🌄 Explore Central Colorado: Your Complete Local Guide

Welcome to the Upper Arkansas Valley — where rugged peaks meet quiet mountain towns, natural hot springs, and some of the friendliest small communities in Colorado. From Salida to Buena Vista, and south through Villa Grove and Saguache, this region offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking mountain beauty.

Whether you’re here to explore the outdoors or unwind with a great meal, you’ll find plenty of unique experiences, friendly faces, and breathtaking views waiting for you.

🍴 Local Dining & Coffee

Central Colorado’s small towns serve up big flavor — from riverside burgers to artisan coffee and locally sourced menus. Here are a few local favorites to get you started.

Salida Favorites

• Amicas Pizza – Wood-fired pizza, salads, and local craft beer in a lively downtown setting.
• Boathouse Cantina – Baja-style tacos, burgers, and margaritas with Arkansas River views.
• Currents Steak & Seafood – Steaks, seafood, and comfort classics in a cozy atmosphere.
• Osake Steak & Sushi – Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar with a loyal local following.
• Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop – Handmade breads, fresh sandwiches, and pastries in the heart of town.

Buena Vista Favorites

• House Rock Kitchen – Farm-to-table restaurant serving fresh, healthy Colorado cuisine.
• Crave BV – Elevated dining with creative dishes and mountain flair.
• Eddyline Brewery & Restaurant – Adventure-inspired brewery with pizzas, burgers, and craft ales.
• The Lariat – Historic downtown venue combining creative food, live music, and local beer.
• Jan’s Family Restaurant & Lounge – Classic breakfast and lunch spot loved by locals and travelers alike.

Villa Grove & Saguache Favorites

• Villa Grove Trade – Mountain café and general store serving coffee, burritos, and homemade baked goods, plus local art.
• The Village Pub and Pizza (Saguache) – friendly, local pub offering handmade pizzas, sandwiches And a relaxed, small town atmosphere.
• The Oasis Mexican restaurant (Saguache)  Family owned restaurant with delicious Mexican dishes, daily specials, and warm hospitality.
  

For a complete list of local restaurants, visit the Salida Chamber of Commerce Dining, Buena Vista Chamer of Commerce Dining, and Saguache Chamber of Commerce websites.

🏞️ Central Colorado Recreation Guide

Buena Vista & Salida Adventures 

Absolute Bikes, Accelerate Adventures, American Adventure Expeditions, ArkAnglers, AVA Rafting & Zipline, Browns Canyon Brewing, BV Adventure Hub, BV eBikes, BV Jeeps, Buena Vista Bike Co., Buena Vista Heritage Museum, Collegiate Peaks Golf Course, Collegiate Peaks Offroad, Comanche Drive-In Theatre, Cottonwood Hot Springs, Dvorak’s Expeditions, Eddyline Kayaks & Adventures, High Country Bike Tours, KODI Rafting, Monarch Dog Sled Rides, Monarch Ski Resort, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Noah’s Ark Adventure Co., River Runners, Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, Ski Cooper, St. Elmo General Store, Taylor Park Marina, Top of the Rockies Zip Line.

Buena Vista Chamer of Commerce Recreation

Salida Chamber of Commerce Recreation

Saguache County

Villa Grove & Northern San Luis Valley Highlights

Orient Land Trust & Valley View Hot Springs, Poncha Pass Trail System, San Luis Creek Wildlife Area.

Saguache Area Adventures

Saguache County Museum, Cochetopa Hills Scenic Drive, Saguache State Wildlife Area.

💧 Hot Springs & Wellness

• Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort (Nathrop) – A premier year-round destination between Buena Vista and Salida. Natural geothermal pools, creekside soaking, spa services, and a family-friendly water slide make it the perfect balance of luxury and nature.
• Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa (Buena Vista) – Quiet mineral pools, massages, and unplugged serenity surrounded by pine forest.
• Charlotte Hot Springs (Salida Area) – A local favorite known for rustic simplicity and naturally heated mineral water with mountain views.
• Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center (Salida) – The largest indoor hot-spring complex in North America with family pools and private soaking tubs.
• Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa (Villa Grove) – Scenic retreat featuring three outdoor mineral pools, spa treatments, and yoga retreats overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

🛍️ Shopping & Local Finds

Central Colorado is full of creative small businesses, local artisans, and mountain boutiques. From handmade goods to outdoor gear, these are some of the area’s favorite shopping stops.

• Howl Mercantile & Coffee (Salida) – Handmade art, local goods, and craft coffee.
• Drift & Amble (Buena Vista) – Locally inspired boutique with Colorado-made gifts.
• Sundance & Friends (Buena Vista) – Showcasing over 50 Colorado artists and makers.
• The Beekeeper’s Honey Boutique (Salida) – Honey, natural skincare, and local gifts.
• Salida Farmers Market (Salida) – Seasonal open-air market with fresh produce and crafts.
• BV Farmers Market (Buena Vista) – Saturday market with local goods and music.
• Saguache Works (Saguache) – Community shop featuring A thrift store and organic food store.
• Villa Grove Trade (Villa Grove) – Mountain café and art shop with regional crafts.

For a complete list of local stores, visit the Salida Chamber of Commerce Shopping and https://www.buenavistacolorado... websites.

🎨 Arts, Culture & History

Central Colorado is rich with art, heritage, and small-town character.

Salida

Explore the Salida Creative District, SteamPlant Event Center, Salida Museum, Gallery 150, Bork & Watkins Gallery, and The Maverick Potter for pottery and art workshops. Salida Chamber of Commerce Arts

Buena Vista

Visit the Buena Vista Heritage Museum, enjoy a nostalgic night at the Comanche Drive-In Theatre, or tour Deerhammer Distilling Co. The BV Public Art Walk in South Main showcases sculpture and murals. Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce Arts

Villa Grove & Saguache

Highlights include the Saguache County Museum, Saguache Crescent Newspaper Office, Oxygen Art Gallery, and Villa Grove Community Center & Art Space. Nearby, the historic St. Elmo Ghost Town lets you step into Colorado’s wild-west past.

🚙 Scenic Drives & Day Trips

Central Colorado is made for the open road.

Scenic Drives

Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass, Poncha Pass, Cochetopa Hills Scenic Byway, Monarch Pass, and Highway 285 — each offers incredible views and access to hiking, photography, and wildlife watching.

Day Trips & Nearby Towns

Leadville, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Fairplay, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Twin Lakes Historic Village, and the San Luis Valley Loop are all perfect for one-day adventures from your stay.

✨ Plan Your Stay

From riverside dining and mountain hikes to hot springs and historic ghost towns, Central Colorado is a place where every day brings new adventure.

Book your stay and start exploring the best of Salida, Buena Vista, Villa Grove, and Saguache today — the heart of the Rockies is waiting for you!