More than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals.
Got Altitude? Chaffee County is home to a dozen 14,000 foot peaks, that you can either “bag” or just enjoy their glorious views.
Originally the hunting grounds of Ute Indian tribes, Upper Arkansas Valley history is the story of the men and women who settled here, who built homes, churches, communities, railroads and a way of life.
In Salida and Buena Vista, the creative and artistic know no bounds. Forty-plus galleries feature work of some of the best talent in the Rocky Mountain West and the world. And coming soon, Over the River, a two-week temporary work of proposed by world renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Monarch Mountain is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. Located at the end of the Sawatch Range and atop the Continental Divide, this “100 percent natural” ski and snowboard area lets you lose the crowds, but not your friends.
The mild climate and 330-plus days of sunshine make Chaffee County a winter paradise. The surrounding mountains are snow-covered for winter fun from full-moon shoe-show or cross-county tours to back country skiing and snowmobiling.
Kids in tow? Let’s go! Riverside parks in Buena Vista and Salida are perfect places to skip rocks, race sticks down the river or cross over the Arkansas on a bridge and peer down on rafters, kayakers or swimming dogs. Inexpensive for all ages. While the valley has a wealth of natural beauty, Chaffee County is still an affordable alternative to the fancy resorts.
Lodging comes in all shapes and sizes. Choose from cozy B&B’s to rustic campgrounds, family-oriented hotels and motels or perhaps a romantic lodge. Whether you are a couple or a whole posse, there’s a pillow for you!
Blue-ribbon waters for fly-casting, lake fishing, even ice fishing –it’s all here in Chaffee County. Healthy, hearty breeds if brown and rainbow trout thrive in the Arkansas. Dining and shopping in the historic downtowns of Buena Vista and Salida, where colorful locals make you feel welcome and right at home.
Location, location, location. Chaffee County is the perfect place to plan your next meeting, gathering, event or celebration. Small historic towns, spectacular mountain beauty and variety of venues make this the ultimate location for the perfect wedding or corporate “think tank”.
Any season is a great season for a hot springs visit, especially when surround by the beauty and grandeur of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From elegant to rustic, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for a natural, relaxing hot springs experience.
Cycle the many back roads of Chaffee County or rent a town cruiser, it is one of the best ways to see the area. Did you say fun? The region holds many events throughout the year. So check out our calendar to see what “floats your boat”. But don’t miss FibArk in June—the county’s largest event.
The Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway travels through Chaffee County. This route parallels the Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks.
Jeep? Off-highway vehicle? Motorcycle? Tour mine sites, ghost towns, rugged roads, mountain tops…. The possibilities are endless
The Monarch Crest Trail is nearly 30 miles of breathtaking single track on the Continental Divide. Chaffee County has miles of single track for every level of mountain biker.
Captain Zipline will take you on a journey that combines the thrill of zipping across a dramatic canyon with an appreciation for history, geology and ecology of this extraordinary area.
Make Chaffee County your hub of Adventure. Short day trips from the area include the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, with its magnetic draw for those seeking other-worldly locales. For the more down-to-earth, explore the bat cave, Sand Dunes, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, historic Leadville, the Royal Gorge or the gator farm near Mosca.
Chaffee County is located in Central Colorado, the Heart of the Colorado Rockies. As Colorado's Headwaters of Adventure – it stars the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area.
About the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau
The Chaffee County Visitor's Bureau was approved by voters in 1990. It is funded by a 1.9 percent countywide lodging tax. The CCVB is charged with advertising and promoting the county's tourism resources.
EDITORIAL CONTACT:
April Prout, 970.692.9453
CCVB Marketing & PR Consultant
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Copyright 2005 Arkansas Valley Publishing. No reproduction without permission.
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