The Beautiful Scenic Byway from Breckenridge to Buena Vista
We recognize that many of our guests who choose not to stay in Buena Vista, stay in Summit County instead, and we totally understand the appeal! Summit County, including Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Copper Mountain, and Keystone, has some amazing mountains to explore, endless fun activities, and it’s only about 60 miles from Buena Vista. In fact, about 60% of Kodi’s whitewater rafting guests stay in Summit County. It’s pretty easy to get from Breckenridge to Buena Vista and depending on if you’d like to take the more scenic route or not, you have a couple of options of how you can get to BV.
The more direct and quicker way is going to be taking highway 9 south to Fairplay from Summit County. Once you get to Fairplay, you’ll make a right turn onto US Hwy 285 South and stay on that road for about 34 miles. You’ll come upon some incredible views of the Collegiate Peaks which means you’re close to BV. You’ll reach a traffic light and then turn right heading towards Buena Vista on US-24 West. Drive through the darling town of BV and make note of all the delicious restaurants you’ll have to come back to after your rafting trip. BV has some of the tastiest locally-run restaurants you won’t want to miss! After about 5 miles you’ll make a left turn on Bear Trail into KODI Rafting’s parking lot and head into the front office to get signed in. This is the quickest way to get to BV from Summit County and is definitely a beautiful option as the road follows the Colorado River all the way to BV. There’s no doubt that you’ll see some beautiful sights on your drive!
If you have some more time to explore and are looking for even more incredible views to enjoy, you can also try the ‘scenic byway’ or ‘back way’ which goes through Leadville, a quirky and fun historic town in Colorado.
For this route, head north on Highway 9 through Frisco. Hop on I-70 West towards Copper Mountain and get off at Copper’s exit 195. As you’re driving from Frisco to Copper, take a look on the left side and note how many avalanche paths you can spot. Once you get off Copper’s exit be sure to look for mile marker 21 near Copper Mountain- we had a massive avalanche occur here and the tree and boulder debris field is interesting to see. We think Copper Mountain should get its own shout-out since it’s such a cool little mountain town. In the summer, enjoy their summer activities such as bungee jumping, go-karts, an alpine coaster, water bumper boats, and more.
Continue on CO-91 South towards Leadville. Keep your eyes to the left side of the road and check out the beautiful Mayflower Gulch as you pass by. Stop and grab a picture or even mark it on your maps to come back to later! This is one of the most picturesque hikes around, so if you have a chance to come back and hike it we highly recommend it! Along your way, you’ll also pass lots of old log cabins, cool old ranches, the Arkansas River headwaters, dirt roads, ranch animals, and mountain passes. It’s about 30 miles of driving on this road until you reach Leadville. If you have time, get out of your car and explore this historic little mining town. So much mining history and a museum are in Leadville with its handful of cute shops, nice restaurants, and epic views of the Collegiate Peaks in the background. Once you pass through Leadville, hop on to US-24 East and stay on this road for about 32 beautiful miles. By the time you’ve gone that far, you’ve reached Bear Trail and your destination of KODI Rafting is on your right.
Whichever way you’re planning on reaching us, we hope you take some time to really enjoy the amazing sights along the way! Colorado is such a beautiful place to explore and we hope you see the drive to us as an adventure, no matter if you’re staying in Summit County or even if you’re already in Buena Vista. Choose your river trip here and contact us today for information and reservations here online or give us a call at 970-668-1548, so we can help plan the highlight of your vacation!
When is Colorado's Whitewater Rafting Season?
Every year, thousands of people flock to Colorado to experience the state’s world-renowned whitewater rafting. But when are the rafts running and when is the best time to go? The answer depends on a number of factors, including water flow, temperature, and dam releases. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know before you plan your raft trip with Kodi!
Water Flow
One of the most important factors in determining whitewater rafting season is water flow. In Colorado, the majority of the whitewater rafting season is determined by snowmelt from the nearby mountain ranges. As the winter snow starts to melt in the spring, the rivers begin to swell and the whitewater rapids get more intense. This is considered peak rafting season on the rivers in Colorado.
However, water flow can also be affected by rainfall. If there is a particularly rainy summer period, the Arkansas, Colorado, Blue Rivers and Clear Creek will benefit from higher water levels and more thrilling rapids. This can extend the whitewater rafting season beyond summer into late fall. Conversely, if it’s a dry summer, the rivers will experience lower water levels and the river’s rapids will be less intense and more “bony” or rocky. This can shorten the rafting season or make some stretches of the river unsuitable for beginners and families.
Temperature
Another important factor in determining the rafting season is temperature. While most people think of the heat of the summer as the best time to go rafting, the truth is that springtime is actually better if you’re goal is an exhilarating high-water raft trip! In Colorado, the average temperature in June is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature can vary widely depending on elevation and location. For example, at higher elevations like Vail, Breckenridge, Frisco, or Kremmling, the average temperature in June is only about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In lower-lying areas like Denver or Boulder, the average temperature can be as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit and this affects the Clear Creek trips more.
Dam Releases
Beyonds water flow and temperature, another factor that impcts rafting season are dam releases. In Colorado, there are a number of dams that are required to release water for recreation downstream for anglers and whitewater rafters like Kodi. These dam releases are typically scheduled in advance and are released on a regular basis throughout the summer months to keep river flows consistent.
For example, let’s go deeper into dam releases for the Arkansas River. The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for the management of water in the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. Part of their responsibility includes the release of water from Twin Lakes Reservoir specifically for white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado. Typically the Arkansas River receives a dam release every week of the summertime and is guaranteed commercial rafting through Labor Day Weekend.
Why Are Dam Releases Good for White Water Rafting?
The dam releases provide a consistent flow of water that’s ideal for white water rafting. Without the dam releases, the river would be too low in some spots and too high in others, which would make rafting difficult and unpredictable. Dam releases also create waves and rapids that are perfect for an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip!
High Water
One of the most popular times to go whitewater rafting in Colorado is during high water season.
This is when the rivers are running at their highest levels and provide an extra thrill for rafters.
Most river water in Colorado starts as snow… The more snow melt… The higher the water levels. High water typically occurs in late May or early June, although it can vary depending on conditions stated earlier in this article.
End of Season
Just like everything else in nature, Colorado’s whitewater rafting season eventually comes to an end. The exact date varies depending on a variety of factors, but typically speaking, rafting season wraps up in early September. For example, some years the Blue River is too low to raft commercially at all due to low water flow with rocks to avoid, and if the water is too high, low bridges can be a challenge. So there is a sweet spot of river flow that allows us to schedule trips in May/June timeframe for a few glorious weeks. Conversely, the Arkansas River which includes the river stretches Numbers, Browns Canyon, and Pine Creek are guaranteed commercial rafting through Labor Day weekend due to these scheduled dam releases. The Upper Colorado River runs even later than the Arkansas River and typically runs until mid or sometimes even the end of September.
Check out the graphs below to see how the river levels fluctuate throughout the year or go to the USGA National Water Dashboard to see real-time water levels, water quality, and precipitation all in context with the current weather patterns. You can even manipulate the graphs to select the time of year you plan to visit so you know if you’ll be here at the typical high water time or when the river is a little lower and slower.
Check out this Arkansas River flow report showing the water flows from January through October of 2022. It’s interesting to see how the water peaked in late May, dropped and then peaked again later in June, only to experience a steady decrease throughout late summer and into Fall. The little spike in early September was a rainy period.
Next, check out this graph showing the flow for the Upper C section of the Colorado River. Because there isn’t a predictable dam release, the flow is much more erratic with tributaries from various rivers and dams flowing into this section of the river and rainfall impacting the flows when the weather brings a nice storm.
This third graphic shows a map and “hydrograph” of the monitoring sites for all the tributaries of the Colorado River and the monitoring site for the Upper C (the blue balloon). The red dots represent all the monitoring sites of water sources that flow into the Colorado River, so you can imagine how many different data points are needed to understand the flow. This river and creek water is used by various farmers and ranchers, so that water is truly unpredictable for rafting.
So when is the best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want warmer temperatures and lower water levels, mid summertime like July will be your best bet. However, if you’re looking for higher waters, cooler daytime temps, and a more thrilling experience, late May and early June will be a better choice.
If you have any questions about the current river conditions, feel free to contact us and we will be sure to point you in the right direction.. No matter when you decide to go rafting, though, one thing is for sure: you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time! Happy paddling!
Whitewater River Rafting or Animal Watching?
Stop and take a deep breath… Feel the wind and experience the sights of Colorado’s wild animals from the seat of a whitewater raft.
Whether you’re hiking trails or paddling the rapids of the Arkansas, Clear Creek, Blue, or Colorado rivers with Kodi, you’re guaranteed to see some wildlife! Colorado’s diversity of landscapes and vegetation is home to a wide variety of wildlife like the bighorn sheep, elks, golden eagles, and varieties of trout.
We want to provide a quick reminder to never feed or disturb any wildlife. For more information on the leave no trace ethos, check out our recent blog.
Fish in Colorado’s Rivers – Rafting
When you’re whitewater rafting the Numbers, Browns Canyon, or Pine Creek you may be lucky enough to see some fish. The main fish population in the Arkansas, Clear Creek, Blue, and Colorado rivers are brown and rainbow trout, but you’ll occasionally see some Brook Trout too. Another animal you’ll commonly spot in the rivers are Beavers! Beavers aren’t fish obviously, but there is a possibility you will see them and their amazingly clever dams.
Did you know the Colorado native trout before the 1850s was the greenback cutthroat trout? The Arkansas river used to be teeming with greenback cutthroat trout, but sadly the mining runoff in Leadville killed this fish species in the valley of Buena Vista. You may be asking yourself, HOW? Greenback cutthroat trout died due to a heavy amount of metal contamination and soil erosion. However, Leadville National Fish Hatchery is working to resolve that since the greenback cutthroat trout are endangered, and it’s their main priority to repopulate the surrounding rivers and lakes.
A long-spoken legend between the senior whitewater river rafting guides is that Northern pike fish have been caught in the Arkansas River. Northern pike are high alpine lake fish that like deep and cold water, but sometimes they’re flushed out of the lakes and have been found in our rivers! There are no guarantees of seeing a pike, but the senior river guides swear by this tale.
Unfortunately, we don’t allow fishing from the rafts because of the other guests on your boat, but if you are looking to fish be sure to check out the requirements for your fishing license in Colorado and some rules and regulations you can reference to legally fish in Colorado.
Colorado’s Birds as Seen Overhead From the River
When rafting, it’s easy to forget to look up, but we highly encourage it! Here in Colorado, you will see great blue herons, bald and golden eagles, turkey vultures, and Corvus. Common birds you may spy are sparrows, robins, and swallows. The swallows are very prevalent when it is raining/drizzling. Did you know that birds predict the weather? When it’s raining, swallows fly low because they have very sensitive ears. When the barometric pressure drops, swallows will fly as close to the ground as possible because the air density is greatest the lower they go.
Another common bird you or guide will often spot are in the Corvus family, which includes ravens, crows, and magpies. You won’t miss these birds, as they are very noisy!
Some striking birds you have a possibility of seeing are the red-winged blackbird, blue jay, North American goldfinch, and steller’s jay. The steller’s jay looks like a metallic blue bird, and is super unusual and truly beautiful. Check out the photo below of a steller’s jay in the wild.
Some rare birds that are less likely to cross your path but you may be lucky enough to see are the western tanager, great blue herons, bald eagles, and golden eagles.
Birds we can almost guarantee you will see are peregrine falcons, turkey vultures, and good old Canada geese, as well as the occasional duck or two!
If you would like some more pictures of birds and wildlife animals in Colorado, be sure to check out FDRD, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District which also offers more information about our forests.
Colorado’s Land Animals in The White River National Forest
Colorado is the land of the wild for larger wild animals as well. Yes, there is a possibility you’ll come across black bear, elk, mountain lions, coyotes, red foxes, moose, bobcat, mule deer, white tail deer, porcupine, pikas, snowshoe hare, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Did you know that snowshoe hare’s beautiful coat changes colors with the season? In the wintertime, snowshoe hares are white to disappear into the snow and in the summer they turn a nice shade of brown to blend in with the forest floor and bushes. When whitewater river rating, our groups can get very loud and animals hate loud noises, so it’s less likely you’ll see any of the larger animals, but we definitely get a glimpse on occasion.
There are many Colorado marmots that you may see or just hear. The largest of the Colorado land squirrels is the yellow-bellied marmot. The yellow-bellied marmot hibernates throughout the winter, and when approached you will hear a loud warning whistle, which is very unique and earns these animals the nickname “whistle pigs.”
Recently, gray wolves were reintroduced into the Colorado mammal landscape. We have never seen any wolves on our rafting trips to date, but there have certainly been sightings of them throughout the plains and in the ranching communities. In the gray wolf reintroduction process through natural migration, one pack has already established itself in the North Park Mountain Valley near Walden, Colorado, but we have not seen any near the Upper Colorado River, the Arkansas River, or the Blue Rivers.
Ready to animal watch from a whitewater raft? Call and get signed up for your next Colorado adventure in Buena Vista, Breckenridge, Frisco, Idaho Springs, Kremmling, or Cortez Colorado through Kodi Rafting. If you have any questions about what raft trip will be best for you and your friends or family feel free to give us a call at 877-747-RAFT. We are always happy to answer all your questions and recommend the ideal trip for you!!
Horseback Riding in the Rocky Mountains
Ride on a saddle, then ride on a whitewater river raft, all in one day! One of the most extraordinary experiences you can have on your Colorado vacation is the intimacy and connection with nature by
getting up close and personal with a beautiful horse. While horseback riding through Colorado’s unique landscapes, you can’t resist feeling closer to nature and Colorado’s storied history.
Did you know that horseback riding began as far back as 6000 BC? Of course at this time it wasn’t for the pleasure of seeing Colorado’s unbelievable landscape. Horses were used for war, hunting for food, and as a critical mode of transportation. Here at Kodi Rafting, we have a deep connection with Colorado’s history of horseback riding, and we look forward to you experiencing it for yourself on your next saddle paddle trip!
Are you a first-time horseback rider?
As a novice rider, or a person with pretty basic experience with horses, you can try to understand horseback lingo and the associated equipment; so let’s dive deep into bovine terminology.
What is a horseback riding path called?
- The path or trail you ride a horse on has many names and they are… Bridle path, bridleway, equestrian trail, horse riding path, bridle road, and horse trail.
How about a saddle?
- A saddle is nearly always constructed of leather and placed on the back of the horse for the rider to sit on and gain stability. Saddles will make it much easier for you as the rider to safely and effectively guide and control your horse.
What is a stirrup?
- A stirrup is a ring that is attached to the saddle. The point of a stirrup is to hold the rider’s foot securely while riding the horse. You can even stand up on a stirrup when the horse gallops and you don’t want your body to bounce as much during the ride.
What does it mean when a horse is broken-in?
- A broke-in horse is now safe to ride, it is no longer unbroke or wild and untamed. You may also hear the terms green broke and dead broke.
What is a Foal?
- A foal is a female or male horse that is under the age of one which has not yet been weaned from its mother. The foal is not to be confused with in foal, which means a pregnant mare, or female horse.
I was asked to change rein.
- When asked to change rein while riding a horse, this simply means to change the direction you and the horse are heading. Don’t worry, you’ll learn this before you take off down the path!
Don’t forget to keep your Heels Down.
- This is one thing you’ll often hear as you are riding. You may think… Ok, I will jam my heels down into the stirrup, but this is wrong. Instead, let your weight drop into your heels rather than onto the ball of your foot and into the stirrup. If you are a skier or snowboarder, think about your center of gravity.
Open your chest.
- This means you are slumping and you need to change your posture just as your momma taught you to “sit up straight!” When slumped over you become less balanced and flexible, which means you are less able to follow your horse’s movements and puts your body into a position that is less comfortable and you become more prone to discomfort.
Now that you understand the lingo… Let’s jump into some tips for first-time riders!
- Wear the proper attire… Don’t worry, we have you covered! Your stable master will provide you a helmet, but please be sure to wear proper western riding attire. Jeans and boots are best, but if you don’t have boots you can wear your tennis shoes and long pants. Even hiking pants and boots will work fine.
- Ride relaxed and go slow. It is super important for your safety and the horse’s safety that you always stay in control of your horse. Being relaxed and trying to connect with your horse is a great way to really enjoy the ride.
- Remember a horse is a living creature and it can sense your fear or lack of confidence in yourself. So when approaching the horse, mounting the horse, and riding the horse, always stay confident in yourself! You are in charge, not the horse.
- Proper posture is important. Focus on not slouching and staying balanced; This will help your horse be comfortable, mentally and physically.
- Remember to look where you want to go. If you are looking to the left or the right, your horse will go that way, so keep looking at your point of direction, just sneaking a glance at the scenery, almost like the way you drive a car.
Ok, you may be thinking… Why would I need to see Colorado from the seat of a saddle? The main answer is why not when you can do them both in one day through Kodi Rafting and our partner Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stables! Horses have always played a large part in Colorado’s history, so on your vacation be sure to fully immerse yourself in all that the beautiful state of Colorado has to offer!
For more information on horseback riding in the Rockies, be sure to check out our blog here. To sign up for your saddle paddle adventure in Buena Vista and Nathrop, click here. Ohhh, and don’t forget when you sign up for our saddle paddle package you will save money while experiencing the two most popular summer activities in Colorado.
We look forward to taking you on your next adventure of a lifetime, both on land and water! Saddle up and forward paddle!
The Beautiful Scenic Byway from Breckenridge to Buena Vista
We recognize that many of our guests who choose not to stay in Buena Vista, stay in Summit County instead, and we totally understand the appeal! Summit County, including Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Copper Mountain, and Keystone, has some amazing mountains to explore, endless fun activities, and it’s only about 60 miles from Buena Vista. In fact, about 60% of Kodi’s whitewater rafting guests stay in Summit County. It’s pretty easy to get from Breckenridge to Buena Vista and depending on if you’d like to take the more scenic route or not, you have a couple of options of how you can get to BV.
The more direct and quicker way is going to be taking highway 9 south to Fairplay from Summit County. Once you get to Fairplay, you’ll make a right turn onto US Hwy 285 South and stay on that road for about 34 miles. You’ll come upon some incredible views of the Collegiate Peaks which means you’re close to BV. You’ll reach a traffic light and then turn right heading towards Buena Vista on US-24 West. Drive through the darling town of BV and make note of all the delicious restaurants you’ll have to come back to after your rafting trip. BV has some of the tastiest locally-run restaurants you won’t want to miss! After about 5 miles you’ll make a left turn on Bear Trail into KODI Rafting’s parking lot and head into the front office to get signed in. This is the quickest way to get to BV from Summit County and is definitely a beautiful option as the road follows the Colorado River all the way to BV. There’s no doubt that you’ll see some beautiful sights on your drive!
If you have some more time to explore and are looking for even more incredible views to enjoy, you can also try the ‘scenic byway’ or ‘back way’ which goes through Leadville, a quirky and fun historic town in Colorado.
For this route, head north on Highway 9 through Frisco. Hop on I-70 West towards Copper Mountain and get off at Copper’s exit 195. As you’re driving from Frisco to Copper, take a look on the left side and note how many avalanche paths you can spot. Once you get off Copper’s exit be sure to look for mile marker 21 near Copper Mountain- we had a massive avalanche occur here and the tree and boulder debris field is interesting to see. We think Copper Mountain should get its own shout-out since it’s such a cool little mountain town. In the summer, enjoy their summer activities such as bungee jumping, go-karts, an alpine coaster, water bumper boats, and more.
Continue on CO-91 South towards Leadville. Keep your eyes to the left side of the road and check out the beautiful Mayflower Gulch as you pass by. Stop and grab a picture or even mark it on your maps to come back to later! This is one of the most picturesque hikes around, so if you have a chance to come back and hike it we highly recommend it! Along your way, you’ll also pass lots of old log cabins, cool old ranches, the Arkansas River headwaters, dirt roads, ranch animals, and mountain passes. It’s about 30 miles of driving on this road until you reach Leadville. If you have time, get out of your car and explore this historic little mining town. So much mining history and a museum are in Leadville with its handful of cute shops, nice restaurants, and epic views of the Collegiate Peaks in the background. Once you pass through Leadville, hop on to US-24 East and stay on this road for about 32 beautiful miles. By the time you’ve gone that far, you’ve reached Bear Trail and your destination of KODI Rafting is on your right.
Whichever way you’re planning on reaching us, we hope you take some time to really enjoy the amazing sights along the way! Colorado is such a beautiful place to explore and we hope you see the drive to us as an adventure, no matter if you’re staying in Summit County or even if you’re already in Buena Vista. Choose your river trip here and contact us today for information and reservations here online or give us a call at 970-668-1548, so we can help plan the highlight of your vacation!
Planning the Perfect Guys Trip
As life gets more complicated, it grows harder to stay in touch with our friends due to jobs, families, cross-country moves, you name it! So should you just give up and say, “I guess we’ll just see each other on social media from now on.”? No way! The answer is to plan an annual guy’s trip. It’s easy to create a habit, or ritual, of meeting up with your buddies in person every year.
Whether you’re trying to put together the best bachelor party in recorded history, you want some special one-on-one time with your sons, or you just want a memorable weekend with the college buds, we’re here to provide options for an awesome guys trip in the Buena Vista area.
Honestly, a getaway to Colorado just isn’t complete without a trip down the river. We’ve got you covered for that adventure! From class III trips involving some difficulty navigating objects (rocks!), to the class V thrill seeker/experts-only trip, you’re not going to want to skip out on the high adventure that whitewater rafting gives your group of guys. Join us for a rafting/zip-lining combo to double up the adventure. Enjoy two fun, quintessential Colorado activities in one easy, incredible day. Zip and Raft the Arkansas River starts at the Arkansas River Outpost for our 1/2 Day Browns Canyon raft trip—one of the world’s most popular whitewater rafting adventures! A whitewater rafting trip is a staple adventure when venturing to the mountains, and we’re here to help lead your guys on the experience of a lifetime.
After a day on the river, keep up the outdoor adventure by experiencing Colorado’s beauty in the summer with a camping trip. There are tons of options of where to camp, but to narrow it down to a few, here’s what we suggest: For those desiring an off-grid experience, dispersed camping on BLM land could be the perfect option for you. With few amenities and more immersion in the great outdoors, dispersed camping is definitely more of a rustic experience. Still pack light, but make sure to bring plenty of warm layers (it gets chilly at night even in the summer!), a sturdy tent with a rain fly, and ample water (including for washing up) for a trip to any of these dispersed campgrounds!
For dispersed camping near a mountain lake, head to Baldwin Lake, Hancock Lakes, or Pomeroy Lakes. With high-altitude lakes and stunning views, these campgrounds are perfect for those who want to bring a fishing rod along or take a very cold water dip. Make sure to find a place to pitch your tent at least 100 ft from the lakeshores to protect the pristine alpine environment. It’s also super important to check the local guidelines for fire restrictions, you may be restricted to your camp stove. Know before you go!
As we mentioned, while you’re camping with your guys, fishing in any of the numerous bodies of water is a must do. Our lakes, rivers, and streams in Colorado are filled with loads of different fish species, with trout being the most prevalent. Some local fishing spots we recommend checking out near Buena Vista are the Arkansas River, Arthur Lake, Blue Lake, creek fishing, and high altitude lakes. The Arkansas River has gained national recognition for the quality of its fishing and the many aquatic insects which are the source of its consistent dry fly fishing. There are high elevation meadow segments, steep bouldered canyons, and miles of productive pocket water holding 1500-4000 trout per mile. For more info on fly fishing or to book a guided trip, check out Ark Anglers, a local BV company that is well respected in the industry.
From May to October, Colorado boasts some of the most exciting and picturesque off roading trails in the country. When you come out with your guys, renting ATVs, 4-wheelers, or a heavy-duty Jeep is another thrill you’ll want to add to the list of activities. We recommend giving BV Jeeps or NOVA Guides out of Camp Hale a call for trail recommendations and rentals for a half-day, full-day, or even a multi-day adventure. Exploring the Buena Vista area on a high powered machine gives way to some pretty special hidden places in the mountains you guys won’t want to miss!
After your days of packed adventures, head over to one of our favorite places in BV, Deerhammer Distillery located at 321 E Main Street. The cocktails are handcrafted and delicious. Deerhammer is known for the best Sloe Gin Fizz ever, and they distill single malts, bourbon, rye, limited run single barrel spirits including a clear whitewater whiskey that is infinitely drinkable. Get a cocktail, take the tour with said cocktail in hand, mingle with the raft guides and other colorful residents that frequent this local institution. And of course, take home a bottle with a couple of recipes to relive the experience at home after you enjoy their funky little patio. And the food truck on the patio is a great place for food too. The Distillery is definitely a fun place for you and the guys to hang! For other great food and beverage options, here is a recent article highlighting some of our favorites!
We’re looking forward to being the peak of a great adventure with the guys by showing you a great time on the river. We hope these other fun ideas will make for an unforgettable trip that you’ll want to make a yearly ritual. No matter what fun activities you plan, we know that a great guy getaway is going to offer activities that the whole group can get on board with, and it will give you the chance to interact with your fellow guys in a really fun atmosphere, so enjoy all the possibilities of a great outdoor adventure! Colorado will give you guys all of that and so much more because it’s such a special place and truly the perfect dude-centric getaway.
Fun Places to Eat in Buena Vista
Now that times are changing and our river community is opening up again, we’re especially excited to meet up with friends to enjoy some food out on the town! We’re so enthused about this summer season and we know you are too, so make sure you’re fueled up when you come on the river with us, in between activities (horseback riding, ziplining, biking, enjoying the hot springs, and of course white water rafting), or quench your hunger after you finish your day of whitewater rafting at these delicious spots around Buena Vista. One of the most common questions we get at the BV outpost is “Where do you like to eat around here?” So straight from the mouths of our guides, we’re sharing the inside scoop on some of their favorite places. This list is in no particular order, because each one is so delicious for different reasons and tastes!
- One of our favorites is the Deerhammer Distillery at 321 E Main Street. The cocktails are handcrafted and delicious. Deerhammer is known for the best Sloe Gin Fizz ever, and they distill single malts, bourbon, rye, limited run single barrel spirits including a clear whitewater whiskey that is infinitely drinkable. Get a cocktail, take the tour with said cocktail in hand, mingle with the raft guides and other colorful residents that frequent this local institution. And of course, take home a bottle with a couple of recipes to relive the experience at home after you enjoy their funky little patio. And the food truck on the patio is a great place for food too.
- A few doors down from Deerhammer is a gourmet hot dog food truck, owned by a former KODI raft guide Danny aka “Res-Q” named Fancy Weiner. Seattle Dog & the Jalapeño popper are out of this world hot dog combos. Support a local business and a super cool raft guide by grabbing one of the best weiners you’ll likely ever have! And of course pick up a Fancy Weiner shirt or something to take home and get a laugh from your friends.
- Buena Viking is a food truck located right off Main Street and every item will, without a doubt, make you want to come back for more because the flavors are simply delicious! Featuring elevated burgers, sandwiches and mouth watering sides, The Buena Viking is a favorite among KODI guides and once you make a stop there you’ll understand why!
- While we’re on the topic of raft guides who own food trucks, head to The Olive for a super tasty Mediterranean spot. If you’re looking for a healthy vegan and vegetarian place in town, this is the food truck for you! Gyros, falafels, and even gluten free options are all on the menu at the Olive. Support local, and buy delicious healthy Mediterranean food prepared with a lot of love.
- Casa Sanchez will satisfy your Mexican food cravings again and again! Located at 314 Charles Street, Casa Sanchez has an extensive menu of burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and pretty much any Mexican dish you could possibly be imagining. Big, healthy portions of food are paired with the perfect sized margaritas, making Casa Sanchez one of our guides’ favorite places in town!
- Open Thursday- Monday and located at 234 Highway 24S, Biggies Subs is best known for their steak and cheese hoagie- you gotta try it! They also serve reubens, gyros, salads, cold subs, and a wide selection of fried foods. Try one of their own creations The Biggie, The Stinger, or the Ham Stinger. The KODI team couldn’t stop raving about their sandwiches. Also on their menu, we recommend you try one of the Buena Vista locals favorites: The Green Chili Philly, Hot Roast Beef & Cheddar, or the Turkey, Bacon, Ranch Pita - yum!
Well, there you have it! Locals know best, so we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with any of these delicious options. With most cafes and restaurants fully opening up, feel free to grab lunch in town and bring it over to KODI’s picnic tables to enjoy by the river before, after, or in between your adventures. Whether you want to arrive early for your rafting trip or save it for after, you and your group are more than welcome to refuel at our picnic tables we have set up outside with one of the best views around and plenty of parking!
We’re so excited as this rafting season begins, and can’t wait to see you on the river! Choose your river trip here and contact us today for information and reservations online or call us at 970-668-1548 so we can help plan the highlight of your vacation!
It's Time to Get Outside with Kodi Rafting
As the world starts slowly opening back up again, we recognize that there’s no playbook for living through a pandemic, or even getting your life back to ‘normal’, so we’ve created one for you so you’re able to kick start living your best life in the great outdoors of Colorado!
During uncertain times over the past year, the idea of cultivating personal happiness might seem trivial, but it might be more important now than ever before. There’s unwavering evidence that positive moods can boost our immune system and can protect us from respiratory viruses, so it’s not something to feel guilty about, it’s a smart strategy just like washing our hands! But can you actually boost happiness during the down-turn of a global pandemic? It’s certainly not as simple as washing one’s hands – but there are actions we can take to manifest joy, like being outside in nature. We might even say the best way to manifest joy is by being out on the river! It’s proven that exposure to nature has been linked with better general health, less stress, and increased happiness. What better way to reconnect with family and close friends while enjoying the outdoors than taking a rafting trip down the pristine waters of Colorado on a beautiful blue sky day? We say, it’s time to get outside with the Kodi Rafting family for some well-deserved fresh air on Colorado’s favorite whitewater adventure experience!
While we’re so excited to get back out on the white water, we’d like you to know we’ve taken some extra precautions for our daily operations to put you at ease and that we are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of you, our guests, and our staff. First, Kodi takes your health and safety extremely seriously. From fully wiping down our boats, to our touchless check-in, and sanitizing gear after each use, our goal is to support your craving for adventures, safely. We even invested in new gear this season to be sure each item is top of the line. We also are proud to say that Kodi had no COVID infections last year as we have taken the CDC guidelines very seriously. By being safe and taking preventive measures, we are welcoming the upcoming rafting season with open arms and we are looking forward to a summer filled with fun and we hope you will join us.
Our focus has and will always be on the safety during your raft trip. As we move forward and our country begins to heal, we encourage you to join us for a trip of a lifetime! There’s no better way to reconnect with friends and family, and get rid of your ‘FOMO’ of activities than spending an afternoon on the river. This summer is going to be an awesome fun filled and exciting time to get back to feeling more you, more free. It’s time to get back to living your best life!
Once you book your trip on the Upper Colorado, the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon, or Clear Creek with us, keep in mind it’s still wise to adopt some of these habits:
-Keep a mask handy. Be prepared to cover your face on the bus or van ride.
-Let us know if you would like to reserve your own boat, keeping your group to just your travel companions. We totally understand that you may prefer to maintain additional social distancing measures, and we will do our best to accommodate you to the best of our ability, so long as it does not compromise your safety on the river! If you arrive with 4 friends or more you’ll automatically get your own boat, so definitely plan to bring your friends!
-Wash your hands and be respectful of those around you so everyone can enjoy and have a great time.
– If you’re sick, please stay home.
– Check out our page on What to Expect for your day of rafting.
With most cafes and restaurants starting to open up, feel free to grab lunch in town and bring it over to Kodi’s picnic tables to enjoy by the river. Whether you want to arrive early and enjoy your lunch before your rafting adventure, or save it for after, you and your group are more than welcome to refuel at our picnic tables we have set up outside!
We’re so excited as this rafting season begins, and can’t wait to see you on the river! Choose your river trip here and contact us today for information and reservations here online or call us at 970-668-1548, so we can help plan the highlight of your vacation! You deserve this time outdoors to really connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Colorado river basins. You’ll discover the beauty of Colorado by raft, and truly understand why KODI Rafting has such a high number of repeat and happy customers that keep coming back to join us on the river for more fun year after year and leave us awesome reviews on Trip Advisor!
Camping Near Buena Vista
Camping is the quintessential way to get the full Rocky Mountain experience! Whether your idea of camping is in a picturesque and remote campsite, a site with all of the amenities, or in the comfort of an RV, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy camping near Buena Vista. And with plenty of outdoor adventure to be found in Buena Vista, there’s no better place to pitch a tent or park your camper!
Dispersed Camping on BLM Land Near Buena Vista
For those desiring an off-grid experience, dispersed camping on BLM land (meaning land owned by the Bureau of Land Management) could be the perfect option for you. With few amenities and more immersion in the great outdoors, dispersed camping is definitely more of a rustic experience. Still pack light, but make sure to bring plenty of warm layers, a sturdy tent, and ample water (including for washing up) for a trip to any of these dispersed campgrounds!
For dispersed camping near a mountain lake, head to Baldwin Lake, Hancock Lakes, or Pomeroy Lakes. With high-altitude lakes and stunning views, these campgrounds are perfect for those who want to bring a fishing rod along or take a very cold water dip. Make sure to find a place to pitch your tent at least 100 ft from the lakeshores to protect the pristine environment.
Browns Creek Trail also offers dispersed camping and has the added benefit of restrooms, which can be an important consideration. The Colorado Trail #1776 and Fourmile Travel Management Area also offer dispersed camping as well as space for activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Explore the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness as you hike the North Cottonwood Trail. This trail extends for 4.3 miles and leads to Kroenke Lake. Campers can park along the road to North Cottonwood Trail which is perfect for camping to get an early start on this beautiful trail.
Buena Vista Campgrounds with all the Bells and Whistles
If you desire amenities while you camp or plan to bring an RV along, you can check out these paid camping sites. Campsites allow the convenience of on-site showers, restrooms, and more as well as the relief of having a saved spot when you book your reservation in advance. There’s no wandering around in the woods looking for a site when you reserve a campsite!
The Arkansas River Rim Campground & R.V. Park offers tent sites, recreational vehicle sites, and camper cabins for nightly and weekly rates. This campground features amenities including restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, on-site river access, WiFi, and even ice and firewood available for purchase.
For creekfront camping, head to the Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park. With both tent sites and space for R.V.s, this campsite offers access to Chalk Creek, a playground, games, and an on-site store stocked with all campground necessities! For even more comfort, you can book a cabin that comes complete with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
Book a tent site, R.V. site, cabin, or a yurt at Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins. Amenities like a pavilion, playground, sand volleyball court, badminton court, horseshoe pits, restrooms, laundry facilities, and even an espresso bar will make sure that you never run out of fun and entertainment while camping!
Things to Do
Between nights sleeping in your tent or in your RV, explore the stunning natural scenery that awaits in Buena Vista! From hiking, horseback riding, and of course white water rafting, you can’t beat an opportunity to get a true Rocky Mountain experience.
For hikers who want to gain some serious altitude, the Collegiate Peaks can be found outside of Buena Vista and feature a handful of 14’ers named after Ivy League Universities like Mt. Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Oxford. These trails are challenging, with serious elevation gains and varying conditions. Make sure you know the skill level and equipment you will need to have a safe day on these hiking trails.
For a less strenuous hiking day, throw on your hikers and enjoy a trek along the 2.6-mile Lost Lake Trail which is an out-and-back style trail that is dog-friendly. Or, hike along Cottonwood Pass’s 3.1-mile trail that is also dog-friendly and offers plenty of stunning views. No matter what hiking trail you pick, exploring the natural scenery and keeping an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers! Just remember the Leave No Trace ethos and pack out what you pack in.
You can also hop into the saddle and enjoy the Rocky Mountains on horseback. Kodi features 2-hour horseback riding trips and a saddle-paddle experience that combines horseback riding with a white water rafting excursion. You don’t want to miss the experience to be in the Rockies like a true cowboy! And of course, you can’t experience a summer in the Rockies without a white water rafting trip! Take a full-day or half-day trip through Browns Canyon National Monument, navigate through the thrilling rapids on a Numbers trip, or, for the most advanced rafters, get on a full-day or half-day Pine Creek raft adventure including two class IV rapids like Triple Drop. With trips for all adventure levels and through stunning scenery, there’s really no better way to spend a day or overnight than on a Buena Vista river rafting trip!
Hiking the Collegiate Peaks in Buena Vista
The mountains of Colorado give way to some of the most impressive hiking trails in the United States. Getting outside on a trail and getting your body moving under the warm Colorado sun is so enjoyable! From shorter hikes with minimal elevation gain, to the more challenging and longer hikes that lead up to the tallest peaks in Colorado, there are amazing hiking options for every type of hiker. If you enjoy hiking and want a great challenge, we highly recommend hiking a 14er. Out here in Colorado, the accomplishment of hiking to the peak of a 14,000 ft mountain, or as us locals say “14er” is like obtaining a badge of honor. We arguably have a total of 54-14ers in Colorado and once you get a taste of summiting one of them, you’ll be hooked! There are quite a few people who try to complete hiking all of them, which is an incredible accomplishment. If your goal is to hike them all in your lifetime, or you just want to get the first one under your belt, there are loads of important things to keep in mind and ways to prepare for your hike to the summit.
The Sawatch mountain range in Buena Vista includes a group of 14,000 ft mountains called the Collegiate Peaks which are some of the tallest mountains in the Rocky Mountains. The Collegiate Peaks are named after Ivy League Universities and are among the highest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in the United States. Mt. Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, Yale, Oxford, and Belford are some of the most impressive and stunning peaks in the area and are sought out by avid hikers that crave to see the jaw-dropping views from the top. OK well, Belford isn’t a University, but it’s still part of the range!
When choosing which 14er you want to summit, it’s very important to plan and study your route. Having a strong understanding of what your chosen route looks like on a map helps prepare you for different parts of the trail. 14ers.com is a great site that has current information on trail conditions, elevation gain, length of each hike, printable maps, and even includes comments from hikers that have done each hike with their reviews. All Trails is a great app to use as well, but be sure to download the route and trail prior to getting started so there is no chance that you’ll lose the map because of lost cell service when you’re on the trail.
Always be prepared for changing weather. Depending on where you live, you are most likely going to experience a drastic change in elevation when coming to Colorado. A change in elevation means a definite change in temperature and weather. You could get lucky at the base of the trail with warm weather, but we can promise you the temps at the top are not nearly as warm. Make sure you are prepared with synthetic layers in your backpack to keep you dry. We highly recommend wearing something like a Melanzana to protect you from the weather. Check out some awesome layers that we recommend here.
Temperature fluctuation isn’t the only factor when considering weather- thunderstorms and lighting often occur in the summertime. It’s not uncommon for the day to start off with blue skies, but in a matter of minutes, that blue sky can turn very dark and ominous. Be mindful that if a thunderstorm comes along when you are hiking above treeline, you will be sticking out like a literal lightning rod. Keep an eye on the sky during your summit – be smart and head back to the trail head if the sky looks threatening. The mountain will be there for your ascent another day.
Wear appropriate clothing. Close toed shoes with ankle support is the best kind of shoe you can wear. Merrell and Columbia have great hiking boot options that will provide support and comfort as you make your trek to the mountain top. Although not required, it’s helpful to hike with trekking poles to maintain balance and they provide that extra push when climbing up steep terrain and are helpful when navigating across rubble and loose rocks, or even snow fields. Black Diamond makes durable trekking poles that we recommend.
Once you start hiking above treeline, you lose all shade to protect you from the sun’s intense rays. We recommend wearing a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, and definitely wear sunscreen even if there are clouds. Remember, you are gaining elevation, and essentially getting closer to the sun with very little atmosphere to filter those rays.
Bring a first aid kit. It’s always good to be prepared! Summiting a 14,000 ft mountain is challenging, and you wouldn’t want to be in a bad situation without any sort of aid. From blisters to a headache to a twisted ankle, you want to be prepared for anything.
Start early! When we say early, we mean start before the sun even comes up. You don’t want to be on the summit after noon, as that is when weather often changes quickly and it’s essential to be off a high summit at that time. If you’re planning on hiking a 14er that’s far from where you are staying, think about camping at the trailhead so you can be sure to get up and get started before the sun rises. Make sure to check trail rules about this as each trail is different and may or may not allow camping at the base. This is where planning ahead comes into play!
Eat a nutritious breakfast. You will be expending a lot of energy on this hike. This is a perfect time to consume complex carbs along with protein and fats to give your body as many nutrients as you can. Stop along the way to refuel and indulge in snacks. Bringing snacks on the hike up is a key element that will ensure that the energy you are exerting is being restored by nutrition. Ensuring that the group you’re hiking with is feeling good, staying hydrated, and refueling with snacks is a great way to ensure your whole group is in good shape to finish the hike. Here are some of our favorite snack options
Stay well hydrated. Try to drink a liter of water before even starting your hike. As a rule of thumb, you should be drinking 1 liter for every 2 hours of hiking. If this is your first attempt at bagging a 14er, it will probably take you 3-6 hours to complete your hike. We recommend bringing 2-3 liters in a bladder such as a Camelback. Don’t expect to re-fill your water bottle along the route, there are parasites in the streams that will make you sick if you don’t treat it before drinking. You can bring water filtration along (a good idea in any case) but don’t count on it as some routes can be dry.
The last thing we suggest when hiking a 14er, is to push past your mental limitations!. We’ll admit it – the first part of the hike is going to be challenging. It’s going to be steep and your mind might focus on the larger goal. Take it one step at a time, you CAN do it, and it will get easier if you push yourself. Encourage your hiking buddies when they’re feeling defeated, and you’ll feel inspired to keep trekking as well. Choosing your hiking partners wisely is also important – those that are rational, prepared, experienced, and upbeat are the best!
Enjoy reaching the summit- you’re on top of the world! Give yourself some time to enjoy the views, and take lots of photos. Locals sometimes like to bring a sign that has the name of the 14er on it with it’s elevation so you can snap a photo at the top with a proud smile showing which mountain you successfully summited – just be sure to pack it out with you, as you do with everything you take on the mountain. Leave no trace is the motto.
We hope this guide to hiking a 14er helps get you prepared for a fun, exciting, and tremendous achievement. If you’re planning on visiting Buena Vista and have a knack for hiking, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to summit one of the beautiful Collegiate Peaks. The views will last a lifetime. Happy hiking!