Salida/Buena Vista Itinerary Late July

Question

I've finally come up with some possible itineraries for our trip and would like some feedback. 2 adults, my parents (70s), kids: 18, 13, 9, 4. Flying into DEN from Dallas is a bit less expensive so we are going to do that. We haven't booked lodging or flights so hoping there are some left. Will most likely arrive in DEN in the mid afternoon and drive to Salida/BV same day. Will probably book a return flight to leave in the early to mid afternoon. Plan to do a family float so parents and 4 yo can get on the raft with us. Is that recommended in Salida or BV?

Option 1 (if staying in Salida)

Day 1: Fly into DEN, drive to Salida, check in, dinner out, grocery run

Day 2: Salida - St. Elmo Ghost town, lunch, go home to rest, Riverside Park, walk downtown, dinner

Day 3: Salida - family river float, lunch, go home to rest, drive to BV, walk downtown, dinner, River park and boulder garden

Day 4: Fooses Creek Hike, Monarch Tram, lunch, go home to rest, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, dinner

Day 5: drive to DEN for afternoon flight (scenic stops?)

Option 2: (if staying in BV)

Day 1: Fly into DEN, drive to BV, check in, dinner out, grocery run

Day 2: BV - River park and boulder garden, Bridge to Bridge hike, lunch, go home to rest, St. Elmo Ghost town in the mid afternoon, dinner

Day 3: BV - family river float, lunch, go home to rest, drive to Salida, walk downtown, dinner, Riverside Park

Day 4: Fooses Creek Hike, Monarch Tram, lunch, go home to rest, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, dinner

Day 5: drive to DEN for afternoon flight (scenic stops?)

Answer

Your proposed itineraries for Salida and Buena Vista in late July are well-structured and take into account rest periods for your parents and younger children, while still including a variety of activities for all ages. Both options are feasible, and your inclusion of family-friendly river floats is excellent, as Salida and Buena Vista both offer safe guided float trips suitable for families. Rafting companies typically provide options for young children and seniors, including short, gentle floats that are ideal for a 4-year-old and older adults.

Here’s some feedback and considerations:

River Float: Both Salida and Buena Vista have reputable outfitters for family-friendly floats. Consider booking a short, gentle float on the Arkansas River. Companies often run 1–2 hour floats that are safe for all ages, and parents can ride along with small children in tandem rafts or larger family rafts.
St. Elmo Ghost Town: Visiting earlier in the day might be better for younger kids and seniors to avoid the afternoon heat. Walking distances are short, and it’s manageable for your group.
Fooses Creek Hike & Monarch Tram: These are great for scenic views and easy/moderate hiking. The tram provides a lift for those who prefer not to hike to the top.
Hot Springs: Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is a wonderful way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Pools are accessible for all ages, but check for age restrictions or shallow pools suitable for younger children.

Comparing your two options:

Option 1 (base in Salida): This provides easy access to downtown Salida, local dining, and grocery stores. Travel to Buena Vista for activities like River Park and Boulder Garden requires short drives each day, but it balances sightseeing with rest periods.
Option 2 (base in Buena Vista): Staying in Buena Vista places you closer to Monarch Mountain, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, and Fooses Creek Hike. Trips into Salida for downtown walks and Riverside Park are slightly longer drives, but still reasonable. This may slightly reduce overall driving fatigue for your parents.

Additional tips:

Scenic stops on the drive back to Denver (Day 5) could include: Johnson Village, Twin Lakes, or a brief stop in Buena Vista for photos of Collegiate Peaks. If you have extra time, the drive over Trout Creek Pass offers stunning mountain views.
Book activities (river float, tram rides, and hot springs) in advance, as late July is peak season.
Keep daily schedules flexible to accommodate weather, energy levels, and interest, especially for the younger children and your parents.
Consider starting long drives earlier in the day to avoid afternoon traffic and heat.

Recommendation:

Either base works well; Salida is slightly more central for balancing activities between both towns, while Buena Vista is better for reducing drives to mountain activities. Since your itinerary is already mixed, staying in Salida may make grocery runs, dining, and logistics simpler for a multi-generational group.
The river float is highly recommended in either town, with outfitters providing appropriate rafts for your 4-year-old and seniors.

Overall, your plan is well-paced, allowing sightseeing, rest, and fun family activities. Flexibility and early bookings will make your trip smooth and enjoyable for all ages.

Salida/Buena Vista Itinerary Late July

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