Welcome to Chaffee County. Whether you’re a new guest or an old friend we’re glad to have you here. The majestic 14,000 foot peaks of the Sawatch Range lining up to the west and the mighty Arkansas River that flows the length of the valley are waiting for you to come and hike, bike, golf, raft, fish, soak or simply bask in their glory. The quaint small towns of Salida, Poncha Springs and Buena Vista invite you to stay, shop, dine and meet the friendly locals. What you will find is the best mix of what Colorado is all about. We trust that your experiences here will create the moments and memories you’ve been dreaming about.
Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado are historic mountain towns that feel like a Hallmark movie set during the holidays. Each town hosts holiday celebrations starting with a parade of lights in Salida, Colorado the day after Thanksgiving. The town comes together to light the largest Christmas Tree in Colorado. Christmas Mountain shows off a 750 foot Christmas tree complete with fireworks. This enormous Christmas Tree is lit each evening at dusk until the new year. You are invited to shop at the many art galleries in Colorado's largest National Historic District.
Buena Vista celebrates with their annual Christmas Opening held the first weekend in December. The Buena Vista Christmas Opening is a wonderful holiday tradition that unites our small businesses, visitors and residents to join together and share in the holiday spirit.
Salida, Colorado
Salida Parade Of Lights 6:00PM November 25, 2022.
Santa Claus will light the 750 foot Christmas Tree November 25, 2022, after the Parade Of Lights, in downtown Salida, Colorado. The tree will be lit each evening until January 8, 2023.
The Buena Vista Christmas Opening is a wonderful holiday tradition that unites our small businesses, residents, and visitors as we join together and share in the holiday spirit.
Buena Vista is situated between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River and is known for its laid-back, mountain town vibe. A friendly and welcoming…
For cross-country skiers and snowshoers looking to try out a backcountry trail, the…
Outdoor
Adventure
Rimmed by the mighty Sawatch, Mosquito and Sangre de Cristo mountains, Chaffee County is a breathtaking place to get outdoors. Like sentinels lining the horizon to the west, Sawatch peaks dominate the Upper Arkansas Valley.
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