Nature area Buena Vista’s  E. Alfred Marquard Nature Area is behind McGinnis Middle School, at South Railroad Street and Marquette Avenue, and includes 10 acres bordering Cottonwood Creek, with foot paths, bird blinds and learning stations.

Buena Vista Heritage Museum Buena Vista, CO 81211 719-395-8458 Learn about the history of Buena Vista Colorado!

River Park The 90-acre Buena Vista Recreational River Park is located at the east end of Main Street, along

the Arkansas River. The park has picnic tables and trails overlooking the river, access to the river for trout fishing, (including handicap access), public restrooms, a footbridge across the river, a soccer field, softball and baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, basketball court and covered pavilion.

Ghost Towns and Historical Places

Perhaps you've heard of such names as Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown of Titanic fame (Margaret Brown), Baby Doe Tabor, the Cole-Younger Gang, and "Soapy" Smith.  Surprisingly, all of these personalities and countless more just as famous, infamous (and even some not-so-famous), are an integral part of the amazing history of the Upper Arkansas Valley. Untouched ruins, as well as restored ghost towns and mining camps, are found throughout the Valley.  If you're a hiker, mountain biker, ATV enthusiast or 4-wheeler, there are ruins left over from the mining boom era that are located in spectacular areas at elevations well over 12,000 - 14,000 feet above sea level.   Other locations, including the various Historical Districts like Twin Lakes and St. Elmo, can be easily accessed by passenger vehicle.  One of the nations most amazing engineering feats, the famous Alpine Tunnel (which brought the railroad from Buena Vista, through the ghost towns of St. Elmo, Romley and Hancock, and then through the mountain to Gunnison on the west portal) is accessible via the old railroad bed and is one of the State's most spectacular walking hikes.  

Tours of Mines

Early development of Colorado was, in great part, the result of gold discoveries when literally thousands of hopeful prospectors flooded the area with pick and shovel - later when the gold boom passed, it was the silver boom that exploded.  As techniques improved, fortunes were made and paupers became millionaires overnight.   Lake County brags a newly paved biking/hiking trail that winds through restored mining gallows and ruins.  The Silver Kings self-tour can be made by auto, and explores many of the biggest producing mines in the Leadville area.

Jeep tours and guide services are available for those not experienced in trekking to the high elevations themselves, and offer spectacular trips to the high country that many will never see on their own.

Jeep and ATV rentals are available for self guided touring.

 Southern Chaffee County hosts The Lost Mine… one of only 13 historic mines in the State of Colorado open to the public for an amazing and educational tour inside, showing the crystals and caverns left behind from early day mining.

The National Mining Hall of Fame

is nationally recognized for its vast collection of books, displays, artifacts and tours which detail the amazing story of the nation's mining history from the early prospectors to modern day mining that continues today. Art, life-size replica mines, detailed models, antiques, interactive displays and a world class mineral collection are tastefully housed in a Victorian era, 70,000 square foot facility. Come and learn how mining affects you everyday. The Hall of Fame features biographical sketches of individuals that have made an impact on mining. Stories include the school-boy playing hooky who discovered a gold mine and a mining engineer who later became the President of the US.

Other Tours

Countless other tours are available throughout the Valley during all or part of each year, including the world famous Tabor Opera House, Healy House, Dexter Cabin, Matchless Mine, Lost Mine.

Indoor Activities

Although the Arkansas Valley is very proud of its snowfall quality and volume, which add enjoyment to so many outdoor activities, there is also a myriad of other things to do inside:

Art Galleries and Cultural Events The valley has been recognized as one of the nation's best art and cultural centers and a visit to many locally operated galleries and shops proves why.   Many events such as Leadville's Victorian Home tour, and a number of local Art Walks throughout Chaffee County present some of the very best architectural and artistic talent.  Some facilities offer craft activities, such as  pottery-making classes, quilting, water color painting, etc.

Sports and Recreation

Rafting

Whitewater rafting defines summers in Colorado's Headwaters of Adventure like nothing else. In fact, the Arkansas is the most popular rafting river in the world.

 Some of the nation's very best whitewater rafting is found on the exciting Arkansas River... running right through the center of the Arkansas Valley with the spectacular 14,000 ft. mountains running with it.  

Rafting at Brown's Canyon 

Probably the most famous and popular stretch of river is Brown's Canyon, Situated between Buena Vista and Salida, Browns is a moderate and popular trip with Class III and IV whitewater flowing through a beautiful, hidden granite canyon. Visitors can choose to take easy and moderate family float trips for all ages or get the adrenaline pumping through some of the nation's most intense rapids with such apt names as.

Staircase, Zoom Flume, Big Drop, Graveyard, Widowmaker, and Raft Ripper and countless other thrilling advanced-to-expert rated rapids. Highly qualified outfitters offer river guides for beginners, as well as experts.1/2 day or 5 day... raft or kayak... all here in the Arkansas Valley!

What makes the Arkansas numero uno is its:

·  variety and types of trips

·  amount of white water per mile

·  accessibility to major metropolitan areas

·  number of places along the river rafters or kayakers can put in or take out

·  length of season

·  spectacular scenery

Whitewater Kayaking

The Arkansas River is a kayaking mecca! Over 100 miles of whitewater runs through our valley with all types of rapids from class I to Class V. Also two world-class whitewater parks in Salida and Buena Vista.

Hiking & Backpacking

The San Isabel National Forest has easily accessible trails that provide great mountain scenery.  

Agnes Vaille Falls Trail

This is one of the best trails for newcomers to the mountains.  This trail begins at 8,700 feet elevation and finishes at 9,000 feet. It is a half-mile interpretive trail that ends at a waterfall. To get to the Agnes Vaille trailhead, take U.S. 285 to CR 162. Turn west and travel about six miles. Agnes Vaille Falls Trail is located in the Chalk Creek Canyon. Chalk cliffs, unsafe for climbing, surround the area. Mountain goats and bighorn mountain sheep can be seen.  

Colorado Trail Another easy hike is  from Mt. Shavano Campground to Blanks Cabin. This two-mile section follows the Sawatch Range through some beautiful aspen groves. To get to the trailhead, take U.S. 50 to CR 240 north.

Hiking / Snowshoeing

The words "winter wonderland" can be truly experienced with a hike through the back country during the winter months.  The air is crisp and clean, the snow is hanging from the pine trees,  and mountain peaks make for post card views.  Snowshoeing has rapidly become a favorite among those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of a beautiful winter snow in our back country or along groomed trails.

Golfing

Tee Time. Breathtaking scenery, altitude enhanced drives and downright reasonable greens fees. What's not to love about a quick round of golf in the Upper Arkansas Valley? Nine- hole, regulation length courses in Buena Vista and Salida are typically open March through November.

Horseback and Llamas

From short, one-hour guided trail trips to rigorous multi-day excursions, a great variety of rides await visitors looking for a truly Western experience. Outfitters provide a choice of rides for those who haven't ridden as well as for those experienced cowboys and cowgirls. Those with horses who wish to visit the region can pick their trail and terrain. Stables are available and several Bed & Breakfasts will also board your horse during your stay. For those who want to hike the 14ers region but do not want to carry all their gear, there's llama trekking. In the Salida/Buena Vista area there are several llama guide and outfitter companies permitted through the US Forest Service to choose from for your Colorado Llama Vacation.

Why llamas? Llamas are outstanding pack animals, especially for those inexperienced with animals. Their intelligence, surefootedness, calm and friendly disposition, moderate size, and minimal impact to the environment make llamas easy to lead, even for young children as young as three years old. Trails in the San Isabel National Forest wind through peaceful, stream-fed lush valleys, up wildflower carpeted alpine mountainsides, and across high mountain ridges and the Continental Divide. Friendly, trained, and experienced guides share their knowledge of the local area and history, geology, wildlife, and flora and fauna.

Mountain Biking

Pumped . Mile for mile, hiking and biking trails in the Upper Arkansas Valley stand toe to toe with some of the best in the country. Wildlife, miners, stagecoach lines and railroad barons have left the high country criss-crossed with everything from single-track to long abandoned narrow gauge railroad beds. Every summer, those with a gusto for superlatives and leg power to match test their mettle along the border of land and sky on the Monarch Crest Trail - which overlaps the statewide Colorado Trail. Blissfully uncrowded lesser-known trails appeal to a wide range of abilities and tastes. Off to an early start: While surrounding peaks may receive 30 feet of snow a year, the valley floor averages 10 to 11 inches of precipitation annually. this makes for great early-season riding locally.

Snowmobiling

When the days get shorter and the snow begins to fall, some Salida businesses find they are still in-season during the off season. "Four-wheelers sell pretty steadily all year long, but snowmobiles are almost exclusively a winter seller," said Paula Bullington, owner of High Country Connection in Salida. Because most snowmobilers in Colorado ride above 10,000 feet, Bullington says they specialize in large engine machines. "At 13,000 and 14,000 feet engines lose over a quarter of their sea-level power. The new machine for this winter has an 800 cubic centimeter engine that gives it power to spare for high elevation," Bullington said.

Snowmobile Tours

Monarch Tours is conveniently located across the highway from the Monarch Mountain Lodge. Skiers and snowboarders who need to give their legs the day off can opt for a professionally guided tour, or rent and explore on their own. Call 719-539-2572 for rates and availability. Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours began selling guided tours December 15. Tours begin at Denny Creek trailhead and go up Cottonwood Pass, into Taylor Park and to Tincup.  

Fishing

Gone fishin':   Anglers would rather keep it a secret, but the Arkansas is one of the best brown trout fisheries in the country. The diversity in fishing waters, hatches and climate mean something is always going on on the Upper Arkansas. Couple that with one of the highest catch rates in the state and an occasional Rainbow surprise, and it's no wonder anglers the world over find the Ark an addictive destination. Ssshhh . . . don't tell.

Hunting

The Arkansas Valley is well known for its trophy hunting opportunities.  Big game abounds here, including elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose and bear.  You can no longer obtain an over-the-counter deer license.  You must apply.  Guide services are available if you need assistance or are unfamiliar with the area.

(check DOW or local merchants for restrictions)

Skiing / Snowboarding

World renowned white powder downhill skiing can be best enjoyed right here in the Arkansas Valley.  Ski Cooper, located just 10 miles north of Leadville opens in late November and remains open through March.  Lessons and rentals are available at this family oriented resort.  Taking an annual snowfall of 260 inches, Ski Cooper makes for some of the best and most affordable skiing in the state. Chaffee County also brags the famous Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area, recently adding $350,000 worth of new improvements to its resort, including espresso bar, café and Gunbarrel Café and Sidewinder Saloon.  Lessons and children's services are available. For those cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts, the Arkansas Valley touts countless trails and beautiful places to visit... many are the same spectacular trails that are hiked during the summer months.  Because of the popularity of cross country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the Valley, rentals, equipment, lessons, guides and supplies are abundant throughout the entire area.

The National Mining Hall of Fame is nationally recognized for its vast collection of books, displays, artifacts and tours which detail the amazing story of the nation's mining history from the early prospectors to modern day mining that continues today. Art, life-size replica mines, detailed models, antiques, interactive displays and a world class mineral collection are tastefully housed in a Victorian era, 70,000 square foot facility. Come and learn how mining affects you everyday. Our Hall of Fame features biographical sketches of individuals that have made an impact on mining. Stories include the school-boy playing hooky who discovered a gold mine to a mining engineer who later became the President of the US.

Southern Chaffee County hosts The Lost Mine… one of only 13 historic mines in the State of Colorado open to the public for an amazing and educational tour inside, showing the crystals and caverns left behind from early day mining.

Art Galleries and Cultural Events The valley has been recognized as one of the nation's best art and cultural centers and a visit to many locally operated galleries and shops proves why.   Many events such as Leadville's Victorian Home tour, and a number of local Art Walks throughout Chaffee County present some of the very best architec