Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest

Buena Vista lives up to its name of “beautiful view” since it’s surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Sawatch mountain range.

This range includes a bunch of 14ers, which, along with other fantastic alpine trails, make Buena Vista hikes some of the very best in all of Colorado.

If you’re looking for the very best recommendations of Buena Vista trails from a local, then you’re in the right spot.

I’ve called Colorado home for almost 15 years and have hiked all around Buena Vista. As a local hiking pro, I’m here to help you explore the best Buena Vista hikes like a local, not a tourist.

About this Guide to Buena Vista Hikes

Inside this local guide to Buena Vista trails, you’ll find expert advice about:

• Location of Buena Vista
• Which 14ers are near Buena Vista
• The top Buena Vista hikes, broken down by difficulty
• Where to stay near Buena Vista
• Additional Colorado hiking resources

Where is Buena Vista?

Buena Vista (pronounced “Bew-na Vista” by the locals) is in central Colorado near the Sawatch mountain range.

This Colorado mountain town is about a 2 hour drive from Denver, making it a perfect weekend getaway from Denver.

Along with lots of hikes near Buena Vista, watersports are some of the most fun things to do in Buena Vista since the town is also close to Twin Lakes. It’s a great place for a Colorado summer vacation!

What 14ers are in Buena Vista?

Since it’s located near the Sawatch Range, which has the highest concentration of fourteeners in Colorado, Buena Vista has several 14ers nearby.

Mount Elbert (the highest 14er in Colorado), Huron Peak, Mount of the Holy Cross, La Plata Peak, and the Decalibron – Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross – are all 14ers for hiking near Buena Vista, CO.

The Best Easy Hikes in Buena Vista

If you’re not ready to start with a 14er, you can try one of these easy but great Buena Vista hikes.

1. Barbara Whipple Trail

The Barbara Whipple Trail is a nice loop that starts from Buena Vista River Park downtown.

It heads up to the old Midland Grade Railroad through desert terrain, so you’ll see cactus and piñon pines along the way with mountain peaks in the distance.

Distance: 2.1-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 388 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

2. Alpine Tunnel Trail

This trail follows an old railroad bed to explore up to the now-collapsed East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

You’ll find signs along the way to give you the history of the railroad, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views above the valley at the top.

Distance: 5.6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 544 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Best Moderate Hikes in Buena Vista

Buena Vista has lots of awesome moderate trails which are classic Colorado hikes.

3. Cottonwood Pass Skyline

The Cottonwood Pass Skyline Trail is a great way to see what it’s like to hike up at high elevation on a short trail before committing to a bigger hike like a 14er.

This whole trail is above 12,000 feet and features a gorgeous panorama of one of the prettiest places in Colorado with views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sawatch Range.

Distance: 1.6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 436 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

4. Lost Lake Trail

Lost Lake Trail is certainly one of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado. It’s a relatively short and not too difficult trail to get to a simply breathtaking turquoise-green lake with a cool rock island in the middle.

Local Tip: The Lost Lake Trail has been closed by the US Forest Service to reroute the trail. It is expected to reopen in spring of 2023.

Distance: 2.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes

5. Ptarmigan Lake Trail

One of the best Buena Vista hikes to explore in Colorado in summer, the Ptarmigan Lake Trail features beautiful blooming meadows that put it at the top of the list of wildflower hikes in Colorado.

The lake itself is located in a cirque of mountain peaks that provides incredible views. Keep an eye out for the namesake ptarmigans which live near treeline all year long.

Distance: 6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,469 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes

6. Greens Creek Trail

The Greens Creek Trail heads up to a shelter at the top of the Continental Divide. It starts through aspen groves, so it’s one of the gorgeous fall hikes in Colorado as the aspens turn gold.

The trail also features a couple creek crossings and wide open views once you get out of the trees.

Distance: 13.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 2,923 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

The Best Challenging Hikes in Buena Vista

If you’re looking to check off a bucket list hike, Buena Vista is the place to try a 14er. Be sure to check out these 14er tips before you hit the Buena Vista trails.

7. Missouri Lakes & Fancy Lakes Loop

If you want a challenge but aren’t seeking a 14er summit, the Missouri Lakes and Fancy Lakes Loop is the perfect alpine adventure.

Enjoy flowing creeks, flower-filled meadows, alpine lakes, and mountain cirques on this excellent hike.

Distance: 8.5-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 2,601 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

8. Huron Peak

Huron Peak is one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado (of course, “easy” is relative here), so it’s a great choice if you’re attempting your first 14er.

You’ll hike through forests, along streams, and up some steep switchbacks to reach the summit.

Distance: 6.6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 3,418 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

9. Mount of the Holy Cross

Mount of the Holy Cross is one of the most recognizable peaks in Colorado, with its distinctive cross-shaped couloir.

This makes it a compelling objective to hike but be prepared for a serious slog to get to the top.

Distance: 11.7 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 5,531 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 8-10 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes

10. Mount Elbert

With a summit of 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest point in Colorado.

While hiking Mount Elbert is a strenuous challenge in terms of elevation gain, it is all a Class 1 trail, and the views of the Sawatch Range are epic.

Distance: 9.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 4,461 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

11. La Plata Peak

The standard route up La Plata Peak is a committing Class 2 Route with some exposure and rockfall potential, so this is not a 14er for beginners.

But if you’re an experienced hiker/climber, you can attempt the Class 3 Ellingwood Ridge route for some intense scrambling.

Distance: 9.6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 4,370 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6.5-8.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

12. Decalibron Loop

The Decalibron Loop is a way to link four 14ers – Mount Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross – in one convenient but tough hike. (The actual summit of Mount Bross is on private property, so you must take the bypass trail to avoid it.)

Local Tip: A significant portion of this route is on private property, and as of early 2023, the owner has closed access to Mt. Democrat and Mt. Lincoln due to legal liability issues.

Distance: 7.2 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 3,136 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash (but there is lots of loose rock on this trail so it might not be the best choice)

Where to Stay in Buena Vista

You can find tons of camping around Buena Vista, and it’s one of the best places for free camping near Denver.

I highly recommend looking for camping near Cottonwood Pass, and you can also find camping near Buena Vista on Chaffee County Road 390 and around Browns Creek.

If you want to splurge, get a room at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. It’s definitely pretty pricey, but lodging includes free admission to one of the best Colorado hot springs during your stay.

What to Bring on Buena Vista Hikes

What you bring depends on which of the Buena Vista trails you choose to do, but, especially if you’re tackling a 14er, be sure to bring layers since it will get colder the higher you go.

Here is a quick, comprehensive list of some things to pack on your Buena Vista hikes:

Additional Colorado Hiking Resources

• Expert Tips for Your First Colorado 14er
• Your Complete Guide to Visiting Colorado Like a Local
• Spend the Perfect 4 Days in Colorado