In the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and the stunning Arkansas River Valley, Buena Vista is a great central destination for adventurers of all kinds. Known for its dramatic scenery, towering peaks, and small-town charm, Buena Vista holds the perfect allure for hikers, outdoor lovers, and mountain enthusiasts. But if you’re planning your next trip here, there’s something important to consider—the altitude.
What is Buena Vista’s elevation? How might altitude sickness affect your visit? What can you do to prepare for the high elevation without it spoiling your adventure? This ultimate guide dives into these details to help you make the most of your Buena Vista experience.
Buena Vista sits at an impressive elevation of 7,965 feet above sea level. That’s a big jump in altitude from cities you might fly in from, including Denver (5,280 feet) and Colorado Springs (6,035 feet).
Altitude of Buena Vista:
The altitude grants Buena Vista not only its stunning panoramic views but also cooler weather, crisp mountain air, and prime access to Colorado’s iconic 14ers (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet).
Curious about what lies beyond Buena Vista? Here’s how some nearby destinations stack up in terms of elevation:
Additionally, the Continental Divide offers unique hiking trails and panoramic views, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
This variety of elevations makes Buena Vista an ideal hub for exploring Colorado’s mountain ranges.
Buena Vista is surrounded by some of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers. There are 15 notable 14ers nearby, including Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, and Mount Yale. These peaks are part of the Sawatch Range and are a major draw for climbers and hiking enthusiasts.
In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy horseback riding tours that offer a different perspective of the stunning mountain scenery.
These are the 15 notable 14ers and their elevations near Buena Vista:
Trekkers from around the world flock to Buena Vista for the challenge and the reward of conquering these massive summits. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner looking for your first ascent, these peaks offer something for everyone.
Yes, it's entirely possible. Just the town alone which lies at 7,965 feet is a high risk for altitude sickness, while the many outdoor activities (like hiking the 14ers or visiting Cottonwood Pass) take you well above 10,000 feet.
Anyone visiting from significantly lower elevations is at risk of experiencing Buena Vista altitude sickness. This doesn’t mean you should avoid Buena Vista altogether, but you should be mindful and prepared (including our tips below) to combat altitude-related issues during your stay.
Altitude sickness occurs due to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Common Buena Vista altitude sickness symptoms include:
While symptoms are usually more mild in Buena Vista, they can escalate to more severe conditions when climbing 14ers like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) if left unaddressed. If you notice serious symptoms, it’s critical to descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical attention.
As locals of Colorado, we see visitors struggle with the high-altitudes often. Here are six tried-and-true methods to help avoid Buena Vista altitude sickness, so you can enjoy your adventure worry-free:
The "Climb High, Sleep Low" method is a proven strategy for acclimatizing to higher altitudes. This technique involves spending your day exploring or engaging in activities at higher elevations but returning to a lower altitude to rest overnight.
It comes in handy for very high altitude locations. For instance, you might hike a nearby 14er like the popular Mount Princeton, but return to Buena Vista to rest. By doing this, your body gets the opportunity to recover in a more oxygen-rich environment while you relax and sleep.
The body loses fluids more quickly (dehydration) in these environments, as much as twice the speed as sea level, due to increased respiration and dry air.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, at least 2-4 liters, helps maintain optimal blood circulation, support hydration, and might reduce the likelihood of altitude-related issues such as headaches or fatigue.
Aim to drink water consistently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and consider adding electrolytes to replenish essential minerals. Zaca's hydration chewables can aid in water absorption and the electrolyte intake.
While it might be tempting to enjoy a craft beer after a long hike, consuming alcohol at its high altitudes can exacerbate dehydration and impair the body’s ability to adjust to lower oxygen levels. Alcohol also disrupts sleep patterns, which are crucial for proper acclimatization.
To ensure your body can effectively adapt and stay hydrated, it’s best to avoid alcohol initially, until you feel acclimated. Instead, focus on hydration and nutrient-rich beverages such as water, teas, and kombucha to support your overall well-being.
Acclimating gradually is a great step when adjusting to high altitudes, as it allows your body the necessary time to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels.
If possible, plan your trip so you can spend a day or two acclimating to Buena Vista’s 7,965 feet before venturing to higher elevations. Avoiding rapid elevation gains if possible, especially above 8,000 feet, unless you feel adjusted to the new altitude.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating the oxidative stress your body may experience at higher altitudes, such as depleting glutathione. When you ascend to elevated environments, your body produces more free radicals, which can lead to fatigue and cellular damage.
Boosting your antioxidants with herbs and nutrients, like found in Zaca's altitude tablets, can help neutralize these free radicals and support overall health. Incorporating supplements like Glutathione, Vitamin C, or E can enhance your body’s natural defenses, aiding in recovery and maintaining energy levels.
At higher elevations, oxygen levels decrease, which can disrupt sleep patterns and leave you feeling fatigued. Sleep is also essential for recovery.
To optimize your sleep, create a comfortable sleeping environment by making it dark and cold. You can also optimize sun exposure which naturally supports melatonin and sleep quality at night. Shoot for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Buena Vista’s high altitude may take some adjusting to, but the incredible landscape, community feel, and endless outdoor activities make it well worth the effort. By sleeping low, hydrating well and often, avoiding alcohol, acclimating gradually, boosting your antioxidants, and optimizing your sleep, you can fully enjoy all that Buena Vista has to offer.
Here are some of the top things to do while stopping through or visiting Buena Vista:
Pack your gear and prepare to explore this mountain paradise. Whether you’re navigating the trails of one of Buena Vista’s 14ers or soaking in a natural hot spring, adventure awaits!
Yes! Buena Vista is considered a mountain town. It’s surrounded by the Sawatch Range on one side and the Arkansas River on the other, offering iconic views and outdoor activities galore.
Buena Vista is nestled in the Sawatch Range, home to the state’s highest concentration of 14ers.
Visitors love Buena Vista for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities like hiking and rafting, laid-back atmosphere, and central location to so many Colorado destinations. It’s a haven for both adventure-seekers and those looking to unwind.
Absolutely! With its stunning mountain backdrop and proximity to natural hot springs, Buena Vista is undeniably picturesque.
Buena Vista is approximately 120 miles southwest of Denver, about a 2.5-hour drive.
Coming from Colorado Springs, Buena Vista is approximately 94 miles, slightly less than a 2-hour drive.
One of the hidden gems of Buena Vista is its natural hot springs. After a long hike or summit attempt, many visitors enjoy soaking in the warm, soothing waters of the nearby hot springs. Popular spots include Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort at 8,250 feet and Cottonwood Hot Springs at 8,532 feet.
