Chaffee County - 49 Attractions You Must Visit

Types of Attractions in Chaffee County

1 Day Treks (31)

Mountain Peaks (24)

Lake/ River/ Ponds (9)

Outdoors - Other (5)

Mountain Passes (4)

Rock Climbing Spots (2)

Viewpoints (2)

Kayaking Spots (1)

Popular Activities And Trips in Chaffee County

List of Attractions in Chaffee County

Agnes Vaille Waterfall

Waterfalls

Agnes Vaille Falls is nestled in the mountainside of Chalk Creek Canyon, south of Buena Vista. It requires a short, uphill hike to the falls.This trail is, however, still being taken today, as there are no officials signs stating it is still closed. Social media shows much activity on the once closed trail.

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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Outdoors - Other

Kayaking Spots

Rafting Spots

This is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States. It extends about 148 miles from Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir through the towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Caсon City, and Florence. The spectacular scenery is highlighted by the steep, narrow, rocky canyons that provide excellent opportunities to view Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

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Avalanche Trailhead

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

The Avalanche trailhead is a major access point for the Colorado Trail near Buena Vista. This is a popular trailhead for winter recreationists and provides ample parking for the many snowmobilers who converge on the area. Weekend snowmobilers love to ride to the top of Cottonwood Pass and over the Continental Divide to Taylor Park.

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Billings Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Billings Lake is a 97.4 acre natural water body with a concrete dam, which raises the water level by 10 feet. A number of houses have been built on the western side of the lake, and most of them are occupied only during the summer months. The rest of the lakeshore is forested, with the exception of a camp on the northeastern side.

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Browns Canyon National Monument

National Parks

A beautiful 21,586 acres national monument in Chaffee County, which is centered along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida. It is the most popular destination for whitewater rafting in the country, and is also known for its fishing and hiking. It is also protected habitat for bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, elk, and golden eagles.

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Buena Vista Mountain Adventures

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Buena Vista is situated in scenic Chaffee County, between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado, and is known for its laid-back, mountain-town vibe .Buena Vista is sometimes referred as the “banana belt”, because of its temperate and arid climate that provides 300+ days of sunlight. It’s common for someone to ride a snowmobile or cross-country ski in snowy, frigid conditions in the mountains, and then return to Buena Vista.

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Cascade Canyon

Outdoors - Other

Cascade Canyon is located in Grand Teton National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It has numerous polished glacial erratics, hanging cirques and a U-shape as evidences that demonstrate that glaciers once filled the canyon to a depth of at least 2,000 feet. Cascade Creek now flows where the glaciers once did and the numerous waterfalls, such as the 100-foot tall Hidden Falls, found within the gorge are popular destinations with tourists.

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Chalk Creek

Lake/ River/ Ponds

1 Day Treks

Chalk Creek is a 27.3-mile-long river flowing east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range in Chaffee County. The river is surrounded by a mix of privately owned and US forest service land. Campgrounds and public trails, including the Colorado Trail, are located along the length of the river. Several hot springs emerge in this valley.The river is named after the magnificent white kaolinite cliffs that stand at the entrance to the Chalk Creek valley, and are a result of hot spring deposits.

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Chalk Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Chalk Lake is a beautiful lake lcoated in the heart of Chaffee and is famous for fishing too. It is a very popular campground with an array of recreational opportunities like hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding.

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Chinaman Gulch

Outdoors - Other

Off-road Spots

Chinaman Gulch is a very popular, difficult rock crawling trail best suited for modified vehicles. Minimal snow to the area makes it an ideal location for winter wheeling. There are many obstacles and rocks to play on along this 4wd trail, many of which provide multiple lines from easy to hard. Although not very scenic, the occasional views of the Collegiate Peaks are astonishing.

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Clear Creek Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Clear Creek Reservoir, a 407 acre impoundment, offers excellent fishing for rain- bow, cutthroat and brown trout.Boating, camping and fishing are available at the lake, but even more recreation exists further west on the county road.

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Cottonwood Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

A beautiful lake located in the middle of a small forest and is famous for fishing and so many other leisure activities. The lake has such a scenic setting nestled within the mountains. Water access is easy and though the water is cold.

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Cottonwood Pass

Mountain Passes

A high mountain pass on the Continental Divide of the Americas in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. It rises to the west out of Buena Vista, heading over the Continental Divide. It’s an amazing mountain pass to see colorful fall aspen groves. It connects with Almont near Crested Butte, making it an excellent summer trip. The road closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, usually sometime in October.

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Cronin Peak

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Cronin Peak is Colorado's 75th highest summit. It is a gently sloped, reddish mountain in the Sawatch Range. it is one of the iconic trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do here.

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Denny Creek Trailhead

1 Day Treks

This is a popular trail, which is gentle, family friendly grade with amazing destinations. The natural water slide area at Denny Creek is a must visit for families. The trails offer an authentic mountain experience as they go through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

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East Buffalo Peak

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

The Buffalo Peaks are the twin southern sentinels of the relaxed Mosquito Mountains. It is one of the iconic location for a trek and also there are so many things to see and do. For climbers the Buffalo Peaks offer a chance to get away from crowds and enjoy something distinctive yet different. Both mountains are but a healthy hike but the hike is memorable.

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Emerald Peak

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Emerald Peak is a high mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch. The 13,911-foot thirteener is located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest, 14.7 miles west-northwest of the Town of Buena Vista in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. It is a good trekking destination and also it offers beautiful views and also it offers so many adventure options too.

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Garfield Peak

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Garfield Peak is a high mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,787-foot thirteener is located 5.6 miles south-southwest of Independence Pass, Colorado, United States, on the Continental Divide separating San Isabel National Forest and Chaffee County from White River National Forest and Pitkin County.Garfield Peak was named in honor of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States.

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