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Welcome to Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado

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BUENA VISTA & SALIDA, COLORADO

Welcome to Chaffee County. Whether you’re a new guest or an old friend we’re glad to have you here. The majestic 14,000 foot peaks of the Sawatch Range lining up to the west and the mighty Arkansas River that flows the length of the valley are waiting for you to come and hike, bike, golf, raft, fish, soak or simply bask in their glory. The quaint small towns of Salida, Poncha Springs and Buena Vista invite you to stay, shop, dine and meet the friendly locals. What you will find is the best mix of what Colorado is all about. We trust that your experiences here will create the moments and memories you’ve been dreaming about.

Free visitor guide

HOLIDAYS IN BUENA VISTA & SALIDA, COLORADO

Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado are historic mountain towns that feel like a Hallmark movie set during the holidays. Each town hosts holiday celebrations starting with a parade of lights in Salida, Colorado the day after Thanksgiving. The town comes together to light the largest Christmas Tree in Colorado. Christmas Mountain shows off a 750 foot Christmas tree complete with fireworks. This enormous Christmas Tree is lit each evening at dusk until the new year. You are invited to shop at the many art galleries in Colorado’s largest National Historic District. Santa Claus will light the 750 foot Christmas Tree November 29, 2024, after the Parade Of Lights, in downtown Salida, Colorado. The tree will be lit each evening until January 5, 2025.

Salida Parade Of Lights 6:00PM November 29, 2024

Christmas Mountain Nightly 6:00PM November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025

Buena Vista

Buena Vista, known as “BV” by locals, is a hidden gem cradled by the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River. With breathtaking 14,000-foot peaks as your backdrop, BV offers a myriad of recreational opportunities. Explore world-class whitewater rafting, hike scenic trails, and unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs. Wander through a vibrant downtown with unique shops and eateries, all while enjoying the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Buena Vista is known for.

Fishing

Hot Springs

Horseback Riding

Buena Vista Adventures

Salida

Salida, often called the “Heart of the Rockies,” is where outdoor adventure meets artistic flair. Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Salida is an art lover’s paradise with numerous galleries, studios, and cultural festivals. Embrace the spirit of the Arkansas River, where kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding beckon. Stroll along historic streets of Colorado’s largest National historic district lined with boutique shops and savor farm-to-table cuisine at local restaurants.

Art Galleries

Biking

Aerial Parks & Zipline Tours

Winter

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Monarch Mountain

At Monarch Mountain, we don’t make artificial snow. We don’t have to; Monarch is nestled right up under the continental divide where storms march in from the west and deposit their bounty in abundance throughout the winter. So we’re blessed with an average of more than 350 inches of pure, powdery goodness each season.

Snowmobiling

Winter Fly Fishing

Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing

Summer

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Outdoor

ADVENTURE

Rimmed by the mighty Sawatch, Mosquito and Sangre de Cristo mountains, Chaffee County is a breathtaking place to get outdoors. Like sentinels lining the horizon to the west, Sawatch peaks dominate the Upper Arkansas Valley.