Buena Vista River Park Reviews

We've gone to this park for years to refill our camping water jugs. It's always clean and well kept with nice restrooms and lush grass. What a serene place to enjoy lunch and relax.

A very clean and well managed park. Pleasant staff and close to town. The park is right on the river. The water really runs when the snow is melting. Good fishing. A very relaxing place to spend a few days.

This is a wonderful place to ride bikes or go for a walk. Gorgeous scenery without having to leave town. Walking distance from anywhere on main st.

We were just driving around and ran into this area of town. Loved being close to the river. Great walking and hiking, There is a disc golf course as well. Some easy bouldering for the beginners. A couple of cute shops and restaurants nearby. Very neat and well cared for.

We took a break from driving and took the river walk. Pet friendly and good place to take the kids. Take in the beautiful sunset from the deck. lots of parking.

Don't miss the river park if you're in the area. Places to relax and enjoy the river, all kinds of trails and spots to get your feet wet. We got to watch kayaks, hikers, etc. The bridge is a great photo op.

Stop by rather quickly on the way he’s going to Gunnison. Seems like a nice place for families, usually accessible from town. Certainly would spend a lot longer here. But, a nice place to take a break for a drive.

Easy to get to...right in town. Nice trails all along the river for hiking and biking. Beach to put your feet in the cold water.

I’ve been to the River Park a few times and it never gets old. It’s a beautiful walk along the river and fun to stop and watch kayakers practicing tricks in the rapids that have been man made along the river. It always seems different each time I go, the latest being today. If you’re traveling, it’s a nice respite for as long as you need to recharge yourself. If you need more than just a little walk there’s a nice coffee shop and Eddyline restaurant right where you come up from the river at the end of the park.

Unique park, as every age of people were using this section of the river. Neat waterfalls/drops and the river was fairly low when we were there, but the water was just right. I was reluctant to get in, until I watched a couple of young kids doing this, and decided, hey if they can do this, so can this ole guy. Had a blast.

Had an awesome time in river. Guides were amazing, we got to expierience some awesome fellowship. Th free high had a blast

This is a cool park to visit. We saw a couple of guys on what looked like a big skateboard on the whitewater. The park even has a living room! that's right, a living room! Food vendors, drinks and beautiful views are worth the drive to downtown Buena Vista.

I couldn't get enough of this place. We were staying nearby and I came down to the river to just be in nature and read a book while listening to the river. They've actually made some "pools" in the river for paddle boarding, kayaking, and even surfing. I was fascinated to watch the adventures and wished I'd brought a life jacket and been able to join the fun. There's also a "boulder" area for the kids to climb on and biking/hiking trails. Such a lovely place!

A Noisy Place. For a place that advertises no pets, that is not truly the case as our family were all awoke at 6 AM in the morning after having arrived late the night before and just wishing for a good night's sleep. That did not happen and the general manager never responded to repeated attempts to speak with him.

This is a great loll park by a beautiful river tight in town. It is a real surprise and delight
to have so much natural beauty so close by. Definitely worth spending some time here.

Everyone will enjoy this fantastic short but amazing stretch of trail along the Arkansas river, connecting to steeper, more challenging trails across the foot bridge. The South Main community is a great place to explore, as you are really off the beaten path and can discover some jewels here!

Easy to find and cute little town and shopping area. Pretty trails and a cool boulder garden next to the river with chipmunks.

There are many beautiful spots in Colorado, but one should definitely count this among them. Absolutely gorgeous.

I didn't know this area existed until our recent trip. Beautiful spot to walk along the river, grab lunch at Eddyline restaurant. The area they've developed here off of Main St is nice, very pretty, wonderfully painted buildings with lots of great color.

This is NOT the Arkansas River that flows through Tulsa, OK. We almost had to laugh at this enjoyable sight and everyone having fun in the water. We had a picnic lunch on a table next to the rapids; watched children bouncing in the white water with watchful parents pulling them out downstream. A great place to unwind and spend some time.

We were looking for a place for lunch and found this little park. There are big flat boulders along the river where you can easily climb down for lunch. We walked the river trail from one end to the other. Really beautiful. We took the lower trails that went right next to the river as often as available. There is a bridge at one end where there are couple of other short trails. We didn't have time to try those.

I've hiked to the top of this peak twice and it was really great. It wasn't an easy climb but manageable.

Between the local community schools and the river is a lovely park area full of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. The local community also sponsors free outdoor entertainment on weekends.

Stayed a few days here while rafting. Wonderful little town with great energy. We had a great time walking along the river and the shops/restaurants were fun.

What a great spot to start your morning hike! Beautiful views from the well groomed trails and many different hiking options.

A very nice stop here in the middle of Buena Vista. While biking in the area this was a welcome stop & a restful break. The waterfall is relaxing & the facilities are good.

Skate park, mountain bike trails, and gorgeous river walk. Great for a picnic or hike. Great place to stop during a long trip so kids can get out and run!

If you have a few extra hours on your trip stop here! We went with 7 kids (10 - 16) and there was something for everyone! Few, but nice shops, short hike up the river, climbing rocks, and beautiful scenery! Don;t forget the skateboards! There is an excellent SB park here! Enjoyed the mosaic "outdoor living room" by the river too! The housing community near by is very quaint and deserves a quick walk around! Pack a lunch, there are picnic tables along the river, and plan to stay 2 - 3 hours here if you have kids - they won't want to leave!

The Buena Vista River Park is a very nice park right in the town of Buena Vista. Good walking trails that are well marked and not difficult. They offer good views of the river. You can watch the river rafters go by.

A very nice park in the middle of town. Ducks swimming and people fishing or just sitting around on park benches. Some had dogs that would jump in the water to retrieve a ball or stick. Very nice place to visit.

Buena Vista has done a great job of developing the Arkansas River as a place where one can access the wild river in a safe way. Just clean and beautiful!

The River Park is something Buena Vista should be very proud of. It's a beautiful place to walk and hike and enjoy the lovely views that surround this area.

We enjoyed crossing the bridge and hiking on the west side of the river. Incredible views across the valley of the collegiate peaks.

Nice trails on both sides of the river. Nothing too strenuous, just a nice way to spend an hour or two near the water.

This is a nice park that borders the Arkansas river and provides access for hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and outdoor recreation. It is located at the end of Main St heading east and ends at the river.

This is a beautiful place, I would really like to live in this part of the community during the spring, summer and fall. The community did an excellent job of establishing this area. Since I was in an RV did not get to ride around too much, but I am looking forward to going back.

Kids loved it here!! Perfect place to hang out and spend time together!! The Boulder Park was a big hit!!

Clean well maintained trail. no trash. easy walk along Arkansas river. River rafting is great. Not good for swimming. Bike repair station. lots of fishing..with permit.

We stopped by the park while exploring BV. There was a man with his son fishing, many others riding bikes or just standing in the refreshing chilly river on a hot day. Very active area with clean restrooms, beautiful mountains in the nearby area to hike and explore. Definitely worth a trip.

Very relaxing, food for purchase, big boulder with hand grips for the kids to play on, picnic tables, coffee shop on corner, fun to watch kayakers on the river. Great place for a picnic or to just relax!

This park is probably taken for granted by the locals, but it shouldn't be. Along with biking, hiking, and picnicking right along the Arkansas River, the fishing access and kayaking opportunities are fantastic. This really is a case of "the best things in life are free".

We've been to this park now several times and it's still a favorite for the kids and us to come back to. There is a nice skate park, walking trails, river access, bouldering, and of course kayaking. It's an easy park to get to with some awesome picnic locations. If you are coming here to see rafters, you most likely will not! However, you will see kayakers and SUPing. There are also restrooms that are in good condition. Love it here!

This is a great walk to do with young kids. It's not long but it's beautiful and right along the river. There were some kayakers that was fun to watch too. It's steep to get down to the river but the rest of the walk is pretty flat. Our kid is 2 and loved running down there.

Buena Vista is a great town to just enjoy the outdoors and the Rocky Mountains. This park is calm, relaxing, and enjoyable for all ages. Just soak up the town’s and nature’s ambience.

My husband and I thought the walking trails here were well maintained, scenic and quite frankly a pleasant surprise. Very enjoyable and we will visit here again. The River Park made our first time visit to BV a definite repeat.

Beautiful river park with scenic pathways and nice restaurants nearby. Highly recommend for whitewater enthusiasts as well as a place to enjoy nature's beauty and a wonderful neighborhood.

Beautiful park area and love the walking trail. Very nice area to bring family and walk, play and hang out.

Nice place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Small town feel! Nice people. Great food surrounding the area. River rafting for all who enjoy the sport. Would recommend for outdoor enthusiasts

We stopped at the river front park after having lunch in Buena Vistas. It is a great place to walk or just sit and listen to the passing water. Good relaxation location.

Enjoyed the beautiful gifts God provides for us. Every direction was breath taking. Wear comfortable shoes.

Quiet park by the water. There's a train museum but it was closed when we visited. The water over the spillway was pretty and soothing.

We visit the area with our extended family each year and love to come into BV. We always stop at the river park so the kids can play and run around. Last Fourth of July we were lucky enough to come by in the evening when they had music and food at the park and had a great last night!

Lots of fun! You can walk along the river and watch the kayakers and SUP (stand up paddle boarders). I wish there was more commercial rafts that went through here, but it is awesome and I spent most of my time in buena vista down here

It is right on the Arkansas river and close to the Surf Hotel. Beautiful area for white water rafting.

had a 5 mile walk fantastic veiws, make sure you take plenty of water and give plenty of time their is so much to see

I was really impressed with this area of town. A retail owner indicated that this was the town dump 11 years ago. All the buildings are in mint condition. It reminded me of the Truman show with Jim Carey. Kudos to the town for creating such a scenic setting for the entire family to enjoy outside

This is a good park for large area sporting events (Frisbee, soccer, baseball) or just needing to run around. There is NO PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT.

This park is at the east end of Main Street. There are two dirt parking lots. The one to the south would accommodate a smaller RV or trailer. You can also walk to it from the downtown area if you are so inclined. It is an easy walk.

You can watch the white water rafters go down the Arkansas River, or hike one of two trails across the bridge. The Whipple trail is to the north and is only open to foot traffic. It is a medium hike, make sure to wear good shoes - flip flops probably won't cut it. We took our little dog, he did great. There are breathtaking views of Buena Vista and the Collegiate Peaks all along this trail. It ends at an old railroad road, maybe 1/2 mile or so away. We turned around and headed back. The other trail is for cyclists and such, but there were hikers on it also. We will save this one for another visit.

There are a few places to have a picnic, if you don't mind walking down to the lake. There is a playground for the little ones, or you could take your lunch and eat on the trail. All in all a great place to spend an hour or two.

This park was gorgeous. The picturesque river running below the easy trails was beautiful. My daughter and I had a great time exploring. If you are in the area it is definitely worth your time to check it out.

My girlfriend and I came to Buena Vista for a girls weekend and went hiking here on the trails near the river. This is such a cool place. They have rocks for climbing and even a little mini-climbing area for kids. The trails are so nice and you can go up high or walk along the river. You can even get a beer at the Eddyline Brewery after!

Buena Vista is a great place to visit and to live. What a beautiful park right by the river. Super walking trails.

Beautiful place to take a morning hike. Plenty of exploring available - climb on the rocks or just sit and enjoy the water.

Love going and walking on the paths by the river. They have places to just sit and watch and listen to the peacefulness of the river.

Easy walking trails for the elderly, young or athletic. Leads to other trails for more challenge or just good to find a bench and listen to the river roll by.

Lots of trails and paths to walk, hike, or ride. The city has done a great job of setting up this entire area to spend the day outdoors. Nice shopping and housing village by it as well.

Great walking path with places to stop and rest, watch people on the river, and enjoy the view. Surprising number of play areas for children.

This large park has a number of components to it, including an inland playground. The portion I am reviewing consists of a bridge across the river, hiking on the far side, a place to put in small watercraft, and in general a spot to indulge in some water sports. All are quite good, and complemented by a large parking lot. As my photos show, today I caught a commercial operation releasing inflated rafts holding about six people each, one raft at a time, to "shoot the rapids" (not very serious rapids, which I can say since I was not in one of those rafts), and the screaming gave evidence that a good time was being had by all.

Big fish. someone else must have been catch and releasing too. Cross the bridge and get your ride on. Two nice skate parks for the young ones. Im bringing back the teem for some footage.

This park is beautiful and well maintained. They have bouldering rocks (manufactured) which my sons thought was pretty ironic when looking around at all the natural rocks all around. It was very picturesque with walkways along the river. It was a great spot for taking photos of the mountains and river.

Lots of different features and waves, cool atmosphere, and a brewpub right there for when you're done at the park.

We hiked up the trails which were great. They had varying degrees of difficulties and length. Well kept.

The City of Buena Vista keeps investing in the River Park and it shows. There are ballfields, running tracks, skating area, bouldering area, dog runs, and great walking paths along the Arkansas river, with a footbridge and another one coming, hopefully soon.

A lovely space to walk along the beautiful river! Beautiful views over looking Buena Visit! High recommend this space on your visit.

This a place to experience the beauty of Colorado and of Buena Vista. The park is well mantained, with dog parks, playgrounds, ball fields, and easy paths to walk and view the river.

It's a very well kept and beautiful park. It has amazing views with gorgeous overlooks of the Arkansas river. It's a great place to take a little break... let the kids run around.... walk your dog... or just take a little break.

We did not see this publicized in travel literature, but it's a real gem. The parking lot is well-placed and there are several hiking trails in the vicinity. The two trails along the river are well-maintained and the scenery is gorgeous. We would love to have seen some kayaks going through the river park!

While walking and shopping main street we, wife and 2 grand kids decided to walk down to the river. Very pretty and a real clean bathroom. Their where some kayaker's in the very cold water, but had wet suits on.

Can walk/hike on trails, watch fly fishermen, dogs on leash welcome, kayaks and white water canoes fun to watch at higher water levels.

On a nice day, this can be a real beautiful experience, but it can be somewhat remote, so I would encourage you to have a friend go with you and not to go when it is dark.

Beautiful trails that are very serene and peaceful yet close to town. We enjoyed the views along the way and always felt safe. We can't wait to come back.

We had an hour wait until our rafting trip began, and it was suggested that we take a walk through the BV River park. It was an easy walk/hike with beautiful views. We watched boarders ride some of the rapids......very relaxing spot.

Did the Barbara Whipple Trail near River Park (http://www.buenavistaco.gov/Community-Trails-). Great hike, amazing views, and good locations for a picnic throughout the way. The base includes restrooms and water. The trail starts by crossing a bridge over the Arkansas. You will find short trails (for folks who just want to tour) or longer ones for those who want to get a good workout or adventure. I took the Whipple trail, stayed to the right and connected with CO RD 304 (dirt road)... The first 25-35 minutes (depending upon your pace) includes elevation gain... then levels out a bit on the road. However, the views are worth it. Also, afterwards, headed back into town (Main street) and had a very nice ice cream from Punky's ! Enjoyed the trail (and the treat) so much, I did it two days in a row. Enjoy!

Beautiful autumn walk found by accident. We found this by visiting a little cute and quiet good coffee shop. Notice the River was close by and then as we all near saw the footpath. Several benches for resting or taking in the view.

Came here to walk for a little while after lunch. The path is not paved but definitely manageable for most people to walk on, there are several benches along the path, as well as dog clean-up stations though they seemed to mostly be along the upper level of the trail.
There were only 5 other people that we saw, one had a dog (I believe they were heading to the dog park located nearby) and two were across the river. Not at all crowded but also being November that probably isn't the norm all year - there is also a water ski resort/hotel near the trail so in the summer I would expect there to be more people around.
Definitely a nice place for a walk, whether short or long.

There's a bench seat next to the bridge over the Arkansas River and it's an ideal spot to watch kayakers and rafters playing in the rapids below a low waterfall.

At the end of Main St, but you have to look for it. Well worth it. Nice little park with a walk along the creek or river, with benches. We were there in the fall and the leaves were beautiful, rustling in the gentle breeze in the bright Colorado sunshine. Heavenly!

Beautiful settings. Our rafting trip was a great experience. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone thinking about doing it.

This is a great place to enjoy the gorgeous river, have a picnic, enjoy a walk, and just bask in the natural beauty around you.

Visited one afternoon. Walking trails up small mountain and along river. Kayakers were enjoying the river. Great time!

Watching the kayakers on the water was great. The walk was easy and scenic. What a great place to have a picnic and bring the kids. There is a climbing rock for the kids and a few shops to visit. The river is beautiful. Stop at the bridge and walk across.

Went there for the first time early on Easter morning, for a reenactment of Christ being raised from the dead. Words can't describe the awe and emotions that ran through the crowd. A very heart wrenching first time visit. One that I'll never forget.

The river here looks NOTHING like it does close to our home. Fun to watch the tubers, kayaks, fishing boats and rafters. This is a fantastic little town with a great way to see the beginnings of the Arkansas River. We followed the Arkansas a long way during our road trip from NW Arkansas. It really is a beautiful river up here. The park here is well-maintained and welcoming. In fact, there was maintenance work being done the day of our visit. There is another grassy city park not far and the downtown area is cute and inviting.

Great place to watch summer rafting races, enjoy the Colorado blue skies and follow it up by dining at one of the wonderful restaurants.

We came down from a beautiful hike on a hot day to find a bathroom and water bottle refill station waiting for us. A nice facility that provides access to the river and trailheads. The hike provided glorious views and a good workout. Dogs on leash allowed and they loved a swim in the river afterward!

I usually check TripAdvisor for attractions or hiking trails. I am not sure how I missed this. I asked the hotel manager for recommendation of hiking trail. I am sure glad that she told us about this wonderful place.

From Hwy 24 East on Main St, through town. You'll find a large dirt parking lot at the far east end where you can park. There is a boat ramp & restrooms. On this particular day we found ourselves watching the local rafting groups loading & preparing for a popular boating adventure down the Arkansas River. Lot's of activity both kayaking & river rafting starts from this area.

There are several groups of trails in this area, I am writing about the Barbara WhippleTrail, named after a local artist.

The trailhead is actually found as you walk east across the Buena Vista River Bridge. Helpful historic kiosks that give some mining & railroad history of the area. Follow the round trip 1.3 mile trail that winds above the east side of the Arkansas River. There is elevation gain at first then gets better. Further on there is an area where there are parts of the Old Midland Railroad grade come across. We spent the afternoon exploring.

Total elevation is 600 ft. Photographic opportunities looking west to the Collegiate Peaks. The day we were there it was 87 degrees at noon. Only Pinions trees for shade. The wind saved our day. However, along the river there are areas of shade & opportunity to watch kayakers & whitewater rafters at play. Well maintained trail, seems to be the most popular hike in Buena Vista.

BV was such a fun place to hang out for a few days. This park was close to all of the restaurants and shops so you could easily walk over and let the kids play. This area has so much stuff for the kids, it was really thought out well.

BV is fortunate to not have the railroad running down the river. The scenery is very nice, and they’ve managed some very nice trails down near the river. A simply walk from Bridge to Bridge will suit you. Wander through SouthMain, see how nice they’ve done with that build. BV has it going on. Enjoy !

Superb trail system that Buena Vista has developed across the Arkansas River from the town. Nicely laid out and marked, and easy to access and hike, although you should assure to grab a map before heading out.

We'll have to give this area of BV a C for the current state and an A for effort... In a few years this should be the hub of BV and "the place in town to be", but for now there is not much really going on and not much to do there... We would like to see it in 5 or 10 years...

Buena Vista, known as the rafting capital of the Arkansas River in centural Colorado has done much to enhance their river front. There is a gentle ramp for putting rafts and such into the river, bike' hiking paths, picnic areas, a foot bridge within a short walk to their newer shopping area. Apartments and condos are popping up as I write, making the neighborhood amenable to young or older residents. The 2-3 blocks of stores offer the usual tourist shops and restaurants. Great for browsing, which is what I was doing as a birthday present to myself.

We weren't expecting much from the hiking trails, since they are so close to town, but they were one of our favorite Colorado hikes! Easy, but with geographical interest. Incredible views of the Arkansas River, the town of Buena Vista, and huge mountains. My son was able to do some bouldering. Love this town!

The park is next to the Arkansas River and has interesting sculptures, good parking, and easy paths down to the river.

Parked downtown, stopped in one of the outdoors shops and got a free trial map of the river park. Then walked over to South main where it seems to be the newest extension of downtown. Picked up the trial along the river, crossed the bridge at the north end and did the circle trail there and back, about 2 miles all together. Very easy trail. Be sure to do the other side of the river for the best views.

the town of Buena Vista should be very proud of the river park, we have been going to the area before they stared building the park and am amazed for what they have done with the area and any thing you want to do you can do there.

A lovely and accessible park with tons of activities any time of year. Fishing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rafting or even just lounging about. Well worth the visit!

Nice place to hike and relax. Finnish the day at South main, where you can find some nice such as Eddyline Pub.

Dogs without leash were running and poop everywhere The city Arkansas river and Rockies are very likeable otherwise

The Arkansas River runs through Buena Vista, CO. As Bill D47 said, you go down Main Street eastward until you get to this new development. There is a public park with either steps (south end) or a dirt ramp (north end) that take you down to the riverwalk. We were surprised that the river was roaring in October. It is beautiful and tranquil, at least on a Wednesday. We saw a lady walking a dog on the other side. We asked locals how she got over there, and they told us to go to a bridge that crosses the river and follow signs. We did not try to find it, but it looked less developed on the east side. Nearby, there is another public park with a playground and public restrooms and a gorgeous view of Mt. Princeton. (We had just been to Chama where there was no public access to the Chama River, so we were especially appreciative of this chance to walk along the river.)

We have done a couple of runs where we ended up pulling out here. It is free parking, restrooms etc... The place is clean and maintained well. There are bike and hike routes that seemed great surrounded with awesome scenery

Wonderful treasure somewhat hidden from main drag. Seek it out--it's worth it. Wonderful trails to walk on along the river. Great park area and place to relax. A few great shops and a couple of nice places to eat.

Well-maintained park set along side the beautiful Arkansas River. The park is very convenient to BV downtown area. Information boards explain local history and several hike/bike trails originating from the park

I liked the challenging boulder park and the hiking trail. Very nice and beautiful place. It is a great place to take in the river and watch kayakers do tricks.

this review is for the town and the AR river. ghost town. fun river. good microbrew in town. the townies are nice to the tourist.

My boyfriend and I were just passing through town, and we stopped here to have a picnic by the river for lunch. It was so relaxing and not crowded at all.

Nice river attraction with great scenery for 360 degrees. It has a walkway along the river for about a mile or so from the entrance near the soccer fields to the south towards South Main. You will notice huge boulders along the river and in the town of Buena Vista. Wonder how they got there? Interesting to read the history of geologic events several hundred thousand years ago. Depending on the time of the year, late fall the river is way down, thus you can get closer to it. Enjoyable trip and you can take the trails on the east side of the Arkansas for longer walks. Bicycle can be taken on the trails.

This was one of this scenic activities April from Beautiful View Rides showed us before we went and ate at a local place. Great place to relax, enjoy and take pictures.

Beautiful park to stroll through after a lovely dinner in town. The scenery and tranquility is unsurpassed.

We hiked the trails - easy for beginners/flatlanders like us. We waded in the river - cold but refreshing. A wonderful place.

We stopped at this park to eat our picnic lunch after our rafting trip. Nice park and views of the river. There are also places to purchase food if you didn't pack.

Very cool, hip area. BV has done a great job making this very family friendly. The river park has trails that run by the river, a rock climbing area (very small for kids), a pavilion and is close to the Eddyline restaurant.

I really liked the location of this River Rafting company. I like the relaxed vibe. The staff were nice. They are a little intimidating looking as they are tan, have tattoos and look very rugged, like they'd been on the water all summer (and they have).

We chose the Numbers rapids which were supposed to be more treacherous. They weren't. They were mild and if you want true wild rapids, buy the highest rapid grade they tour. Get the wetsuit if it is not a hot day. The water is cold.

They have a nice little restaurant that sells chips and salsa, quesadillas, margharitas and beer. Little pricey as all food is up in the mountains but nice to have. If you want a real dinner, go to Quincy's Steakhouse in main street Buena Vista. All they serve is steak, one type. But it's a complete dinner that is delicious at a very affordable price.

The River Park in BV is one of the best ideas and attractions encountered by The Gypsies in four years of travel coast to coast. Convenient parking and restrooms, with river access for boaters, swimmers and fishermen, as well as hiking and mountain bike trails that lead to picnic spots, benches, climbing and photography opportunities as incredible vistas open on all sides. Supported by some truly great little concerts at the Eddyline Brew Pub and Restaurant, as well as other events around town, the park is open year round, although the bathrooms close in winter to be replaced by port-a-johns.

This trail borders the River Park - Great hike and views. It is well maintained. The kiosks are informative and also well maintained.

There is an 18 hole frisbee golf course just north of the ball fields and school and west of the river. It is not easy to find, but lots of fun. Watch out for the cactus! It can poke you through tennis shoes.

There is plenty here for the kayakers, of course. Not just the main ''competition hole'' where the pro's tumble but a frothier top hole and a smooth wave between. No shuttle required as you can simply walk back up the trail to the car.
I think what makes it special is the open, easy-going atmosphere and social gathering places all just at the top of the bank. With bike trails just across the river, wifi and weekly music at ''the beach'', good food and drinks at the Eddyline, then the amazing Deer-hammer and Asian Palace just up the road for when the sun goes down. I can see why people buy houses here!

I was quite surprised when I saw all the effort this town has taken to not only attract visitors, but also in the way they have made the old downtown attractive to the residents of this town. There is more construction planned, so I shall return to see what else is on the plan for downtown. The park is beautiful and the river is crystal clear. Please take a day and visit this town. You will be pleasantly impressed - and surprised.

Very useful and functional river and hiking access. Basic facilities to access river, and hiking or MTN biking trails.

Stopped by the Saturday Farmers Market and bought fresh peaches, home made tamales and other specialty foods. VERY nice atmosphere, wonderful grass surface, parrking a bit crowded, but keep looking. People come and go.

Bikes, tubes, SUPs, rafts and kayaks galore.
Always seems to be an event during the weekends many times including live music.

This town has come a long way since last visit in 1982..it has matured into a first class small town...you have to see the walk for yourself to appreciate it.

Loved it so much we could move there :-) Enjoyed this spot several times on our visit and the free music and vendors on Saturday night was a bonus.

Tons of things to do and see in buena vista. You should head down Main to the river though. Great trails of every kind, including picnic spots. Just a great spot, and well taken care of....

We had one person in our party who couldn't handle much elevation gain, and she went on the river walk, along the river. Two of us went on steeper trails, that climb up and away from the river, up to an old railroad bed, that affords gorgeous views of the Collegiate Peaks. It's got informative kiosks that teach you about the history of Buena Vista. Not much shade, but nicely done, for an iin-town hike.

We've been camping in the Buena Vista / Nathrop area for over a decade and this is the first time we've been here! What a nice place! We wandered in on a Saturday when they were having a Bluegrass concert in the park. We brought our dinner and chairs, and had a wonderful time We will ABSOLUTELY be back. We also walked most of the trail. The houses in the small planned community are completely charming and, if circumstances were different for us, we'd probably buy one and retire here!

I was a little disappointed with the walking path, I thought it would wind completely around the river-it does but with some major navigation.

The park is near a planned community of homes and businesses called South Main. Some reviews here appear to me to be confusing this park with an older one in the middle of Buena Vista. Both are nice in their own way.
The river park has trails for hiking and a bridge across the arkansas river. Being somewhat mobility impaired, it was difficult for us to get to all the locations that were available but still, this park is nice and appears to have potential to be a main point for visitors to Buena Vista. It is worth a visit - and don't miss the small shops in the South Main area as you make your way to the park..

and the opportunity to walk and relax. One could do this several times/day. Fortunately the weather was terrific on August 18 and August 19th.
ENJOY!

Buena Vista is a great place to visit, but the River Park even makes it better if your into water sports. It's all so convenient. A Kayak is not my favorite toy, but it's still fun to get out there and try or do something new. This is a great place to do that and the town along with all the other exciting thing to do.

Our family enjoyed the park especially the river walk. We had dinner at Eddy's, then coffee and gelatos from Midlands while scrolling along the river.

what a beautiful treasure of a park with a nice trail along the river. Some cute restaurants nearby. Don't miss it.

Beautiful and peaceful place on the river. The city has created some kayak skills training areas in the river, unfortunately when we were there, no one was practicing or using the river. Perhaps that was become of the heavy rain/snows they had received that raised the river level. Some of the sidewalk areas were underwater. Still, it was a nice place for a stroll--wish we'd had more time. If kayakers had been present, I would have given the area a 5.

Great views of the Arkansas River. The trail head starts near town. Not a difficult hike. There were several good spots to fish or toss a ball with the dog.

This was a nice park very close to the center of town. We took a little hike along a trail across the river. Great place to picnic.

Wonderful walk by the river. This is a must see in BV! So peaceful and beautiful. Lots of great picture opportunities.

Great stroll morning or evening with gentle uphill areas. Neat to watch kayaker negotiate the rapids

I wish the dog owners would become a tad bit considerate. Otherwise gorgeous... great for walking, hiking and biking. Very handy and easy parking, and oh yeah... a river! Bring a boat!

Nice walk along the river in the summer with family, pets, clean environment, bathroom facility available.

After generations of ignoring or polluting the Arkansas River, Buena Vista has disovered the River. The old downtown is being promoted as a tourist destination just like many other small towns trying to be a destination, but what is different here is that a large area, apparently empty for years, between downtown and the river, is being developed with a very urban collection of homes, a new hotel, a few other businesses and a series of parks including several trails along the Arkansas. The development is well done, though it looks too new for the period buildings, Maybe after several years wear and tear will make it look more natural. Unfortunately there is no strong tie between the old downtown and the river side development. I expect a lot of people never see it. And some new apartment style buildings nearby are partly finished and look to be of poor design unlike the riverside row houses and single family homes. There are trails on each side of the river and plenty of place to sit and contemplate the flow of water. There is a lot of river rafting here. Mild rapids have been constructed here to attract white water advocates and judging by the amount passing by, it must be working. Parking is limited and streets are very narrow to slow down traffic, but if this area becomes really popular, traffic will become a big problem.

Congratulations for BV for discovering the river. The developer was clever enough to give the riverfront to the town so taxpayers would develop the trails and parks, but it looks to have been worth it.

Beautiful and serene when we visited, definitely the off season! Well designed and maintained - great for walking!

This was a nice short trail right next to towns streets. The trail is easy and with a river along side of it.

Nice location near highway offering tables, benchs, and play are for children. A good spot for lunch or a pinic.

We stayed close by the river park and enjoyed evening strolls in the area to watch the water sports enthusiasts. There were places to sit and enjoy the view around us which was pretty much 360 degree mountains. Buena Vista is a beautiful area and the river park enhances it.

Like everything in BV that's worthwhile and valued by locals this is just wonderful 'Old Colorado' Nature. T'is a privilege!

This is close to town and vey walkable. Lovely trail along the Arkansas river. Some areas with access to water. Enjoyed watching the kayaks. Only downside is it seems like it is being developed along the farther end with condos etc. could take our dog. Will go back and try the dog park. Saw lots of butterflies and some birds.

Lots of parking near the river and the (clean) bathrooms. Sign boards at the park have interesting history of that area of the Arkansas River. Not commercialized or touristy. We had fun watching the river surfboarders!

Very pretty, short, easy trail on the west side of the Arkansas River just across from BV. You cross over a pedestrian bridge where you can watch kayakers practice in the river. You can then follow the trail along the river before heading up the hill to make a couple of loops. From the top, you can see all of BV and the valley below. Nothing too difficult. You can do it all in under an hour.

great place to kayak or just enjoy the river. New main street development is nice and doesn't interfere with the natural river

I could spend all day at this place. We were here this past summer and we were back this past weekend. This is a great park. Lots of open space and lots of great places to hike along the edge of the river. It was nice this summer because we would sit on the edge of the river and watch the rafters and kayakers go by. This past weekend was so pretty with the color of the leaves and the river going by. It is a very clean and very well maintained. I'm not real sure how big the actual park is, but we walked probably a mile before we started to walk back. Our kids had a great time watching guys fly fish and skipping rocks along the water. Probably my favorite place in Buena Vista!

Even on a chilly rainy day the acres of park was a great visit. Picnic spots, band shell, skate park, playgrounds and more. Must return in the Summer.

There are several easy trails to hike, many areas to stop and relax and take in the beauty of the Arkansas River, world class in stream features to fish and paddle at, 3 large climbing boulders, a kid's climbing area and much much more. It is a great place to come and visit for a few hours or make a whole day out of it.

Gorgeous hike along the Arkansas River! You can do a loop hike, as there are 2 foot/bike bridges that cross the river. There are a lot of gorgeous boulders all along the hike, both in the river and along the trail itself, especially on the 'upper' (east) side. If you have someone in your party who has issues scrambling up/down a boulder or 2 while hiking, the trail on the lower/west side of the river is a lot easier to hike. But if at all possible, you should do the entire loop. It's not that long, allow about an hour so you can stop to take pictures.

Take a stroll and you have a beautiful river, tons of trails, park, skate park, bike course, bouldering area, and then South Main is on fire. Check it out

Nice trails along the Arkansas river. It was fun to watch kayaks and float trips attempt the rapids. There are varying degrees of difficulty on the trails on the rocky side of the river. The trail head will show which are the more difficult.

Buena Vista has a beautiful park with a beautiful river. Can't wait to go back when we have more time to spend.

We wanted a fairly easy two-hour hike and looked to All Trails for options. We ended up here and took a variety of options on the Whipple Trail Loop — North trail to Broken Boyfriend to South. It's 4.2 miles and about two hours. Stunning views! A quickie hike is the Bridge to Bridge, which is about 30 minutes. The trail head is near the deadend of Main Street. Quick and convenient!

This place is awesome. There are picnic tables, river access and great trails I went for a run on the mountain bike trails or Midline Trail and it was challenging but fun. I to back to kayak, fly fish and mountain bike. I fell in love with Buena Vista and this park.

A very nice park, even if you aren't a kayaker. There is a running path, some hiking trails, a bike park, skate park, tennis courts, basketball courts, some bouldering rocks (with holds) and free wifi!
What a great place this would be to live. I would spend every evening in this wonderful multipurpose park.

Beautiful river walk, weather was perfect. Family outing. Great area for photos. Dog friendly. Our family had a fantastic afternoon here.

This is a afternoon we spent watching rafters work the rapids at the downtown river walk. We had a nice lunch looking out over the river and even ran into old friends of ours at the restaurant. The river walk and park is just a nice laid back enjoyable couple of hours. It has so many activities during the week and so would enjoy going back soon.

We took a walk along the river on the graded path. This looks like it would be a very interesting place in the spring when the water is high and the kayaks are running. There are some good restaurants and shops in this part of town as well.

We walked along this trail that follows the river and it was very nice and well maintained. An easy walk with stops along the way to watch the kayaks and paddle boarders trying to ride the waves. Very scenic walk.

No matter what has brought you to Buena Vista, safe a bit of time for exploration. Buena Vista River Park is a wonderful place to go. I believe that parking is free (as it seems to be everywhere in town) though we went by bike. There were tons of people doing all sorts of different activities - kayaking, hiking, running, mountain biking and running dogs (and themselves) in the cool river.

We went to do a quick after-lunch hike and really loved the views. The trails are well-marked and trail maps help you decide how much you want to bite off.

Beyond the riverfront and trails, there's also a small BMX park (very cool, actually) and a skate park. Buena Vista really impressed!

While waiting for our scheduled departure time on a whitewater rafting trip we decided to look around town. Found this gem and just hung out and people and nature watched for a while. Very serene and breathtaking!

This was the most beautiful part of our trip! It was very clean and We felt safe everywhere. The restrooms were very clean. The trails were very nice and the bridge was cool!

We stopped by on a Monday early evening and the place was bustling with activity. Baseball game, kayakers, people fishing, hiking, playing disk golf. Great spot for snapping photos.

It was a beautiful night on the river great music and dancing lots of fu. We met friends and had a drink
beautiful!!

It's a nice relaxing area for a stroll. The sound of running water and big boulders are a nice side trip away from trails and restaurants.

Beuna Vista has done incredible things with their SUP, and river parks. This was so much fun to watch and see the effort that went in to building this water event place. So many locals, and visitors flock to this... Great place

Guide was great and the trip was well worth it. We took our 5 year old son and it was perfect for him as well. Just enough action for the adults and not too risky for the kid. I highly recommend this company.

The BV water park is beautiful, has a near perfect location close to downtown, and provides access to both the Arkansas River and some great hiking and biking trails.

Someone in our group notices a nice spot w/tables & seating, trees and beautiful river. Great place to stretch our legs and
enjoy a travel break & eat ice cream cones. Would go back for a picnic if time permitted.

I have not been back to the Arkansas River since 1970 when I watched a kayaking competition. I was so surprised to see all the development to make it a first class destination. We were there in the fall but I would love to see it in the summer. What a great addition for their town.

This is such a beautiful place! Lovely trails & water. It's a great place. to hike & the dogs love it too. after there are great shops close by & even a vegan burger / salad place

Easy path to walk. Fun to watch the kayakers praticing on the rapids. We parked and did the river walk visited some of the local shops, visited the Town Square and the Boulder Garden. It made a very nice afternoon that did not cost us anything and even the young grandchildren enjoyed it.

Lot's of hiking right by the river downtown. Skate park, BMX and dog park as well. Easy access to the river

The water is COLD but the scenery is BEAUTIFUL. You can get right into the water and or sit back and watch it go by. Water over the rocks is beautiful.

The BV River park has a lot of room. The river boasts several falls for rafters, kayakers and tubers, but really for rafting and kayaking. Depending on the runoff from the spring snows will determine the flow of the river. Still running pretty decsent this last trip. There is a nice trail that follows the river from one end to the other. You can cross as the north end of the park and hike along the old railroad bed. Watch for Mule deer as they are in abundance.

Nice to relax. Bring your kayak if you are a paddler. good place to burn some time while waiting for a table at nearby restaurant in the summer season.

Mom, Dad, Kids 13, 11, and 8 spent 2 hours, two evenings in a row testing our skill on the fabricated climbing rocks. Dad age 40 used to be a top rock climber and found this park a fun challenge. Only problem we experienced was the unavailability of public restrooms in the area. Great family fun for FREE along the riverfront also had picnic tables, benches, and manicured grass great for somersaults and cartwheels :-)

The River Park is just south of Downtown near the newly developed "South Main" community. It includes a walking path, kayaking course, climbing course, out door living room with furniture made of mosaic tiles, and an outdoor venue featuring drinks and live music in the summer. Other attractions include a mountain biking dirt track and a pet friendly environment. If you stay in town it is a great place for an evening or morning stroll next to the rushing waters of the Arkansas River.

This is an awesome little park. Very well maintained, very nice trails, and wonderful views of the river. Definitely worth a stop over if you're in Buena Vista.

We love to take our dog for a walk alone the river front and watch the kayakers and rafters take on the park features -- one of the more entertaining sites in the valley.

Perfect combination of utilizing the GORGEOUS river & adding some great 'manmade elements'. The trails are great, benches for sitting and watching the play boats are super and the surrounding mountains - well - stunning!

The Arkansas River forms the eastern border of the town of Buena Vista. The town has made good use of this excellent natural feature. It provides a beautiful setting sitting on the seam between downtown and the rugged backcountry, providing easy access to both. IN addition to the increasingly interesting downtown, the river park includes great outdoor-oriented recreation opportunities and access to miles of of outstanding, rugged hiking and biking trails. No trip to Buena Vista, or anywhere in the Arkansas Valley for that matter, is complete without a stop here.

The trails are beautifully manicured and well kept. The river is right next to the trail and affords gorgeous views the entire time. A walking bridge takes you over the river and the trail continues on the opposite side. Nice public restooms and plenty of spots with tables for picnics or a relaxing sit.

Great place to hang out with the family and enjoy the river at no cost. Easy to find and plenty of parking. Plenty of space to spread out so you don't feel cramped by others there.

We haven't taken the time to walk around BV "downtown" area and it's really, super fabulous. Relax at Eddyline and then walk down to BV River Park to try out the climbing wall and watch kayakers go through the course... so much fun.

Didnt know this was here. We saw some signs and stumbled across it. you can do bouldering, if you have abike, you can ride through the park, they also have a skate park/bowl. There is access to the Arkansas river too. there are some restaurants and shopping that is going up in this area too.

We stayed at the Surf Hotel and Chateau right on the river. It was comfortable and inviting. The food was world class, and the staff was accommodating to our large group. Would recommend this stay again.

Great trail beside the river! Easy walk at a mellow pace in nature. Fresh air and evergreens smelled amazing!! My kids enjoyed climbing down the rocks to the water.

This is easy access to some nice hiking and mountain biking trails. Wonderful views of the Arkansas River. This is great hiking in the summer and is pretty good for most winter days, too.

Stunning riverfront park with a nice "bridge to bridge" walk/hike along the river. The hike isn't terribly difficult but does have a few minor steep parts, so it wouldn't be suitable for some folks. The river is gorgeous, the mountain backdrop is unbeatable, and it's dog friendly! Great people watching as folks raft down the river, surf the waterfalls, or just dip in the water. If you grab takeout from one of the restaurants in town, there are picnic tables to use. Parking is pretty easy, too. I

Very popular park with runners, hikers, families...nice place to enjoy for exercise. Lots of different trails, no signs, but you can't get lost. Not much water in the creek. Lots of parking and a pond with ducks.

very clean and wonderful views. Good rapids and a great memory for all. The weather was so comfortable this time of year.

What a wonderful little gem to have in your backyard! The walking/bike path is very nice and the views are amazing. There are several picnic tables along the river as well. I am sure there is a lot more to explore on the trails......maybe next time!

Beautiful clean river for trout fishing ...my first time and 1st catch!! People in Buena Vista are SO NICE & friendly

We enjoyed watching the kayaks and float-trip groups as we walked for about 45 min along the West side of the river, where the trail was primarily level. There is more elevation on the east side for those seeking a little more challenge.

Liked everyting about the Buena Vista River Park. Lots of places to set up a picnic. Great place to walk or ride a bike. Lots of fun to watch the rafters and kayakers come down the river. Absolutey beautiful.

Very cute town, sort of college age kids but cute. Great food trucks, climbing wall and boulder park with outstanding man views right by the river. We went for lunch then hung out for a few hours! And except for food it is free

Excellent water rafting and family place.Fishing is excellent( Arkansas river) also with rainbows and brown trout.

We were visiting Buena Vista at the end of March which is still considered winter and means that many trail heads in the area are inaccessible. We were just driving around Buena Vista and stumbled upon the park. We are so happy we did as the views were gorgeous and while it wasn't your typical mountain hike, it had many different trails with many places to sit and relax. We enjoyed exploring the area and taking in all the great views.

Super exciting and fun time down the river with lots of white water splashed and shifting around boulder. Great fun and we had a GREAT Guide. Thanks Kelly! You know your rafting!

Everyone we encountered on our 6 hour hike up the mountain was so friendly and no one was hesitant to talk for a few moments during their own journey. The views from some of the higher rock formations are great, you can see all of Buena Vista.
Make sure to bring a LOT of water and some snacks if you can, and stop frequently if you're not used to the higher elevation, you will get tired faster! I can't wait to go back and climb even higher next time.

On second trip to Buena Vista, but this was my first chance to visit this Park. The Barbara Whipple trail across the river is very nicely laid out and has some interesting information about the history of the area along the way. Very nice views of the city and mountains from the trail. Moderate incline. There's also a nice, flat trail along the river on the town side.

We enjoyed hiking in the park and also sitting on a bench by the river and watching whitewater paddleboarders, kayakers, and rafters go by! Will explore more areas of the park the next time we are in the area.

Walking or sitting or fishing or playing in the river, it is all good here. Keep your pooch on a leash and it is all good.

We have been to the River Park several times in the summer months. We go in late afternoon and grab a chair and listen to the music there. We are seniors and not rafters etc so watching the kayakers is fun and interesting. We live here in this town and always take our visitors to see the River Park. They are always amazed at the activities offered for all ages. Kids climb the climbing rock, and dogs are in the Dog Parks (2) and lots of people bring their kids and strollers and its a nice community gathering spot.

My family spent a week next door to this park, and we enjoyed it very much. It is easy walking distance to a variety of shops and restaurants. The river and the surrounding views are awesome, and the park is fun for children.

We wanted to visit the park to watch the rafters, but weren't allowed to take our dog into the park. We didn't stay very long. Watched rafters from the bridge long enough to get some pictures and left.

This place has everything, I think there are 5 or 6 different areas set-up for kayakers, stand-ups, and surfing. Nice launch areas, with the trail alongside to rest or watch the action.
The hiking trail runs the entire length of the water park plus there are more hiking and biking trails on the other side of river. A lot of places to sit and hang out or a couple of big climbing rocks to explore. Looks like in the summer they have music and drinks in the park. A couple of restaurants nearby are good and plenty more uptown.
They have a rock climbing park, skate park, a bmx pump track, disc golf park, dog park and other town parks nearby.

This river is just a quick walk from Main Street. It is very peaceful watching the water flow past the edge of the town. A great place for a picnic or just to relax.

The River park is a great place to spend the day with family. We stopped by and sat under the gazebo at picnic tables and ate lunch. The scenery was beautiful with great views of the river. The park has disc golf, playground, ball fields, hiking trails, picnic areas, river access and Clean restrooms.