Buena Vista, CO

The View

The halfway point of our trip, the Arkansas River Valley town of Buena Vista, CO (elevation 7,965 ft), is home to my brother and not far from Bailey, CO, where I spent my later childhood. The drive from Cheyenne took us through Denver, then up scenic (and curvy) Highway 285. Buena Vista, established in 1864 as an agricultural settlement, is known for rafting and outdoor sports, as well as hot springs and its fantastic views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Buena Vista's Main Street is charming, with historic buildings, unique shops and varied food options. We especially enjoyed early morning hikes on the Barbara Whipple Trail System, located on the river and adjacent to Main Street, with tremendous views of the peaks and the river.

The Room

The Victorian Flat @ Riverpath Pensione Airbnb was very small (suitable for 1 - 2 people), but completely clean, beautifully decorated and perfectly located walking distance from Main Street, the river and trails. The bathroom was full-size and very nice. Each unit in the building has a different "theme," which is carried out in the smallest of details. The queen-sized bed was very comfortable; however, it is a "cubby" bed enclosed on three sides. Johnny found this a bit claustrophobic; I found it cozy (of course, I was not the one sleeping next to the wall ...). I highly recommend this property if you don’t mind the “coziness.”