5 Days
Ditch the crowds and adventure in the "real" Colorado. The Arkansas River Valley welcomes you with stops in scenic Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida.
Sustainability Activity
Help with Trail Maintenance
The Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition is always looking for volunteers and donations to maintain their beautiful tracks for future generations.
Day 1
activity
Top of the Rockies - Scenic and Historic Byway
Designated a National Scenic Byway in 1998.
lunch
Casa Sanchez
Excellent service and excellent Mexican food. Tortilla soup, natural margaritas and seafood burrito are crowd favorites.
activity
Hike the Interlaken Trail
This hike traverses the south shore of Twin Lakes and leads to Interlaken, a fascinating historic resort site — popular in the late 1800s. From there…
dinner
Twin Lakes Saloon
Located inside The Twin Lakes Inn, the Saloon serves up tasty meal choices within a true Wild West setting. Enjoy tasty appetizers, drinks and meals…
activity
Silver Dollar Saloon
Established in 1879 The Silverdollar is the second oldest saloon in Colorado. With its original tile floor and its custom made bar with original diamond…
lodging
Mount Elbert Lodge and Cabins
Enjoy area fishing, hiking, rafting, ziplining, sightseeing, winter activities. Roomy cabins and lodge rooms with mountain views. Mount Elbert Lodge:…
Day 2
breakfast
City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso
We are located in the green brick building in the center of downtown Leadville, just south of the traffic light. The shop is a warm place to relax,…
Insider's Tip
Head to Buena Vista
Start your morning with a 30-minute car drive to Buena Vista.
activity
American Adventure Expeditions
Whitewater trips on Colorado's most popular river, mountain-bike tours on the Continental Divide, guided high-country ATV tours and ziplining over rugged…
activity
Stroll down Main
Walk along Main St. and South Main St. in downtown Buena Vista for live music, galleries and one-of-a-kind shops.
Insider's Tip
Lunch is Served
You'll enjoy lunch dished up by your guides on the river.
dinner
House Rock Kitchen
House Rock Kitchen is a fast casual, from scratch, healthy, fun option in Buena Vista.
activity
The Beach
Colorado's riverside concert venue. Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, The BEACH is BV's outdoor community living room. Kick back, relax, and…
lodging
Surf Hotel & Chateau
Welcome to the Surf Hotel, a boutique hotel in the adventure town of Buena Vista. Inspired by the understated elegance of European hospitality and the…
Day 3
breakfast
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
This little town in the sky has the highest concentration of fourteeners (14,000-foot mountains) in the contiguous United States! Roasting at this elevation…
activity
Mt. Princeton Riding Stables
Scenic rides along Chalk Creek and overlooking the spectacular Chalk Cliffs.
lunch
Sorelle Delicatessen
We are an Italian inspired delicatessen featuring all-natural meats and cheeses along with many house made specialties!
activity
Go Fishing at Cottonwood Lake
Spend a fun-in-the-sun afternoon on this beautiful lake, catching fish.
Insider's Tip
Treat Yourself
Book a spa treatment after dinner to get really relaxed before bed.
lodging
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Located in Nathrop between and . Ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, or . Enjoy a one-day experience or relax with an overnight stay at…
Day 5
Insider's Tip
Drive to Salida
Get an early start to your day by driving 25 minutes to Salida for breakfast.
breakfast
Gathering Grounds Coffee
Our mission is simple: to create a place for Salida to gather around delicious healthy food, excellent coffee and good company.
activity
Captain Zipline Adventure Tours
Be a Ninja Nature Warrior in Captain Zipline's NEW Aerial Adventure Park-where Indiana Jones meets SpiderMan-the largest in the Western USA! 120 challenge…
lunch
Boathouse Cantina
We serve fresh, organic and local produce and there is no doubt that you can taste the difference! Sit next to the river and sip on one of our house-engineered…
activity
Play Dirty ATV Tours
Mountain trail riding is exciting and fun. We are a private ATV tour-guide service in the Texas Creek Trail System. Texas Creek is considered by "those…
dinner
The Fritz
Gastro-Pub? Americana Bistro? Global Cafe? Call it what you want, we call it delicious, and hopefully you will too. Sandwiches by day, Small and large…
activity
Go Gallery Shopping
First Street beckons you with exclusive Salida art galleries. Make a purchase for your home's walls or for friends and family.
lodging
Browns Canyon Inn
Pet friendly hotel in beautiful Salida, Colorado. Ranked #1 in Travelocity hotel reviews.