Tick It Before You Kick It

Top Hikes In Buena Vista That You Can't Miss

• Alexandra Lauren | The Bucket List Mermaid • Season 1 • Episode 27

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Welcome to Tick It Before You Kick It, where adventure meets inspiration! In this episode, we’re strapping on our hiking boots and hitting the trails in Buena Vista, Colorado – a hiker's paradise nestled in the heart of the Rockies. 🌄

From jaw-dropping alpine lakes to scenic strolls along the Arkansas River, Buena Vista has hikes for every kind of adventurer. Whether you're chasing panoramic views from the Collegiate Peaks or seeking serenity in lush aspen groves, we’ve got you covered.

Tune in as we share trail highlights, difficulty levels, must-see spots, and tips to make your trek unforgettable. Plus, we'll sprinkle in some funny trail tales, gear advice, and reasons why Buena Vista deserves a top spot on your bucket list.

So grab your pack, your sense of adventure, and hit play – because it’s time to tick off the best hikes in Buena Vista! 🌟

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Alexandra:

That's what this podcast is. It's not about your adventure bucket list, it's just me mispronouncing everything. Hey there, adventurers, welcome back to Ticket Before you Kick it the podcast where we explore everything that you can put on your adventure bucket list. I'm Alexandra, the Bucket List Mermaid, and today we are going to be headed to a place that's got it all Majestic mountains, scenic rivers and some of the best hiking in Colorado. Majestic mountains, scenic rivers and some of the best hiking in Colorado. That's right, we're talking about Buena Vista or Buena Vista. Puny beuny, you take your pick. Listen, as a Colorado local, not even I know how to pronounce this place. Okay, now, whether you're a seasoned hiker or you're just looking to stretch your legs in a beautiful mountainous setting, buena Vista has a trail for you and we are going to be talking about it. So grab your hiking boots and let's dive into the best hikes in this stunning mountain town.

Alexandra:

Now let's get started and let's talk about why I was actually in Buena Vista. Now I'm gonna call it Buena Vista, which, honestly, I didn't do for my entire life before I got here, but then I heard the locals calling it Buena Vista, so that's what I'm gonna do. I am really sorry if this is incorrect. If it is incorrect and you want to correct my pronunciation, please head to thebucketlistmermaidcom or go on social media at thebucketlistmermaid and please tell me. Please settle the argument of how to actually pronounce this amazing Colorado mountain town. Anyway, why was I in Buena Vista? So I RV full-time as a mermaid. I know it's crazy. If you want to see the pictures, you can go to the show notes and see all about it. I will post a mermaid photo so that you can see. But anyway, I really, really wanted to go rafting here and, as you might have learned from listening to the previous episodes, I actually got evacuated from Buena Vista because of a forest fire in Twin Lakes, so I didn't end up going rafting. I ended up rafting the Royal Gorge instead, and there's a whole episode on that as well.

Alexandra:

However, while I was here in Buena Vista, I wanted to occupy my time with some amazing hikes, because this place is known for its hiking. It's basically a hiker's paradise, and that is because of the towering collegiate peaks, the Arkansas River and just the countless trails that just weave through the forests and meadows. This area just truly offers something for everybody and it is perfect for any nature lover. You can do a challenging summit or you can just do a leisurely stroll with epic views, and that is why I am doing this podcast, because normally you just find hikes that are just for crazy adventurers or you just find flat strolls that would make that adventurer bored. But I like this destination because you get a little bit of everything Buena Vista's got you covered. So I'm going to be sharing my top picks for the best hikes in Buena Vista, and they each just offer their own unique experience.

Alexandra:

Now, fun fact before we get started, this area is in the Sawatch area. As you know, my pronunciation is terrible, so I'm sorry if that's wrong too, but anyway, this is basically a mountain range with the most concentration of 14ers in the state. Now, for those of you who don't live in Colorado, a 14er is a mountain that is above 14,000 feet, and us Colorado locals, for some reason, have just made it our mission to conquer them. There's a lot of Coloradans who just love 14ers. It is a very known fact, and I have done several of these hikes and I'm not going to lie. They're super difficult, but they're so worth it. So I will be talking about some 14ers in this episode. Okay, but let's get started.

Alexandra:

So first off, I'm going to talk about my favorite all-around hike to do, which is the Midland Hiking Trails, and when I did this one I ended up doing the North Broken Boyfriend Trail. Do not ask me why it's called the North Broken Boyfriend Trail. If you are a boyfriend, maybe don't go on there. Maybe you're jinxing it. Just kidding. Still don't know why it's called that.

Alexandra:

Anyway, I went from the North Broken Boyfriend Trail all the way back through the North Trail and honestly I think that this was a pretty easy to moderate In the afternoon. There's nothing crazy. You don't have to wake up super early. In the morning it was a little. I did get sunburnt and I believe my watch was at around three, three and a half miles by the time I was done, but I didn't really get out of breath. There was some nice ascending, descending, but overall just a very nice easy hike and it got you a beautiful view of those collegiate peaks in the background which, if you don't know what I'm talking about, I would highly encourage you to check out those show notes so that you can actually see what I'm talking about. They are very distinct and they were just the stars of the show the entire time that I was on this hike, just absolutely beautiful collegiate peaks in the back, stunning mountain views the entire time.

Alexandra:

And also, if you don't want to do the exact hike that I did, there are a lot of trails to choose from and I really liked this because I found that it broke up the crowds a little bit and I actually went back to this trail because on that north trail you actually get a pretty good look at the river and I was there in early June, so all of the snow runoff had come, which means very high water levels, and this river was a little angry and the river is big. It's not just a little babbling brook, it's huge. So that is very, very fun to hike next to, and I actually ended up going back doing a little yoga class because I'm also a yoga teacher, and I did a mermaid shoot because, as I said, I'm a mermaid. So it was overall just a very, very beautiful place to go and I also liked that it was right from downtown, probably about a two minute drive from downtown, so it's very accessible and in a very good location. I did also find a few mountain bikers on this trail, so just keep in mind that you might have to share the trail.

Alexandra:

So next one, let's talk about our first 14er, the Mount Princeton hike. Now you'll probably get a sense of why these are called the collegiate peaks, because I'm also going to be talking about Mount Yale in this podcast, however. About Mount Yale in this podcast, however, the Mount Princeton this is standing tall at 14,197 feet. Now, mount Princeton is one of Colorado's most famous 14ers and it's pretty much a must-do for any peak bagger. Now, to go all the way up and then all the way back down is about seven miles round trip. Now, for the hardcore adventurers, you might be thinking, oh, seven miles isn't bad. However, this is a challenging adventure that requires some serious stamina. You'll be climbing steep switchbacks, navigating rocky terrain and you might be feeling the burn as you gain over 3,000 feet in elevation, but the reward, trust me, is worth every every step. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking just panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, valleys and even the town of buena vista oh, I just said buena buna vista far below.

Alexandra:

Now, if you want to know my epic local secret for hiking 14ers because I have done a lot of these and everybody looks at me like I'm absolutely insane. However, you gotta start early, and I don't mean like 7 am, I mean like most likely around 3. This is a game changer because keep in mind that you are so far up in elevation that you are above tree line, which means there is no shade and it gets hot. You're closer to the sun, it's more intense, and also, if you are done by about 11 o'clock, because if you summit by sunrise and then you come back down, you will be out of there by afternoon and in Colorado, some of the times during summer you will get afternoon thunderstorms, and I'll just let you use your imagination that if you're above tree line, there's nothing around you and there's lightning. I'll give you three guesses what that lightning is actually going to strike. Anyway, very dangerous. Start early, bring plenty of water and watch the weather.

Alexandra:

I think I'm going to do an entire episode on just hiking 14ers, because I've done a lot of them and I love them. So maybe I'll do that. Let me know if that would be helpful to you if I did an entire episode just on my 14ers tips. This might be a hard one, but trust me, it's going to be worth it and it is a massive physical achievement, so keep that in mind Moving on.

Alexandra:

If you are looking for something a little bit less intense, but you still want those epic mountain views, maybe check out the Tarmigan Lake. Why is everything so hard to pronounce? I know I was doing a travel podcast and it's just me just mispronouncing things. That's what this podcast is. It's not about your adventure bucket list, it's just me mispronouncing everything. Listen, when I started this podcast, I was humbled real quick.

Alexandra:

Anyway, ptarmigan I'll go with Ptarmigan. Ptarmigan Lake is a perfect choice. So this is a six-mile round-trip hike. It takes you through dense forests, babbling creeks and also to a pristine alpine lake that's just straight out of a postcard. Now, even though this is almost the same length as that Mount Princeton over there. This is a moderate trail in difficulty. It has a little steady incline that's pretty much manageable for most hikers, I would say. And as you approach the lake, the trees open up to reveal Ptarmigan Lake, and this is nestled in a basin and a bowl surrounded by the Jones Mountain. This reflection of the lake in the crystal clear water is simply stunning. So you might want to pack a picnic, definitely bring a camera and just enjoy this peaceful moment in a mountain paradise.

Alexandra:

Now, speaking of lakes, let's just talk about another gem, which is the Cottonwood Lake. Now, this is an easy, family-friendly hike that is perfect if you're just short on time or you just want to enjoy a relaxing walk. There's a trail around the Cottonwood Lake and it's about a three mile trip and is mostly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels. You'll stroll through serene forests, with glimpses of the lake and surrounding mountains just peeking through the trees, and it's just a great spot for fishing, wildlife watching or soaking in the beauty of the area. And, the best part, it is also close to town, so you can easily fit it into your day, even if you do have other plans.

Alexandra:

Now, moving right on, if you're looking for something more off the beaten path which I actually found out because I went to one of those beer gardens in downtown Buena Vista and when I say downtown I mean the one street, but anyway, this is the Harvard Lakes Trail. This is a lesser known hike and it's about seven miles round trip and it offers a mix of just about everything Forests, meadows and not one, but two beautiful lakes. The trail starts off relatively easy and you wind through this aspen Grove, which would be absolutely gorgeous in the fall. Unfortunately was not there during the fall, but I would love to go back when it is fall because that Aspen Grove would be stunning. And as you gain elevation you start to catch glimpse of those iconic collegiate peaks. And then, soon enough, you'll arrive at the first Harvard Lake Trail. I get collegiate, harvard, yale, princeton Are you seeing a trend here? The second lake is just a little bit further up the trail and both are perfect for just a peaceful break or maybe some reflection time. As I said, I'm a yoga teacher. Maybe do some yoga, some meditation. This hike is less crowded than the more popular spots, so it's a great choice if you're looking for something more quieter and more secluded.

Alexandra:

And then, last but not least, let's talk about another 14er, which is Yale Peak. Now, this is again you probably have guessed it nestled in the Collegiate Peaks near Buena Vista, colorado, and it's again a very stunning view and a very challenging climb. I have to admit, if you see a peak that is over 14,000 feet and it's considered a Colorado 14er, do not expect easy whatsoever. You are in for a physical and a mental challenge, but whoo is the payoff amazing. So, standing at 14,196 feet, mount Yale is one of the Colorado's famous 14ers and it offers a trek that is both invigorating again and scenic.

Alexandra:

The trail starts from the Denny Creek Trailhead winds through dense forests of pine and aspen Again, fall would be amazing for these things and then you start to break above that tree line where you get panoramic views of the entire Sadwatch Range, and then it goes from the Browns Pass Trail and then goes up to Mount Yale. As you ascend, the rugged terrain and steep switchbacks will definitely test your endurance, but once you get up to the summit, you will be treated by 360-degree vistas that make every step worth it. On a clear day, you can see the neighboring 14ers and the expansive Arkansas Valley below Yale Peak is a must-do for advanced hikers that are seeking both challenge and beauty within the Colorado Rockies. So those are all of my hiking recommendations. However, let's just talk about timing here, because timing is important. You are going to want to do all of these pretty much in summer Now every hike that I mentioned that's not a 14er.

Alexandra:

You might be able to go in that late spring, early fall, and I would recommend doing so just because you might get less crowds, because all the kids are in school and you also might get the fall leaves. However, if you are going to do a 14er, I would recommend sticking to the middle of summer because since these are so high in elevation, they get snow very quickly, and I actually was planning on doing Princeton and then Yale and my plans were thwarted because there was so much snow up there still even in June. So I would have needed a pickaxe, crampons, and I've seen a lot of places that actually require you to have avalanche training. I don't know if they actually enforce that, but I have seen that before. So keep in mind that if you are going to try and conquer those 14ers, that you pretty much want to stick in the middle of summer. About a week before I planned to do Princeton, my cousins actually went and did Gray's and Torrey's only brought one pair of snowshoes and they actually just hugged it out, each one wearing a pair, and they said it was pretty much the worst hike they've ever done. So probably not the best idea to go when there is snow there, especially if you aren't an advanced winter mountaineer. If you are, go for it, that's awesome.

Alexandra:

And now let's just talk about some quick tips for hiking in bunavista. First, always be prepared for changing weather. As I said, mountain storms can come in out of nowhere, especially if it is the afternoon. So dress in layers, bring a rain jacket and just keep an eye on the sky. If you are above treeline and a thunderstorm starts to come in, I know your ego wants to summit. I know it does. However, it's just not worth your life. So if there's even a chance of a thunderstorm, turn back and find cover.

Alexandra:

Secondly, buena Vista is at high elevation even if you aren't hiking a 14er. So if you're not used to the altitude, take it slow, stay hydrated and just don't push yourself too hard. Altitude sickness is a real thing. You can be in peak physical form and the altitude will still get you, sometimes just depending on who you are and where you're coming from. So if you do start feeling altitude sickness, just stop, rest, descend a little bit, hydrate, call for help if you need to. Even at the quote-unquote easy hikes that I have mentioned today, the altitude can still get you, because Buena Vista itself is almost at 8,000 feet in itself. So if you're coming from very low sea level, you might have difficulty even with the easiest hikes, and that's okay. And then, finally, just always follow the leave no trace principle. Just pack out all your trash, respect wildlife and stay on the designated trails to just protect those beautiful landscapes here and say hi.

Alexandra:

It was so funny when I was doing some of these hikes I noticed that on the signage there it says be friendly. And it's funny because I don't know if it's just Colorado hikers, but we just say hi to everybody. You know that awkward like hey, how you doing? Is it pretty up there? Am I almost there? Like you know, you say as people are coming towards you. That kind of thing we do all the time and when I was hiking other places like in Utah and California, it was still there, but it just wasn't as much as Colorado. So if you notice people being very friendly to you on the trail, that's just what we do. Don't ask me why. Just very friendly mountain people.

Alexandra:

Now, if you've done a few of these hikes and you've said no more, I don't want to hike, I would highly suggest going to thebucketlistmermaidcom because I have some of the best things to do for your Buena Vista bucket list on there. I will link it in the show notes so that you can see all of the things that you can do in Buena Vista because it's not just hiking. This place is an outdoor mecca. So if you want some more ideas other than hiking, definitely go check that out. And if you're looking for a place to stay, I also have the top RV parks that you can find in Buena Vista, because this is a very popular RVing destination and I live full time in an RV, so we'll talk about it. So if you're interested in hikes of Buena Vista, buena Vista oh I can't has you feeling inspired to hit the trails and explore everything that this incredible area has to offer.

Alexandra:

So, whether you're doing a 14er or you're just enjoying a peaceful walk around a lake, buena Vista has a hike. That is just right for you. And if you do end up hiking Buena Vista, don't hesitate to reach out on social media. I'm on pretty much everything at the Bucket List Mermaid. I want to hear how it went, I want to see your pictures and I want to cheer you on as you are conquering that adventure bucket list. If you did enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with your fellow adventurers. And, as always, if you have any questions, hiking tips or stories to share, share hit me up on social media. I would love to hear from you, learn from you, cheer you on. So until next time, happy hiking and keep exploring.