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Crest Trail North: CDT to Boss Lake

Posted in Mountain Biking Trails, Outdoors.

The trail from the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) near Monarch Pass to Boss Lake Reservoir is a roughly 4.8-mile (one-way) hike, offering a moderate-difficulty route with high alpine scenery. The trail, which overlaps with the Colorado Trail, features a steep final climb to the reservoir, panoramic views of the Saguache Range, and access to Hunt Lake.

Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek

Posted in Mountain Biking Trails, Outdoors.

The trail from the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) near Monarch Pass to Boss Lake Reservoir is a roughly 4.8-mile (one-way) hike, offering a moderate-difficulty route with high alpine scenery. The trail, which overlaps with the Colorado Trail, features a steep final climb to the reservoir, panoramic views of the Saguache Range, and access to Hunt Lake.

Geocaching

Posted in Outdoors.

What is Geocaching?

Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find a “geocache” (container) hidden at that location. Caches range from tiny, camouflaged tubes to larger boxes. Inside, you will usually find a logbook to sign and sometimes small trinkets left by previous explorers for trading.

Why Geocache in Chaffee County?

With the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, the winding Arkansas River, and rich local history, our area is a geocacher’s paradise. You can find hidden treasures in a variety of unique locations:

  • The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA): Search for caches while enjoying riverside views, watching passing whitewater rafters, and keeping an eye out for local wildlife like bighorn sheep.

  • Mountain Trails & Parks: Combine your hunt with a hike or mountain bike ride on the Crest Trail in Poncha Springs, the Barbara Whipple Trail in Buena Vista, or the scenic trails surrounding Salida.

  • Historic Downtowns: Uncover local lore by finding clever urban caches tucked away near historic buildings, local shops, and vibrant craft breweries.

How to Get Started

  1. Download the App: Create a free account at Geocaching.com or download the official Geocaching app to your smartphone.

  2. Choose Your Target: Open the app to view a map of nearby caches. Start with ones that have a lower difficulty and terrain rating.

  3. Navigate: Use your phone’s GPS or a dedicated handheld GPS device to navigate to the cache’s exact coordinates.

  4. Find & Log It: Once you discover the hidden container, sign the physical logbook, log your find digitally in the app, and trade a family-friendly trinket if you brought one!

Local Geocaching Etiquette & Safety

  • Leave No Trace: Respect our beautiful Colorado environment. Stay on designated trails, do not trample vegetation, and never bury a cache.

  • BYOP (Bring Your Own Pen): Always carry a pen with you, as smaller caches often don’t have room for one inside!

  • Hide it Well: Always return the cache exactly how and where you found it so the next explorer can enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

  • Be Prepared: Weather in the Rocky Mountains can change rapidly. Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate layers, and keep an eye on the skies.

Chaffee County Visitors Bureau

Posted in (Inactive) Default, Default.

Chaffee County is 100 percent Colorado! Starring the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Mountain. Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state’s glamorous resorts. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. 15 of the state’s 53 14,000 ft peaks touch the sky here in the Sawatch Range. Year round Chaffee County is an outdoor enthusiast mecca. Visitors choose from recreational activities like hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, zipping, swimming, tennis and golfing. Winter sports fans can ski and ride Monarch Mountain, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe and ice fish. Year-around visitors in the “banana belt” can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, campsites to guest ranches.