BUENA VISTA GALLERY (Cottonwood Pass. Ptarmigan & Cottowood Lakes, South Colorado Trail, Denny Lake Trail to Hartenstein Lake)
Buena Vista is located in central Colorado between Salida and Leadville in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Elevation is 7,965 feet. The town lies at the base of the 14,000+ peaks of the Collegiate Peaks. This mountain range includes Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Mt. Columbia, and Mt. Harvard, of the Sawatch Range. Buena Vista is a popular access point for world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing on the Arkansas River. Buena Vista also offers mountain climbing and backpacking on the local 14ers. The South Colorado trailhead can be found near the Cottonwood Lake area. Hike the Denny Creek Trail to Hartenstein Lake for some gorgeous mountain views. There are some great camping spots all around this area, including Cottonwood Lake, O'Haver Lake and of course the National Forest areas abound. Nearby areas to visit include St Elmo, Twin Lakes , Maroon Bells (over Independence Pass when opened), Salida and Leadville.
