Chaffee County is located in Central Colorado, the Heart of the Colorado Rockies. It stars the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs and Monarch. Fun, friendly and affordable are the hallmarks of this region. Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state's more glamorous destination resorts. You don't need the trendiest clothes ornewest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure, we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak. A dozen of the states 53, 14,000 ft paks touch the sky in the Sawatch Range.
In spring, summer, fall and winter, Chaffee County is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, flyfishing,
camping, horseback riding, ziplining, swimming, tennis and golf. Year-around visitors in the "banana belt" can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, beautiful campsites to guest ranches. Find out why we say "Now This Is Colorado!"
Fast Facts
Twelve 14,000 ft peaks in the area, over 300 days of sunshine, mild winter climate, 100 miles of the Arkansas River, more artist owned galleries than any other city in the US and more friendly people per capita than any other county.
Weather
Summer is mid to high 80's during the day and the nights are cool, mountain weather but it begins earlier and ends later then most mountain resorts in Colorado.
EVENTS
Farmer's Markets
Salida on Saturday's / Buena Vista on Sunday's
The perfect place to meet the friendly locals, find out about locally
grown food and sample great cuisine from around the area.
Salida Aspen Concert Series June through August, 2010
This series is produced locally by Salida Concerts, Inc. in
partnership with Aspen Music Festival and School where the
artists are selected from the current crop of rising music stars
and brought over Independence Pass to perform in Salida. Visit
www.salidaaspenconcerts.org for more information.
Madams of Central Colorado
Fund-raiser for Buena Vista Heritage runs throughout the summer.
Hear about the life and times of these racy madams. For more
information visit www.buenavistaheritage.org.
62nd Annual New Belgium FIBark June 17-20, 2010
The granddaddy of Whitewater Festivals. This four day festival
in downtown Salida has something for all generations, with
competitions in every aspect of boating is the history of this festival
but a parade, a hill climb, a skate competition, a Hooligan race, a
pancake breakfast, a carnival and so much more have made FIBArk
what it is today. For more information visit www.fibark.com.
Salida ArtWalk June 25-27, 2010
Annual arts celebration in Colorado's largest historic district -
downtown Salida, Colorado. Visitors stroll historic downtown
Salida streets, enjoying the sights and sounds of the visual and
performing art showcased in over 40 galleries, restaurants &
shops. For more information visit www.salidaartwalk.org .
Brewer's Rendezvous July 10, 2010
Brewers from around the state offer their best brews in this fun
annual festival in Riverside Park in historic downtown Salida. For
more information visit www.Salidachamber.org.
Fifth Annual Collegiate Peaks Music Festival July 23-25, 2010
Come dance on Main Street while listening to some of the best
musicians Colorado has to offer. This event will feature Colorado
musicians and vendors. For a complete line-up please visit the
website at www.CollegiatePeaksMusicFestival.com
Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo July 29-August 1, 2010
"FREE" again this year. The fair features public and 4-H Exhibits
and 4-H small and large animal entries. Antique Tractor pull,
horseshoe pitching, dances, mutton'bustin, steer riding, mounted
shooting, cutting and, of course, the rodeo, all make this a family
fun event. For more information visit NowThisIsColorado.com
Gold Rush Days August 14-15, 2010
The Buena Vista Chamber hosts this step back in time. McPhelemy
Park, in the heart of Buena Vista, will be alive with entertainment.
Logging demonstrations, storytelling, historic reenactments, gold
panning, the 'Madams,' and a burro race are just a handful of
the fun planned for these two days. Put on your best Western
attire or period costumes to help elevate the Gold Rush spirit! For
more information www.visist buenavistacolorado.org.
Arkansas River Double-Haul Celebrity Fly-fishing Weekend
August 27-29, 2010
Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Chaffee County. The event
benefits community non-profits and provides scholarships for local
high school seniors. Public dinner and auctions including a chance
to fish with each celebrity. Winners of the celebrity auctions
enjoy an all-day float fishing trip with their guide and celebrity.
Silent auctions include custom bamboo rods, top-end rods and
reels, fly-fishing clothing and artwork. For more information visit
www.arkansasriverdoublehaul.com
ATV Historical Color Tour September 21-25, 2010 Buena Vista
Bring your ATV and ride various trails and visit historic areas in the
midst of autumn colors. Four days of riding, evening activities and
more. Registration is limited; call 719-395-6612 or register online
at www.coloradoatvtour.org.PaddleFest May 15-17, 2009
ATTRACTIONS
Outdoor Recreation
The valley is home to a diverse population made up of ranchers, artists, outfitters, entrepreneurs, teachers, bakers, brewmeisters, just to name a few.
The Vital Arts and Music
scene resounds year around with performers showing their wares or performing at local galleries, cafes and auditoriums.
Mecca for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, flyfishing, camping, horseback riding, swimming & golfing.
In the "Banana Belt"
Year-around visitors can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries, glorious hot springs and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels to guest ranches.
PLUS: Historic Downtowns in Buena Vista and Salida, Monarch Mountain, Monarch Crest Trail, Salida Mountain Trails, Alpine Tunnel, Midland Trails, 12 14er's, the Arkansas River, 18 artist -owned Galleries in Salida, Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, Mt. Princeton Hotsprings, Jumpin' Goat Dairy, Buena Vista Heritage Museum.
From the outdoor active enthusiast to the extended family looking for a place to relax and unwind, Chaffee County has it all. Come discover why we say, "Now this is Colorado".
