Buena Vista--or "good view" in Spanish--is far more than that.
The town is about two and a half hours from Denver, located at the foot of the Rockies’ Collegiate Peaks. It offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Princeton and its companions. Along with the panoramic scenery, there’s an incredible choice of activities: camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, four-wheeling, and rafting, to name a few. There’s a hot springs resort nearby, and an authentic Western ghost town down the road.
Buena Vista’s Chamber_of_Commerce has an informative, information-packed website for potential visitors.
Where to Stay in Buena Vista
For those who prefer hotels, there is a wide assortment available. But for the full outdoor experience, camping in Buena Vista is the way to go.
Hotels and motels range from the small and rustic to large national chains. There are also over a dozen bed and breakfasts in and around the town.
Camping—In Town or in the Mountains
The camping in Buena Vista is in a class by itself. There are few places where campers can wake up to such awe-inspiring surroundings.
The Buena Vista KOA campground is a good choice for inexperienced campers or those with small children. Located on County Road 303 on the way into town, the KOA sits on the opposite side of the valley from Mt. Princeton and offers some of the best views in a town full of astonishing vistas.
There are campsites, RV sites, and cabins available. Reservations are strongly recommended. Activities include rafting, horseback riding, and ice cream socials in the Cook Shack. A rec room, horseshoe pit, dog-walking path, and volleyball, basketball, and tetherball courts offer further options for active families.
For more rugged campers, the peaks across the way are dotted with small, primitive campgrounds. Many of these offer only tent sites, and facilities are limited to an outhouse and a water pump. The tent sites are cleared, and most have a picnic table and fire ring. Reservations can be made through the National_Park_Service.
There are, of course, campgrounds that fall between these two extremes. Many sit along the Arkansas River, which runs through Buena Vista, and offer rafting trips. Others are geared more toward RVs than tents.
Buena Vista campers will end up happy campers, but don’t forget to make reservations!
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a truly secluded gem, tucked away among the Collegiate Peaks, off any and every beaten track. The resort is built around geothermal springs bubbling up from deep in the earth.
Ute Indians were the first to find and utilize the springs. Miners discovered the springs in the early twentieth century. A bathhouse and later two pools were built around the springs. These were joined by a motel, restaurant, and cabins.
In 2004, the current owners purchased Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and, through a massive renovation, turned it into a first-class spa and resort. The idyllic spot now offers not only the rejuvenating hot springs, but spa treatments, gourmet dining, and even facilities for corporate gatherings.
St. Elmo: A Real Ghost Town
Follow Route 321 past Mt. Princeton and up into the mountains to discover an authentic Colorado ghost town, St. Elmo.
St. Elmo was founded in 1880 as a mining community. A railroad line into the town was abandoned in 1922, and the last family moved out in 1958. Nearby residents continued upkeep on the buildings, preserving them until interest in the town grew in the 1990s, when avid four-wheeling enthusiasts rediscovered St. Elmo.
A few people moved back year-round, updating the general store and other buildings as tourist attractions. Sadly, a fire in 2002 swept through and destroyed six of the historical structures. The Buena Vista Historical Association is currently collecting donations to rebuild the town hall.
Those brave enough to stay among the ghosts can rent a cabin in St. Elmo, starting at $65 per night.
There’s So Much More
Surrounding the campgrounds, hot springs, and ghost town are, of course, the Rocky Mountains. Alpine passes run through the Collegiate Peaks, and adventurers can trek through them toward Aspen or Crested Butte. Or they can just follow a trail to one of the many lakes and streams for a day of fishing.
Buena Vista’s potential is limitless. Just be sure to bring a camera.
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