FRIENDS, ALLIES, AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS:

 

The following local and regional businesses and organizations share our commitment to service, quality, ethics, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. See other links throughout our site for state, national, and international organizations.

BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS AND GUIDING SERVICES

Adventures to the Edge: World-famous guide Jean Pavillard’s company, based in Crested Butte, specializes in international mountain guiding, ski mountaineering, and trekking in the Himalayas, the European Alps, the Southern Alps, the Mexican Volcanoes, the North American Rockies, South America, and Antarctica. Jean is the man who carried THE TRAILHEAD’S banner to the summit of Mt. Everest in 2005. The UIAGM, the American Mountain Guides Association, and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides internationally certify Jean. www.jpmountainguide.com; or 1.800.349.5219.

AlpenQuest: Our friends Greg Wiggins and Todd Warren run one of the best outfits anywhere. AlpenQuest specializes in quality outdoor education through classroom seminars, field sessions, custom courses, and team building exercises. See their extensive list of course offerings at www.alpenquest.com.

Babes in The Backcountry: Babes in the Backcountry, Women’s Outdoor Workshops, has been providing education and adventure trips for women since 1996. Based out of Breckenridge, CO, BIB is dedicated to creating more opportunities for women to experience the outdoors and learn skills and techniques to enhance their backcountry adventures. Created by Executive Director Leslie Ross, BIB covers the full spectrum of human-powered outdoors adventure. For more information and to join a program near you, check out the website at www.babesinthebackcountry.com.

Colorado Mountain School: Although not really a “local” resource, the Colorado Mountain School is such a professional outfit that we had to include them. Teaching and guiding primarily in Rocky Mountain National Park, and in areas around Boulder, CMS does what they do so well that we are proud to recommend them. www.cmschool.com.

Trailwise Guides: In an arena overcrowded with self-proclaimed (and often uncertified, uninsured, and unpermitted) guides duking it out to see who can yell the loudest that they are the “extremest” or “corest”, Tom and Tanya Wiesen are a welcome change. Trailwise Guides are skilled naturalists with in-depth knowledge of Rocky Mountain natural history. Trailwise Guides helps you recall why you went to the outdoors in the first place: to immerse yourself in nature, peacefulness, and solitude that only the wilderness can provide. Nature hikes, remote alpine lake hikes, peak bagging, backcountry mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching tours. www.trailwiseguides.com or 1.800.261.5364.

Spruce Ridge Llama Adventure Treks: Established in 1992, Spruce Ridge Llamas, located in Salida, Colorado, provides guided overnight llama pack trips and guided llama day hikes, llama & rafting packages, and llama fall foliage trips. Fully outfitted llama adventures are especially suited for couples and families with children of all ages who are looking for a unique and unforgettable camping experience in the Rocky Mountains. www.spruceridgellamas.com or 1.888.686.8735.

John Angelo: local guide John Angelo knows this area and has the expertise to make your trip an enjoyable yet adventurous experience. 1.970.390.3961.

BED AND BREAKFAST LODGES

Liars Lodge: Liars' Lodge is a modern log lodge built just before the turn of the century (the last one, of course). With 23 pinion covered ?acres, you're less than a mile from town, but you'll think you're miles from nowhere. The lodge sits right on the banks of the Arkansas River with over one-third mile of virtually exclusive river frontage. Watch out your window or from one of the decks as rafters and kayakers cruise by with a 'holler', or launch your own boat right above 'House Rock'. www.liarslodge.com or 1.888.542.7756.

Los Manos Bed & Breakfast: Imagine visiting friends at their beautiful custom home on a secluded, forested 15 acre parcel of land surrounded by over 400 acres of beautiful pinon forest. Imagine a short walk through that forest to a virtually private 2-mile stretch of the Arkansas River. Now imagine that those same friends will cook you a delicious breakfast every morning, and that your accommodation will be the Sunset Suite, a very special 3 room suite with private entrance, private bathroom with a deep soaking tub, and an entertainment area with TV/DVD/CD and computer access. Now imagine that those friends are professional massage therapists and that your accommodations also have private desks, soaking tubs, and beautiful mountain views of the Collegiate Peaks! You’ve just begun to imagine Las Manos B & B. www.lasmanosbandb.com or 1.719.395.4567.

Creekside Lodge Bed & Breakfast: Join your hosts Darren and LaDonna Bachand in the "Heart of the Rockies" for fun, adventure, or rest and relaxation. Creekside Lodge is a rustic three story log home next to Little Cochetopa Creek and is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Rocky Mountains. The location offers breathtaking views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Buffalo Peaks over thirty miles to the north. Guest rooms each have a private full bath, private patio and private entrance with the tranquility and seclusion of the surrounding mountains and sounds of the creek. The property has direct access to 4-wheel drive trails, bike trails, hiking, and old mines. It also has easy access to downtown Salida, Colorado only 10 minutes away, and the Buena Vista/Collegiate Peaks Wilderness areas, about thirty minutes north.

The Inn at Buena Vista: The Inn at Buena Vista is a unique luxury bed and breakfast with expansive views of the Arkansas Valley and the Sawatch Range and a decidedly upscale atmosphere. A church at 832 South Gunnison Avenue in Buena Vista Colorado has been converted to this luxurious bed and breakfast experience. The Inn at Buena Vista features five bedrooms, each with a well-appointed private bath. Stay in the Royal Room and relax in a Jacuzzi® for two or sit on your private deck with a view of the Collegiate Peaks that is beyond compare. The Monarch has a king-sized bed and a jetted tub with a granite countertop in the bath. The Crown is a versatile room boasting a king-sized bed that can be converted to twins. The Regency and the Sovereign are rooms with queen-sized beds and the amenities any business traveler will require. The Inn provides evening turndown service, Continuous Coffee Service, and concierge services. Massages and facials are by appointment. Expect world-class amenities in your room and in our gift nook. Enjoy free high-speed wireless internet access. Phone 1.877.INN AT BV to book your reservation."

San Isabel Bed and Breakfast: If you like mountain adventures by day and soft adventures at night, the San Isabel Bed and Breakfast provides an exceptional alternative to the typical hotel stay, featuring Rocky Mountain lodging in four comfortable rooms with queen size beds. Innkeepers Cam and Dick Ziminski provide cozy living rooms and outside sitting areas are always available, and full gourmet breakfasts are served each morning. Horse boarding is available and pets are welcome at a modest additional charge. Come see why we say San Isabel B & B is a log home in the mountains you'll come to call your own - Scenery is provided at no extra charge!

CABINS AND COMMERCIAL CAMPGROUNDS

Thunder Lodge Cabins: No matter what season it is, vacation at "your home away from home" at Thunder Lodge, on the tree lined banks of Cottonwood Creek. Seven roomy family-size log cabins are located around a common lawn in a relaxing atmosphere. Clean and quiet, all cabins have fully equipped kitchenettes and cable television, while featuring a western Indian motif of pine and oak interiors and furnishings. Each cabin has two double beds, including a hide-a-bed in the living room. The cabins can accommodate 6-7 people comfortably, and additional rollaway beds are available. Enjoy a summer evening cooking outside your cabin on the BBQ grill and eating at your picnic table as the sunsets over the mountain peak. www.thunderlodge.com or 1.800.330.9194, or email at info@thunderlodge.com.

Arrowhead Point Camping Resort: www.arrowheadpointresort.com, five miles north of Buena Vista on US Highway 24, 1.800.888.7320.

Buena Vista KOA: www.buenavistakoa.com, info@buenavistakoa.com, information 719.395.8318, reservations 1.800.562.2672,

Snowy Peaks RV Park: www.snowypeaksrvpark.com, 1.800.954.8481.

Chalk Creek Campground: www.chalkcreek-campground.com, 1.800.643.9727, chalkcreek@realwest.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (and Friends of Fourmile, a GARNA Chapter): GARNA provides and promotes educational activities, volunteer projects and community involvement to conserve the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Greater Arkansas River Area for present and future generations. Friends of Fourmile consists of volunteers from the motorized and non-motorized recreational communities who have special concern for the 100,000-acre Forest Service/BLM area in northern Chaffee County called Fourmile. FoF’s goal is to assure the area continues open to many uses, yet is used responsibly, with a minimum of damage to its remarkable natural and cultural resources. www.garna.org.

Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas: The purpose of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas is to advance the conservation and stewardship of agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, scenic beauty and other diminishing natural and historical resources. Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas is a designated 501(c)(3) organization. Membership in and donations to LTUA are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. THE TRAILHEAD supports LTUA by collecting a voluntary 1% donation for open space preservation. www.ltua.org.

The Quiet Use Coalition: The Buena Vista-based QUC is a spearhead organization of the “Quiet Use Movement” -- which is gaining support and national exposure as concerned citizens organize to send this message to our legislators and public land agencies – “We will take action to prevent assault by noise, pollution and environmental devastation while recreating in our national forest and public lands and waterways.” www.quietuse.org.

High Country News: based in Paonia, Colorado, High Country News is the magazine/newspaper for people who care about the West. www.hcn.org.

FISHING GUIDES AND COMPANIES

Bill Dvorak’s Kayak & Rafting Expeditions: Colorado’s First Licensed Outfitter, offering rafting trips, fishing trips, and multi-sport adventures since 1969. Family friendly, experienced, and highly professional, you can trust your trip to Bill Dvorak. Visit them online to learn more and to book your trip: www.dvorakexpeditions.com, 1.800.824.3795.

ArkAnglers: ArkAnglers is the only guiding service combining three full-service flyshops; a guide staff of flyfishing professionals; permits for high mountain lakes and streams; miles of private water; and the flexibility and knowledge to customize our trips to meet your needs. Eager to learn? ArkAnglers has one of the premier flyfishing schools anywhere. www.arkanglers.com, info@arkanglers.com, or 1.719.395.1796 for the Buena Vista shop.

HOT SPRINGS

Antero Hot Spring Cabins: Located in the heart of the Fourteeners region, these historic creekside cabins were built in the early 1900s, and renovated in June 2004. They have new plumbing, and electric. The cabins are easily accessed by well-maintained, paved county roads, and are only 15 minutes from Buena Vista, and 20 minutes from Salida. Unless there is a bad winter blizzard, you can drive right to the cabins without a four-wheel drive vehicle all year long. Two cabins available: Hortense and Cottonwood. Each cabin has a new hand-shaped private hot spring pool just outside the door. These large soaking pools are fed by an artesian hot spring on the property and are rich in minerals but low in sulfur and have no smell. www.anterohotsprings.com or 1.719.539.8204.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa: located at the northern end of the San Luis Valley, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers mineral hot springs, massage therapy and spa services, a gift shop, and lodging. Visit them online at www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com.

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa: Located 5-1/2 miles west of the picturesque town ?of Buena Vista, Colorado. This retreat revolves around the pure, gravity-fed, natural hot springs, rock-lined soaking pools, private adult-only spas, cold plunge and sauna. Our accommodations include 4 rustic, creek-side cabins with kitchenettes and natural-stone soaking pools (by the creek), 12 spacious guest rooms (with a view of the mountains and Cottonwood Creek), a dormitory, and camping. ??We are an "adult oriented" facility which focuses on the healing aspects of our water, various therapies and soothing atmosphere. www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com or 1.719.395.6434 for more information.

MOTORIZED TOUR SERVICES (NOTE: we recognize that some people will find it surprising, shocking perhaps, that motorized tour services appear on our website. You will note that this list is short. The companies we list have assured us of their commitment to low impact principles, to abiding by wilderness ethics, and to following Forest Service, BLM, and State laws and regulations. Our observations are that these are the pros; and if people are going to use services like these we want them to go with the best, most environmentally responsible companies available.)

Bill Dvorak’s Kayak & Rafting Expeditions: Colorado’s First Licensed Outfitter, offering rafting trips, fishing trips, and multi-sport adventures since 1969. Bill does unparalleled 4WD tours to scenic and historic sites throughout the 14ers region. Family friendly, experienced, and highly professional, you can trust your trip to Bill Dvorak. Visit them online to learn more and to book your trip: www.dvorakexpeditions.com, 1.800.824.3795.

High Country Jeep Tours: Authentic Rocky Mountain Vacation Adventures! Learn about the gold prospectors and miners, narrow gauge railroads and the engineering marvels of the Wild West! Wildlife and wildflowers, geology and gem hunting, an affordable backcountry wilderness experience for the whole family! HIGH COUNTRY JEEP TOURS ALSO PROVIDE SHUTTLE SERVICES FOR BACKPACKERS AND THROUGH-HIKERS, are fully insured, permitted, and highly professional. www.highcountryjeeptours.com, 1.866.45.TOURS.

Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours: The winter operation of our friends Coby and J.V. of Buffalo Joe’s Rafting. Notice that there is only one snowmobile tour company listed here. These guys are pros and play by the rules, are avalanche safety qualified, and very responsible. We figure you’re gonna go, so we want you to go with the best and most environmentally responsible snowmobile tour provider out there. www.vtinet.com/ccei, info@buffalojoe.com, or 1.719.395.6727.

RAFTING GUIDES AND COMPANIES

Buffalo Joe’s Whitewater Rafting: join our friends, brothers Coby and “J.V.” Vidakovich and their team for a wonderful rafting experience on the Arkansas River! These are the guys and gals who bring you the “Famous Gourmet Steak Lunch” (chicken and vegetarian meals available) on every full-day trip. Visit them online and make your reservations at www.buffalojoe.com or dial 1.866.BUFF.JOE.

Bill Dvorak’s Kayak & Rafting Expeditions: Colorado’s First Licensed Outfitter, offering rafting trips, fishing trips, and multi-sport adventures since 1969. Bill’s team is best known for their whitewater trips; take a trip with them and you’ll understand why. Family friendly, experienced, and highly professional, you can trust your trip to Bill Dvorak. Visit them online to learn more and to book your trip: www.dvorakexpeditions.com, 1.800.824.3795.

Noah's Ark: Since 1983, Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Co has offered guests top quality Arkansas River white water rafting and fishing, canoeing on the Gunnison River and hiking and camping vacations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Now the largest white water rafting & backcountry adventure company in Colorado, the goal of Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Co. and Adventure Program Ltd. is to provide guests with unforgettable Colorado outdoor adventures. Many families, youth groups, and mission trips continue to come back to adventure with Noah's Ark year after year.

 

REGIONAL INTEREST AND TRAVELER INFORMATION

PeaksNewsNet.com: www.peaksnewsnet.com. Central Colorado News and Information, the internet hub for The Mountain Mail (Salida), The Chaffee County Times (Buena Vista), The Fairplay Flume, and The Leadville Herald-Democrat.

Chaffee County Visitors Bureau: www.coloradoheadwaters.com, the official website for Chaffee County tourist and visitor information, calendar of regional events, links to area attractions. Request specific information to plan your adventure and order a copy of The Official Chaffee County Visitors Guide.

Buena Vista Area Chamber of Commerce: www.buenavistacolorado.org, the Internet home for our Chamber of Commerce and the source for information about all aspects of life in Buena Vista, Granite, Twin Lakes, indeed all of Northern Chaffee County, Colorado.

Buena Vista Colorado and Salida Colorado Vacation Guide - FourteenerNet: Online Guide to Colorado's "Fourteener" Country Buena Vista - Salida - Leadville - Twin Lakes - South Park

Heart of the Rockies (Salida) Chamber of Commerce: www.salidachamber.org, the website for Salida’s chamber, the source for information on Southern Chaffee County, Salida, and the surrounding areas such as Maysville and Monarch.

Salida.com: www.salida.com, a useful website chock full of links for local information and attractions, including the highly recommended Lost Mine Tour, at www.salida.com/lostmine.

ScenicBuenaVista.com: www.ScenicBuenaVista.com, Scenic Buena Vista is a fun and informational web site where local residents, annual vacationers and other Buena Vista enthusiasts can celebrate our small but special town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. A fun site with discussion forums, bulletin boards, information on local restaurants, lodging, and history.

CentralColorado.com: http://centralcolorado.com, a leading Internet source for information on this wonderful region. Covers activities and recreation in and around the towns of Alamosa, Canon City, Creede, Cripple Creek, Fairplay, Leadville, Salida, South Fork, and Westcliffe.

Colorado Central Magazine: www.cozine.com, our interesting and informative regional magazine that builds a sense of place, a regional community, and a local culture in Central Colorado: Lake, Chaffee, Custer, and Saguache counties, as well as the San Luis Valley and nearby portions of Park, Fremont, and Gunnison counties.

GROCERIES, RESTAURANTS, AND EATERIES (aside from our own excellent selection of trail foods, energy snacks, and freeze-dried meals!)

Nature’s Pantry: Buena Vista’s only locally-owned and operated grocery store is also our natural foods store! Located at 545 US Highway 24 North (across the parking lot from THE TRAILHEAD!), Nature’s Pantry offers a full line of groceries with natural and organic food including meats, dairy and cheeses, organic produce, large bulk selection, extensive supplement section, household cleaning products, personal care, books and gifts. A helpful and friendly staff will greet you at the door, and make you feel good as you leave! 1.719.395.2649.

The Missing Spoon: 314 Charles Street (Charles Street parallels Hwy 24 so The Missing Spoon is easily seen from Hwy 24), Buena Vista. “The Spoon” as we locals affectionately refer to it is Buena Vista’s lively, eclectic restaurant where friends love to meet. The Missing Spoon has a full bar with a great beer and wine selection and is open for lunch and dinner. Dine al fresco when the weather permits, day or night. You’ll love The Missing Spoon’s hearty meals after a day of bagging 14ers, trail running, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing. Check out the menu at www.missingspoon.com, or phone them at 719.395.0303.

Casa del Sol: 333 US Highway 24 North in Buena Vista. Mexican food in the colonial Southwestern style - - which is to say, authentically Mexican, not the greasy, fat-laden Americanized Mexican fare found in far too many establishments. Suffice it to say, Casa del Sol is one of our favorites. We would make some recommendations but we don’t want to prejudice you. The vintage High Country interior contributes to your overall wonderful dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, Indoors or courtyard dining available, 719.395.8810.

SKI AREAS:

Monarch Mountain: One of Colorado’s oldest ski areas, Monarch Mountain is Real Colorado Skiing with all natural snow and uncrowded, family-friendly conditions astride the Continental Divide. Monarch Snowcat Tours and Mirkwood Basin afford unique backcountry and randonee’ opportunities for skiers and boarders alike. Monarch Mountain is now open in summer for your special event, offsite, wedding, and so forth. Monarch season pass holders enjoy 10% discounts every day during the season at THE TRAILHEAD, and day ticket holders save 10% within a week of their pass’s issue date. Please join our and support our friends at www.skimonarch.com.

Ski Cooper: The tradition continues as THE TRAILHEAD offers discounted Ski Cooper lift tickets offsite and on your way to Ski Cooper. Ski on the training site of the famed Tenth Mountain Division, among the greatest of “The Greatest Generation.” Another of Colorado’s “original” ski areas, Ski Cooper IS “The Essence of Skiing” with all natural snow, uncrowded slopes, and spectacular views. Enjoy affordable, family friendly lift-serviced terrain and the world-renowned Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours. Also adjacent to excellent backcountry trails that access seldom-traveled stashes. www.skicooper.com.

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and Cookhouse: Experience the fun of cross-country skiing on 24 kilometers of groomed trails. Classical and skate (freestyle), lessons available. Ski or snowshoe to the ger cookhouse on a one-mile groomed trail and enjoy a unique gourmet dining experience. www.tennesseepass.com.

Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association: The European tradition of hut-to-hut skiing comes to the majestic mountains of Colorado. These huts are located in spectacular backcountry settings and connected by a network of trails with magnificent views guaranteed. The hut system affords access to a wide variety of ski touring and deep powder skiing. Learn more at www.huts.org. THE TRAILHEAD stocks a full supply of 10th Mountain Division Hut System maps, in addition to offering our full-service Nordic ski department and other backcountry gear. Contact us for a brochure or to purchase maps.