[Weekend Getaway] Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend getaway! It is only 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Denver Metro area.

After visiting several of the ski communities in Colorado already, we started our exploration of the southwest with a trip to Buena Vista. It was an awesome place to spend four days in the summer. I would definitely say this area is designed for summer activities as the closest ski resort is ~40 minutes along a mountainous 2-lane road.

We stayed at an Airbnb three blocks from downtown and three blocks from South Main; a great location to walk everywhere! We made breakfast and packed a lunch each day from our Airbnb.

Here is a rundown of our weekend getaway to Buena Vista, Colorado!

Monday, July 4th

Scenic drive along Hwy 285 from Littleton, Colorado to Buena Vista, Colorado
- We stopped for lunch at the Kenosha Pass which sits at 10,000 ft and a popular intersection of the Colorado Trail
- We stopped at the Collegiate Peaks Overview where we took in a great view of the region which boasts 15 peaks over 14,000 ft (14ers) in the Rocky Mountains
Strolled through downtown and took in the last of the 4th of July Festivities in McPhelemy Park
Dinner at House Rock Eatery (recommend; food delivery is slow so you’ve been warned to get an appetizer if you are super hungry going in)
After-dinner drinks at Deerhammer Distillery (recommend; the Colorado Mule was delicious!)
FIreworks from our Airbnb

Tuesday, July 5th

Rode our road bikes up Cottonwood Pass from downtown Buena Vista to the Cottonwood Pass which is at the Continental Divide
Late afternoon walk through downtown Buena Vista
Dinner at a popular pizza joint Crave (recommend; cool space (indoor, it was raining) and we scored seats at the bar, our favorite place to sit when dining out)
After-dinner drinks at The Slammer (highly recommended; this bar is an old jail and has a super cool vibe!)

Wednesday, July 6th

Numbers Half Day White Water Rafting Brown Canyon Rafting (recommend; the water on the lower side making for a slightly easier excursion. I’m glad we did the intermediate raft versus the beginner raft – you can handle it)
Dinner at Surf Hotel & Chateau (highly recommended; super cool hotel and an awesome restaurant)
After-dinner drinks at Eddyline South Main (recommend; great patio and lively – two things you want at a brewery)