Buena Vista, Colorado

Buena Vista is Spanish for “good view,” and this small town in the Rocky Mountains offers that and so much more. This picturesque place is centrally located in Colorado and sits at the bottom of the Arkansas River valley between 2 towering mountain ranges. Buena Vista, CO is an adventure lover’s paradise and offers some of the best rafting experiences in the state. The Arkansas River runs right through town and has incredible access for visitors looking for Buena Vista whitewater rafting tours. The Performance Tours Rafting Buena Vista outpost sits right below beautiful Mt. Princeton and offers half day and full day raft trips on the Arkansas River.

Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument showcases some of the best whitewater rafting Buena Vista has to offer. The Browns Canyon area was recently designated a national monument, so you will be surrounded by nothing but mountain views, wildlife, and crisp mountain air as you paddle down this section of the river. This exciting section of the Arkansas River flows through amazing rapids like Pinball, Zoomflume, Bigdrop, Staircase, Punchbowl, and other remarkable sections of the river. This trip is perfect for every level of adventurer, leaving your group with unforgettable memories.

Lower and Upper Bear Creek

Located just down the road from the Performance Tours outpost, between Buena Vista and Salida, Bear Creek is a mellow section of the Arkansas River, offering an amazing experience for those looking for adventure on a smaller scale. It is a great option for families, young children, and those looking to take in the scenery as they float down the river with mild rapids. There is an upper creek half-day and lower creek full-day option on this stretch of water. Come enjoy the fun!

Numbers

The Numbers is one of our favorite stretches of river, with action-packed whitewater around every bend. It involves the most rigorous paddling of our Buena Vista whitewater rafting tours and is a great option for those looking for a heart-pumping, scenic, and challenging adventure. The minimum age for this trip is 16 years and over during peak flows and is sometimes lowered to 14 years and older when the river is at lower levels. This section of thrilling rapids has half-day and full-day options available.

For more than 30 years, Performance Tours Rafting have been offering incredible Buena Vista whitewater rafting trips for guests in Colorado! We strive to provide great trips with our talented guides and friendly customer service. Our expert, professional raft guides prioritize guest safety, and are dedicated to providing the best Colorado river rafting experiences possible. Our Buena Vista outpost is located just two and a half hours southwest of Denver, and it is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, loads of outdoor fun, and lots of adventure-loving people. If you are looking for a whitewater rafting outfitter in Buena Vista, Colorado, choose Performance Tours.

Directions

Denver to Buena Vista

Make your way to Hwy 285 south (in Denver Hwy 285 is called Hampden Road) and go 120 miles towards Buena Vista. After crossing the Arkansas River and just past Johnson Village, turn/veer right toward Buena Vista on Hwy 24 W. Go 1 mile to CR 319 (look for the blue Performance Tours Rafting sign on Hwy 24, 1 mile before Buena Vista). After that, turn left on CR 319 and go ¼ mile to the office.

Denver to Buena Vista Google Maps Directions

Breckenridge to Buena Vista

Hop on Hwy 9 south to the Hwy 285 intersection in Fairplay (23miles). Turn right on Hwy 285 south and go 35 miles. After crossing the Arkansas River and just past Johnson Village, turn/veer right toward Buena Vista on Hwy 24 W. Go 1 mile to CR 319 (look for the blue Performance Tours Rafting sign on Hwy 24, 1 mile before Buena Vista). Turn left on CR 319 and go ¼ mile to the office.

Breckenridge to Buena Vista Google Maps Directions

Dining in Buena Vista

Buena Vista’s restaurant scene has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, there are plenty of dining options to satisfy your appetite. Check out a few of our favorite spots below!

Lodging in Buena Vista

Guests can choose from many hotels and lodging properties in Buena Vista. Check out a few of our recommendations below!

Things to do After Your Buena Vista Whitewater Rafting Experience

If you are looking for the best places to eat in Buena Vista after your rafting adventure, check out the favorite local spots. Eddyline Brewery is a must for amazing wood-fired cuisine and craft beers, or visit Deerhammer Distillery for a traditional whiskey experience and distillery tour. As the sun descends after your rafting trip book a stay at the luxurious and adventurous Surf Hotel or the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, where you can relax and enjoy stunning mountain views. Round out your night at the highest drive-in theater in the United States Comanche Drive in Theatre, to enjoy current and classic hits.