Explore Buena Vista's Best Bike Trails & Tips
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Buena Vista Short Loop

Published with permission from the guide book: The Local’s Adventure Guide to Singletrack & Tarmac – Mountain Bike Trails and Road Rides in the Upper Arkansas River Valley by Nathan Ward.

  • Featuring 36 Mountain Bike Trails and 18 Road Rides in and around Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado – beginner to expert, town to summit, smooth tarmac to extreme singletrack.
  • Maps and Elevation Profiles for each ride, including altitude gain and loss.
  • Local Advice on riding areas and seasons, where to sleep, where to soak, where to find the best pizza, the best coffee and the best bars in Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado.

This is a short and sweet loop when you need to squeeze a ride in after work or at lunch. Short and mostly flat, it’s easy and you can do laps if you need a bigger ride.

Options: If you need a couple more miles, turn north when you hit US 24 toward the end of the ride (mile 8.0). Ride as far as you want, then retrace the highway back to BV.

Trailhead Access/Facilities: Park in downtown Buena Vista. The ride starts at the corner of US 24 and CR 306/Main Street.

Location: Buena Vista
Distance: 10.4 Miles – Loop
Riding Time: 1 Hour or More
Riding Surface: Good Pavement
Shoulder: Narrow, but Little Traffic
Traffic: Light
Aerobic Level: Easy
Elevation in Feet: Low 7,943; High 8,367; Climbs/Descends 491

Buena Vista Short Loop Mileage Log

0.0             Ride west on CR 306/W. Main Street.

2.5            Turn right on CR 361.

2.9            Road splits, stay right on CR 361.

3.4            Stay straight on CR 361 and follow it for 3 more miles. Don’t turn on any other country roads until you reach CR 384.

6.4            Turn right on CR 384

7.6            Turn right on US 24.

10.4            Back where you started! Enjoy downtown Buena Vista.

BE PREPARED

We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip into Colorado’s backcountry. Be prepared it could be a long walk out. Be sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along with tips to make your biking trip more enjoyable.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

The Colorado backcountry is popular – bikers, hikers, motorcycle riders, hunters and equestrians use the trail system in the Arkansas Valley, and everyone wants a private piece of heaven. Even if you don’t agree with everyone’s motives or methods of travel, please treat them in a courteous manner.

CORSAR CARD

If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. Buy a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card to protect yourself. Funds from the CORSAR program go into the Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) Fund. If a CORSAR card holder becomes lost or injured in the backcountry, the Colorado SAR Fund pays eligible search and rescue expenses.

CARE FOR COLORADO – ARE YOU COLO-READY?

RIDE WITH CARE

Bicycle riding is a physically strenuous activity with many risks and dangers. Hazards, natural or man made, whether noted in this book or not, can be encountered at any time under any situation. As a cyclist, we assume you know your personal abilities and limitations. This book represents nothing more than a guide to the trails and roads and is not meant to replace your common sense, your ability to navigate in the wilderness or in traffic, or your ability to ride a bicycle safely.

In addition, the mileages and routes listed in this text are only suggestions. There may be variances and you may get lost. We recommend everyone uses a GPS and topographical map to navigate. Most routes in this text are located on public land, but some trails pass through or adjacent to private land. Respect the land owner’s rights and obey all signs regarding trail use. The same goes for wilderness areas which prohibit mountain bike riding. Neither the author, nor the publisher, nor anyone else mentioned in this book are responsible or liable in any way for any accident, injury or any action brought against anyone traveling any route listed in this book. All cyclists and their companions assume responsibility for themselves. Ride at your own risk.

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Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
111 E Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Salida Chamber of Commerce
406 W Rainbow Blvd.
Salida, CO 81201

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