How to get out Buena Vista (Colorado)
Buena Vista is in some of the most beautiful landscape anywhere, and outdoor recreational opportunities abound nearby. Note that the high country nearby is seriously high; to avoid altitude sickness, it's wise to spend a night or two in the lowlands for some acclimatization before undertaking something strenuous.
Scenic drives: while you're acclimatizing, do some "windshield touring" along Colorado's newest designated scenic route, the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway that connects Buena Vista with is sister town and county seat, Salida. If it's open, the road to Independence Pass is a must. Drive north from Buena Vista on US 24, then west on SR 82, which continues over the pass to Aspen. Caution: If you have respiratory problems, get your physician's permission before doing this drive. The pass is at an elevation above 12,000', and while you won't be at the highest elevation for long, don't jeopardize your health to see it. The scenery at the pass itself is astounding, of course, but there are also beautiful spots along the way that don't require quite as much oxygen deficit. Note that this route closes for extensive periods during the winter, owing to snow on the pass.
Hiking, backpacking and climbing: the superb Sawatch Range, with most of Colorado's highest mountains (including 14,432' Mount Elbert, highest of them all), is directly west of town, and many trails lead into the high country from trailheads nearby. Many of these are reached by extremely rough Forest Service roads that will require a high-clearance vehicle -- not just an urban SUV, but something seriously equipped for the roads. Unfortunately, Buena Vista itself is too small for car rentals; you'll have to arrange rental of an SUV closer to your point of origin. ATV and jeep rentals and tours are available through BV Jeeps, Hgh Country Jeep Trous and All Season Adventures.
Alpine skiing: perhaps surprisingly, there are no major ski areas in the Sawatch Range itself. The nearest resort is Monarch Mountain southwest of town near Salida and Poncha Springs. It's one of Colorado's more "family"-oriented ski areas, with a number of fairly easy slopes and maybe not as many double-diamond adventures as at some other sites. Bigger destination resorts such as Copper Mountain is an hour north via US 24 over well-maintained Fremont Pass and and Vail is just a tad further west on I-70. Breckendridge is 1-1/2 hours away via US 285 to Fairplay then head north over Hoosier Pass. Backcountry ski touring and snowshoeing is also popular.
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Routes through Buena Vista
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Buena Vista (Colorado)
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