THINGS TO DO
Plan A Full Valley Adventure
The Upper Arkansas River Valley sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with Salida and Buena Vista as two of the main towns along the river. The area is packed with outdoor activities, including rafting, mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, prospecting, hot springs, local food, drinks, and more.
Monumental Expeditions is conveniently located in Nathrop, between Buena Vista and Salida, making it easy to build a full Colorado trip around your rafting day.
Hot Springs
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
719-395-2447
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Cottonwood Hot Springs
18999 County Road 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-6434
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Charlotte Hot Springs
19256 Co Rd 343, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-6015
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Camp, Raft, Soak
Stay nearby, raft the Arkansas River, then finish the day with a hot springs soak.
Restaurants - Buena Vista
Biggies Sandwiches
234 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-9459
Best sandwiches in BV.
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Eddyline Brewery
926 S. Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-966-6000
Local beef, wood-fired pizza, and great brews.
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Buena Viking
418 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-286-9343
One of the best burger stops in the valley.
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Explore Buena Vista
Walk downtown, grab food, visit the river park, or make BV part of your rafting day.
Restaurants - Salida
Mo Burrito
311 H St, Salida, CO 81201
719-539-2145
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Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop
124 F St, Salida, CO 81201
719-539-4248
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Moonlight Pizza
242 F St, Salida, CO 81201
719-539-4277
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Explore Salida
Stroll downtown, visit shops and restaurants, or add Salida to your Arkansas River trip.
Make Rafting Part Of The Day
Whether you’re soaking at the hot springs, grabbing food in Buena Vista, exploring Salida, or camping nearby, rafting the Arkansas River is one of the best ways to experience the valley.