WHAT TO DO IN BUENA VISTA, COLORADO
Located in the heart of Central Colorado, Buena Vista is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, weekend explorers, and anyone looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in Colorado’s natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer outdoor adventure, Buena Vista delivers in every season. From rugged mountain trails to whitewater rivers and relaxing hot springs, the range of activities is vast, and the experiences are unforgettable.
If you’re wondering what to do in Buena Vista, Colorado, you’ll quickly find that the real challenge is narrowing it down. At Sage Outdoor Adventures, we’ve spent years guiding visitors across Colorado’s most iconic landscapes, and Buena Vista remains one of our favorite regions. Here’s why—and how you can make the most of your time here.
Why Buena Vista Belongs on Your Colorado Itinerary
Buena Vista sits at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, a dramatic line of 14,000-foot mountains that provide a stunning backdrop to any adventure. The town is small, approachable, and refreshingly uncrowded, with a relaxed atmosphere that feels like classic Colorado. It’s also conveniently located between Denver and Gunnison, making it accessible for road trippers and those flying into nearby airports.
Buena Vista is ideal for outdoor recreation with direct access to national forest land, hot springs, the Arkansas River, and scenic byways. But more importantly, it offers that rare combination of authentic charm and adrenaline-fueled adventure. This is where small-town Colorado meets big-mountain adventure—exactly where Sage Outdoor Adventures comes in.
Outdoor Adventures with Sage Near Buena Vista
If you’re looking to experience Colorado’s rugged beauty in a way that goes beyond the ordinary, Sage Outdoor Adventures offers guided experiences that take you off the beaten path. Our activities are designed for people who want more than a photo-op connection, movement, and a real sense of place.
Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River
Buena Vista is a central hub for whitewater rafting, with the Arkansas River flowing through the valley. The river offers a variety of rapids, from family-friendly Class II stretches to adrenaline-pumping Class IV runs through Browns Canyon National Monument. Rafting trips typically run from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and water levels.
Pairing a rafting trip with a Sage ATV or fly fishing tour makes for a well-rounded multi-day adventure in the area.
ATV Tours Through High Alpine Terrain
Just a scenic drive from Buena Vista, our guided ATV tours offer exclusive access to thousands of acres of high alpine terrain. These tours are built for exploration and deliver 360-degree views of the Rockies, with stops to soak in the sights, learn about the area’s history, and test your skills on exciting trails.
What makes our ATV tours different is the terrain. You won’t be riding through crowded trails or dusty flats. You’ll be navigating through aspen groves, climbing ridgelines, and rolling through meadows with views that stretch across multiple mountain ranges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, our guides tailor the experience to your pace and comfort level.
Fly Fishing Trips for Beginners and Experts
During spring, summer, and fall, we offer guided fly fishing trips that cater to all experience levels, especially beginners. With access to some of Colorado’s most productive trout streams—including private water on the Eagle River—Sage provides an unmatched fly fishing experience.
Our guides provide instruction on casting techniques, fly selection, reading the river, and more. All gear is included, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the day. Whether wading in a secluded riffle or floating on the river with mountain views behind you, these trips offer relaxation and reward.
Snowmobiling in the Winter Months
If you’re visiting Buena Vista in the winter, snowmobiling with Sage Outdoor Adventures is necessary. Our snowmobile tours operate on a private mountain resort that spans over 6,000 acres, larger than the Vail Ski Area. The terrain includes over 100 miles of groomed trails, deep powder fields, and alpine ridges reaching nearly 11,000 feet.
This is not your average snowmobile experience. Our Performance Tours are designed for those who want to ride hard and fast, while our Adventure Tours are perfect for families and first-timers. Every trip is guided by seasoned professionals, ensuring a safe, scenic, and action-packed winter excursion.
Other Must-Do Activities in Buena Vista, Colorado
In addition to booking a tour with Sage Outdoor Adventures, Buena Vista offers a range of independent experiences that pair well with our guided adventures. Here’s how to round out your trip:
Soak in Natural Hot Springs
After a day on the trail or river, there’s nothing more rejuvenating than a soak in Buena Vista’s natural hot springs. Two popular options stand out:
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers creekside soaking pools, a historic bathhouse, and family-friendly amenities.
- Cottonwood Hot Springs provides a more rustic and serene atmosphere, tucked into the forest just west of town.
Both options are open year-round and provide a unique way to unwind in the shadow of the mountains.
Explore the Collegiate Peaks and Colorado Trail
For hikers and mountain bikers, the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and sections of the Colorado Trail are easily accessible from Buena Vista. Popular hikes include the Ptarmigan Lake Trail, Harvard Lakes Trail, and Mount Yale for those looking to summit a 14er.
Mountain bikers can explore the Midland Trail System or the Fourmile Recreation Area, which offers singletrack and scenic dirt roads.
Stroll Downtown Buena Vista
When it’s time to slow down, head into downtown Buena Vista to explore local shops, breweries, coffee houses, and art galleries. The South Main neighborhood along the Arkansas River features riverside trails, community events, and live music in the warmer months. It’s a great place to grab a bite, stretch your legs, or unwind after a full day of outdoor adventure.
When to Visit for the Best Outdoor Experience
Each season in Buena Vista offers something unique:
- Spring (April–June): Great for fly fishing, hot springs, and early ATV tours
- Summer (July–August): Peak season for rafting, hiking, fishing, and Sage’s high-alpine ATV rides
- Fall (September–October): Crisp temperatures, vibrant foliage, and excellent conditions for off-roading and fly fishing
- Winter (November–March): Prime time for snowmobiling and soaking in hot springs under snow-covered peaks
No matter when you visit, Sage Outdoor Adventures offers year-round outdoor experiences highlighting each season’s best.
Plan Your Buena Vista Adventure with Sage Outdoor Adventures
There’s no shortage of options when figuring out what to do in Buena Vista, Colorado. Still, if you’re looking for a premium outdoor experience guided by local experts, Sage Outdoor Adventures is your go-to outfitter. From backcountry ATV rides to high-elevation snowmobiling and fly fishing trips in scenic rivers, our adventures are crafted to connect you with Colorado’s wild beauty in a personal, unforgettable way.
Book your tour today and discover why so many travelers return to Buena Vista and Sage for an outdoor experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Nick Junker
General Manager
I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the professional realm.
With a background in Sales and Outdoor Recreation, I’ve navigated through various roles where I’ve honed my expertise in Risk Management, Business Development and Financial Analysis. From Account Executive to General Manager, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of client and employee relations, Human Resources, Project Management and overall business operations from generating sales to budgeting expenses and managing over 30 employees.
My mission is to create a great culture in any organization I am apart of, through creating efficient industry specific systems within the business that satisfies both employees and investors. Whether it’s through implementing new business systems or managing employee expectations, I’m committed to meeting the goals of the organization.
Known for my strong leadership and organizational skills, I excel in delegating tasks to keep projects and goals on task and on budget. I’m passionate about systems, always seeking innovative solutions to making the business run smoother and more efficiently. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working with diverse individuals to build a strong team thats driven to accomplish the organizations goals.
