and paths along the Arkansas River, provide excellent routes for jogging. These trails offer varied terrain suitable for different ability levels. The Running Trails around Buena Vista guide lists specific routes.
Yes, Buena Vista offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including family-friendly options. The Barbara Whipple Trail System and the River Trail provide accessible paths for less experienced hikers and cyclists.
Buena Vista is known for the Collegiate Peaks, a range of 14,000-foot (4,267-meter) mountains, and the Arkansas River. The area also includes parts of the San Isabel National Forest and the Fourmile Recreation Area.
The Arkansas River is a central feature, renowned for whitewater rafting, from Class II to Class IV rapids, particularly through Browns Canyon National Monument. It is also a Gold Medal trout waterway for fly fishing. The Buena Vista Whitewater Park enhances kayaking and rafting experiences.
Yes, visitors can access natural hot springs in the vicinity. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and Cottonwood Hot Springs offer various soaking options after outdoor activities.
Komoot users have shared more than 9 routes in Buena Vista, with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars. Over 160 visitors have explored the area using komoot.
The San Isabel National Forest is a vast area spanning over a million acres (400,000 hectares) with more than 700 miles (1,126 km) of trails. Buena Vista serves as a gateway to recreation within this forest.
The Fourmile Recreation Area offers extensive terrain for mountain biking and other outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for those seeking off-road adventures near Buena Vista.

