boat ramp a few little kids were playing with toy boats while their parents floated around on rafts. What a perfect way to spend a sunny summer day. We discovered that this was all part of the River Park, and it quickly became our favorite place in town. Two bridges cross the river at either end of the park, the Town Bridge and Beaver Falls Bridge, and they are spaced about a mile apart. Town Bridge is for foot traffic only while the Beaver Falls Bridge has both foot and light vehicle traffic. A lovely walking path goes between the bridges along both riverbanks. We hiked this loop almost every day while we were in town. We loved it whether it was bright and sunny or gloomy and windy. The path along the town side of the river is wide and easy to walk, skirting along the fronts of homes and restaurants. The path on the far shore is narrower, more rugged and a bit wild. It dodges between boulders and trees, sometimes requiring a little bit of a scramble and always offering an adventurous although easy hike. Little mini beaches were tucked between large rocks in a few spots, ideal for bringing a beach blanket to sunbathe or simply enjoy the moist fresh air and sounds of the rushing water.
White water on the Arkansas River
The River Park isn’t the only summer beach spot in Buena Vista, however. On the opposite side of US 24 which runs north / south through town, the McPhelmy Park surrounds a beautiful pond. Tall shade trees arch over the water, which comes from Cottonwood Creek at one end. The water drains back into Cottonwood Creek in a cascade over a pretty manmade waterfall dam at the other end. This is a great spot to while away a few hours reading a book or watching the kids play in the water. One afternoon we arrived to find the entire pond full of kids on paddle boards. At other times we were the only ones there. And just as the park by the Surf Hotel at the river hosts outdoor concerts, McPhelmy Park does too. We joined the audience sitting on lawn chairs and blankets in the grass around the stage to listen to a local band. Back in the 1880s, Buena Vista evolved into the hub for three major railroads. Only one train depot is still standing, and it is now a museum. Although it wasn’t open during our visit, an old train was parked outside for kids to climb. It is remarkable to imagine a rickety wooden box like this rolling across the rough American countryside nearly 150 years ago. We peeked inside the train, and the accommodations were spartan. Traveling any kind of distance in it would have been very uncomfortable. Yet, it was probably much better than a stagecoach and a whole lot faster too. Eventually the parts for our truck arrived, and it was time to say goodbye to Buena Vista. What a silver lining we’d been blessed with in that dark cloud of a diesel truck breakdown. We’ll definitely visit Buena Vista again, but next time with everything in working order.
A walk across the town bridge offered great views of mountains and river
River rafters also ride Arkansas River rapids, and we saw several large rafts full of people go by. Skilled individual whitewater rafters tackled the waves too using short portable inflatable kayaks. We were floored to watch one fellow finish his run, deflate his kayak on the beach and fold it into a backpack for the walk home. The trails were popular with people of all ages, and many brought their dogs with them. We had to laugh when we saw a large sign at the trailhead saying, “These trails are best enjoyed with dogs. I recommend that every two people have at least 60 pounds of dogs with each individual dog weighing at least 20 pounds.“ As I mentioned, there’s whimsical spirit in this town!
BUENA VISTA, COLORADO
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2026 | 11
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