Buena Vista
The town of Buena Vista dates back to 1880 and originally gained prominence for its mining and railroad industries. Today, many people visit Buena Vista for its namesake – to take in its “Beautiful views” and experience some of Colorado’s best outdoors. The area offers hiking, biking, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, and numerous other opportunities to explore the outdoors.
BUENA VISTA, CO
Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista, Colorado sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation, with more 14ers than in any other area in Colorado. The area also hosts the Continental Divide to the east, and the Arkansas River flows through the town, providing opportunities for both mountain and river adventures.
Explore Buena Vista
Top Trips
With easy access from our Buena Vista outpost, Whitewater Rafting in Buena Vista has never been more convenient! The powerful Arkansas River runs through the area, providing opportunities to for a diverse range of whitewater excursions. From family whitewater excursions to advanced rafting experiences, we cater to all abilities and interests. Our Buena Vista outpost also offers opportunities to maximize your Buena Vista adventure with additional options including Zipline, Via Ferrata, and Horseback Riding, allowing you to take your mountain vacation to new heights in the Arkansas River Valley!
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]
Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
Mountaintop Zipline Half Day
Buena Vista, Colorado
Browns Canyon Sizzler Full Day
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]
Your BUENA VISTA Experience with AVA
Buena Vista Rafting
Join us on an Arkansas River trip from our Buena Vista outpost, just 15 minutes north of Buena Vista. Discover the stunning scenery of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range in the Sawatch Range as you navigate the rapids through one of Colorado’s most stunning locations on the Arkansas River.
Whitewater Rafting Trips
On our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip, you will paddle through Browns Canyon National Monument on intermediate class III rapids, experiencing breathtaking views of the granite canyon, Arkansas River Valley, and its abundant wildlife. Take your adventure to the next level with our full day Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns, our overnight trip that lets you camp under the stars and wake up to the sounds of the river.
If you’re seeking a more intense adventure in a beautiful location, our Numbers 1/2 day trip is the perfect choice. Get ready to tackle the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River, complete with exhilarating class IV rapids. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion. Begin your day with a thrilling 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and experience the heart-pumping class V rapids of the Arkansas River’s steepest section. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, our Arkansas River trips offer the perfect blend of excitement and scenery.
Buena Vista Aerial Adventures
Our Buena Vista outpost also offers ziplining on our Mountaintop Zipline course! Embark on an exhilarating adventure through our Mountaintop Zipline course, where you’ll soar across 6 lines above the Arkansas River Valley. At this same location, you will be able to try out a unique adventure on our Granite Via Ferrata course. Climb high into the cliffside, traverse across iron rungs and cables, and even swing across several lines of our zipline course. We also host a rock climbing trip at Granite Gorge Cliffs, just minutes from our Buena Vista outpost. Here, you can explore the cliffs on multiple different routes, as well as learn new climbing technique.
Explore Buena Vista Adventures
Lower Eagle
The Eagle River whitewater rafting experience offers a variety of paddling for all levels of boating, and the Lower Eagle is the perfect Colorado [...]
Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Half Day Fly Fishing
The perfect introduction to fly fishing. Get an orientation and test your skills on the iconic Arkansas River in central Colorado.
Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Full Day Fly Fishing
Come discover the magnetism of fly fishing in Colorado! Endless riffles, runs, pools, and overhanging brush – the Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s [...]
Shoshone
Shoshone Rapids half day takes you through Colorado’s amazing Glenwood Canyon, which is just outside of Glenwood Springs. A must-see destination for any Colorado [...]
Royal Gorge Half Day
The Royal Gorge ½ Day Trip offers a thrilling whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River that is sure to excite everyone from experienced rafters [...]
Royal Gorge Full Day
Spend a day in the scenic Royal Gorge! One of the most renowned white water rafting trips in Colorado, this section will take you [...]
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day
Wanting to experience the Royal Gorge from a different perspective? After your day of rafting, take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad, where [...]
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of adventure with Gift Certificates from AVA Rafting & Zipline! We get it – it’s just so easy to send another [...]
Discover Buena Vista
The closest river to Buena Vista
The Arkansas River is the closest river to Buena Vista and is just a 5 minute shuttle from our Buena Vista outpost.
The closest outpost to Buena Vista
Our Buena Vista outpost is only 15 minutes north of the town of Buena Vista.
Adrenaline seekers
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with our Gauntlet – Pine Creek & the Numbers trip, featuring the most exhilarating whitewater on the Arkansas River. Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding journey through class V rapids with some of the most intense and steepest rapids in the state.
Family-friendly Fun
Raft through the impressive Brown’s Canyon National Monument on our Brown’s Canyon Half Day trip. This scenic trip through class III rapids is perfect for wildlife spotting and families with kids ages 7 +. Combine this with a zipline adventure for a full-day multi-adventure package the entire family will enjoy.
Fly-fishing
The Arkansas River is also renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast for trout in this scenic river, which is stocked with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Arkansas offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the sport of fly fishing.
Hiking Trails
Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, located just outside of Buena Vista. This wilderness area is home to numerous hiking trails that wind through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. Popular hikes include the trails to Mount Yale, Mount Princeton, and the Colorado Trail.
Hot Springs
Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Cottonwood Hot Springs, located just a short drive from Buena Vista. In a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains, Cottonwood Hot Springs offers a peaceful oasis where visitors can soak in therapeutic mineral waters while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. The hot springs feature several pools with varying temperatures.
Mountain Biking
The Midland Hill Trails, located near Buena Vista, offer a network of mountain biking trails with stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding mountains. With trails suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, the Midland Hill Trails provide opportunities for exhilarating rides through diverse terrain.
Buena Vista Location
Buena Vista, located in central Colorado’s Chaffee County, is nestled at the base of the Collegiate Peaks and alongside the Arkansas River. It lies approximately midway between the cities of Salida and Leadville.
Buena Vista History
Buena Vista was founded in 1879 as a mining and railroad town during the Colorado Silver Boom. The town’s economy was initially driven by mining activities, particularly for gold, silver, and lead. Today, remnants of its mining heritage can be seen in the historic buildings and structures scattered throughout the town.
Best Time to Raft
The best time to raft Buena Vista’s Arkansas River is May through September.
Buena Vista Trips
In addition to whitewater rafting, Buena Vista hosts ziplining, Via Ferrata courses, rock climbing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and more with options for 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day trips.
Closest River to Buena Vista
