Best Attractions near Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area

Breathtaking views of Colorado's Collegiate Peaks, perfect for a scenic stop, picnic, and access to hiking trails near Buena Vista.

Experience thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on the Arkansas River with personalized service and expert guides in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Explore Colorado's Browns Canyon National Monument: Rafting, hiking, history, and stunning scenery await in this outdoor paradise.

Experience Colorado's legendary Arkansas River with guided rafting, kayaking, and fishing expeditions for all skill levels since 1979.

Experience thrilling whitewater rafting, ziplining, and rock climbing in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with AVA Rafting & Zipline's Buena Vista outpost.

Discover solitude and stunning scenery in the heart of Colorado's Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. Hike, camp, and explore!

Experience authentic Colorado skiing at Monarch Mountain: abundant snow, friendly atmosphere, and stunning views await!

Experience the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures in Gunnison National Forest, Colorado's natural wonderland for all seasons.

Explore Colorado's stunning alpine scenery from Willis Gulch Trailhead near Twin Lakes. Hiking, wildflowers, and mountain vistas await!

Experience the tranquility of nature at the Picnic Area at the Springs Water in Salida, Colorado, a perfect getaway for picnic lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Discover a serene Colorado escape at Sands Lake SWA: birdwatching, fishing, and hiking in a tranquil natural setting near Salida.

Discover Colorado's pioneering past at the Historic Hutchinson Homestead in Salida. Explore original buildings, artifacts, and stories of ranching life.

Experience Colorado's ultimate river adventure: rafting, kayaking, camping, and stunning scenery await at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

Hike or bike to panoramic views from Salida's iconic Tenderfoot Hill, where history and stunning scenery meet.

Handcrafted spirits in Salida, Colorado, inspired by the high mountains and outdoor adventures. Tasting room, tours, and cocktails available daily.

Experience the nation's largest indoor hot springs pool in historic Salida, Colorado. Relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy naturally heated mineral waters.

Discover Salida's past at the Heart of the Rockies! Explore exhibits on railroading, mining, and the pioneers who shaped this Colorado town.

Experience the heart of Salida at Riverside Park: recreation, community, and natural beauty along the Arkansas River.

Experience classic arcade fun for the whole family at Fun Street Family Arcade in Salida, Colorado! A perfect spot for games, laughter, and community.

Discover authentic art and culture in Salida's historic district at the Museum of Authenticity. Inspiring creative journeys since 2020.

Inspiring conservation in the Upper Arkansas Valley through education, stewardship, and community collaboration for a sustainable future.

Discover Chisholm Park in Salida: A tranquil oasis with green spaces, trails, and mountain views for relaxation and recreation.

Discover Colorado's majestic Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway near Salida: A stunning drive through the heart of the Rockies with unmatched natural beauty.

Conquer Colorado's highest peak! Hike Mount Elbert for breathtaking views and a rewarding high-altitude adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

Experience breathtaking alpine scenery and historic sites on this seasonal scenic byway connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado.

Experience Colorado's stunning landscapes with thrilling zipline tours and aerial adventures at Captain Zipline near Salida.

Step back in time at Independence Ghost Town, a preserved mining settlement on Independence Pass, offering a glimpse into Colorado's past.

Explore Colorado's stunning alpine wilderness: Hike among towering peaks, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife in the majestic Mount Massive Wilderness.

Hike Colorado's Mount Sherman, one of the easiest 14ers, and explore historic mining ruins with stunning views from the summit.

Experience winter thrills at Dutch Henry Tubing Hill in Leadville, CO – free sledding, tube rentals, and stunning mountain views!

Discover Colorado's majestic San Isabel National Forest: A year-round outdoor paradise with towering peaks, pristine lakes, and endless adventure.

Explore the Jewish heritage of the Wild West in a beautifully restored 1884 frontier synagogue and museum in historic Leadville, Colorado.

Explore Leadville's history through the all-seeing eye. A unique museum experience filled with artifacts and stories from the past.

Experience the grandeur of the Wild West at Leadville's Tabor Opera House, a beautifully preserved landmark hosting tours and performances.

Explore the preserved home of Silver King Horace Tabor in Leadville, Colorado, and discover the captivating stories of wealth, love, and loss.

Experience Colorado's rugged beauty on Pearl Pass: a historic mining road turned challenging off-road adventure between Crested Butte and Aspen.

Explore the captivating world of mining history at Leadville's National Mining Hall of Fame, the 'Smithsonian of the Rockies'.

Discover Leadville's vibrant past at the Heritage Museum: Mining history, Ice Palace replica, and 10th Mountain Division exhibits await!

Explore Aspen's Grottos Trail: A short, scenic hike with ice caves, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Perfect for families and nature lovers!

Explore Victorian life in a booming silver town at Leadville's Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin. History, gardens, and stunning mountain views await.

Visit Ice Palace Park in Leadville, CO: a peaceful park commemorating the site of the historic, short-lived Leadville Ice Palace from 1896.

Explore Aspen's Grottos: Waterfalls, ice caves, and stunning rock formations await in this natural playground just a short drive from town.

Explore a legendary silver mine and the poignant story of Baby Doe Tabor in Leadville, Colorado's historic mining district.

Explore a well-preserved silver mining ghost town near Aspen, Colorado, and step back into the Wild West history.

Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich history of South Park, Colorado - a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Rockies.

Snap a photo with the South Park Sign in Fairplay, Colorado—a fun tribute to the iconic animated series and the real South Park basin.

Experience life in a 19th-century Colorado mining town at South Park City Museum, featuring authentic buildings and artifacts from the Gold Rush era.

Explore a piece of Colorado's railroad history at the Hagerman Tunnel, once the world's highest railroad tunnel, near Leadville.

Experience Colorado's Majestic Rocky Mountains: A 486-Mile Journey Through Diverse Landscapes and Rich History on the Colorado Trail.

Discover stunning wildflower meadows and panoramic mountain views on this easy and accessible trail near Crested Butte, Colorado.

Experience a thrilling off-road journey through history on Mosquito Pass, one of Colorado's highest and most scenic mountain passes. Open seasonally to 4x4 vehicles.

Drive through history on Hagerman Pass, a scenic 4WD route over the Continental Divide with stunning views and a glimpse into Colorado's mining past.

Discover Crested Butte: A historic Colorado mountain town with world-class skiing, mountain biking, and stunning wildflower displays.

Explore Gunnison's Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area for fishing, hunting, camping, and stunning Colorado scenery.

Experience the thrill of extreme terrain and stunning scenery at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, a Colorado gem with a vibrant mountain culture.

Hike or bike through wildflower meadows with stunning mountain views at this popular Crested Butte trailhead.

Explore Gunnison's past at the Pioneer Museum: historic buildings, vintage cars, and railway exhibits await!