You’ll feel so happily at home at Campout For The Cause, you probably won’t want to leave. The good news is that the Buena Vista area is not only breathtaking but full of all kinds of activities for your wayward journey. We asked a bunch of our friends for their suggestions, threw in a few of our own, and voila! Some of these businesses were even kind enough to offer some discounts to festival goers, so be sure and mention this article when you check these places out!
Hot Springs
Hot Springs aren’t to be missed when you pass through this portion of Colorado. Unlike some states, we’re don’t have that many, so when you’re near them…visit them. Colorado’s hot springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritual gathering place, and they are still known today for their curative properties.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Located 5.5 miles west of Buena Vista
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-6434
Website
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Located in Nathrop between Buena Vista and Salida
15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
(719) 395-2447
Website
SPECIAL OFFER: Get a free hot springs visit with any spa treatment when you mention this article!
Hiking
You can truly never run out of things to do in the Collegiate Peaks wilderness. This mountain range contains some of the highest peaks in Colorado. The snow-melt drains right into the Arkansas River in spring and early summer, so hiking might be a little muddy, so dress accordingly!
Lake Ann - this trail is rated as a “moderate” hike but it’s a long one at 9.3 miles out and back. We’ve been told it’s one of the most beautiful hikes the area has to offer, so just start early and enjoy a wonderful day of hiking and taking it all in!
Lost Lake Trail - this is a much easier and faster hike for those that don’t have a whole day to hike. It’s an easy 2.6 miles out and back and it’s great for all skill levels. Be sure the trail is open before you go by calling the Salida Park Ranger’s office at 719-539-3591
14ers - this won’t be just a hike you take on a whim, but the area has tons of 14ers if you’d like to bag and tag a peak while you’re in the area: Mt. Shavano, Mt. Antero, Mt. Princeton. Mt. Harvard and Mt. Yale.
Don’t have time to hike but want to see some pretty sights? Check out the Collegiate Peaks Overlook on 285 right as you come into town.
Hotels
Although we’re obviously huge advocates of camping, we get it. Sometimes you just want to say in a nice hotel. Fortunately- the Surf Hotel is absolutely incredible and it’s not far from the festival. It’s a boutique spot right along the river. Check it out and see for yourself!
Surf Hotel
1012 Front Loop, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 966-7048
Check Availability
Shopping & Retail:
Both Buena Vista and neighboring Salida have some really great little family owned and operated shops to check out. We highly recommend carving out some time to just stroll through town a bit. Mention this article when you swing by Free The Monkey for 10% off (at the Buena Vista location only).
Free The Monkey Consignment - Women's and men's clothing, jewelry, furniture, household items and more.
312 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 966-5159
Website
Sundog Colorado is central Colorado's source for vintage western wear, antiques, mid-century furniture, tools, relics, and art.
301 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-2058
Website
Music & Entertainment: While we’ll certainly be entertaining you with music and activities all day at Campout for The Cause, there’s always more fun to be had. We’re hosting 2 late night shows at the Lariat during the festival, Jay Cobb Anderson (Fruition) and Friends, and Grant Farm. The shows are $10 and there will be a shuttle to and from the event.
The Lariat
206 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-9494
Website
Comanche Drive In Theatre (When is the last time you got to go to a Drive In movie?!)
27784 Co Rd 339, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-2766
Website
Rafting, Fishing, Paddle Boarding: What kind of article would this be if we didn’t mention water sports in Buena Vista? There are absolutely TONS in the area, and they’re all great. Since there are too many to list, visit the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center’s listing. You can decide which company you’d like to hire based on your experience level and what type of float you’d like to do.
Cottonwood Lake is a great little spot to check out if you’d like to hang out and fish.
FOOD & Drink: Let’s be real- probably the highest thing on your list before or after the festival will be to eat food. We’ve got you covered on the recommendations.
Eddyline Brewery: Colorful tavern featuring its own brand of draft brews & bar bites amid murals & handcrafted tables.
102 Linderman Ave, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 966-6018
Website
House Rock Kitchen: Anyone that recommended this place to us did so with the utmost fervor and many explanation points. Haven’t been, but maybe we’ll see you there!
421 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 966-2326
Website
Pancho’s Burritos: Who doesn’t love burrito’s to go?
215 US Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-2863
Deerhammer Distillery: A whiskey distillery, if you’re into locally crafted spirits and cocktails!
321 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-9464
Website
Los Girasoles Mexican Restaurant: We were told the fresh squeezed margs are the way to go…
708 US Highway 24 S Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
(719) 395-9998
Website
Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up: Fresh casual dining, artisan bakery, and yogurt bar!
402 E. Main St, Buena Vista CO
(719) 207-9400
Website
Food Trucks:
The Olive - Mediterranean Cuisine
324 E Main St. 81211 Buena Vista, Colorado
The Buena Viking - Burgers & comfort food!
321 E. Main St. 81211 Buena Vista, Colorado
(719) 398-0136
Website
That’s all folks! If you have any more recommendations that we missed, please feel free to leave them in the comments section of the Facebook event! See you soon!