Buena Vista is Spanish for "good view," and it's not hard to see how this charming town got its name. Nestled right at the base of the Continental Divide, Buena Vista boasts stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including a number of peaks that soar more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Many people consider the town to be the American capital of whitewater rafting, but there are also plenty of opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Visitors rarely leave this beautiful place feeling disappointed, but here are the absolute best things to see and do during your time here.

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Browns Canyon National Monument

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Buena Vista Heritage Museum

© Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com

Buena Vista Whitewater Park

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Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway

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Cottonwood Hot Springs

© Cottonwood Hot Springs

House Rock Kitchen

© House Rock Kitchen

Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy

© Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

© Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Noah's Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park

© Courtesy of sportstock - Fotolia.com

St. Elmo Ghost Town

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The Trailhead

© The Trailhead

Buena Vista Roastery Cafe

© Buena Vista Roastery Cafe

ArkAnglers

© Courtesy of Piotr Wawrzyniuk - Fotolia.com

Eddyline Brewery and Taproom

© Eddyline Brewery and Taproom

Stedman’s Sweet Shop

© Stedman’s Sweet Shop

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