Hiking Trails near Buena Vista and Salida, CO

Question

Hello! Looking to find some moderate trails in the Buena Vista and Salida areas for mid-June. Our time is limited, but would like to find 2 or 3 trails in the area. We're planning on staying in Salida, so I'm hoping to find something nearby without having to venture too far off the main roads. Not planning on tackling any 14ers, just some moderate hikes under 10 miles that would take a few hours. I'd like to do at least one near the Buena Vista area to get some views of the peaks and have an enjoyable hike, without an extreme amount of elevation change. Also want to do another hike further south, near Salida, that captures the Arkansas River area. There's so much to choose from, just don't know where to start. Thanks in advance for any help and advice; it's greatly appreciated!

Answer

The Buena Vista and Salida areas offer a wealth of moderate hiking options with beautiful mountain scenery, rivers, and forested areas, ideal for mid-June when wildflowers are starting to bloom. Since you’re looking for moderate hikes under 10 miles and don’t want extreme elevation gain, here are some recommended options near both Buena Vista and Salida.

Near Buena Vista:

Collegiates Peaks Viewpoint / Browns Creek Trail: This moderate 4-5 mile out-and-back trail offers sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks without the strenuous climb of a 14er. Elevation gain is moderate, and the trail is well-maintained. Great for a few hours’ hike with rewarding panoramic mountain vistas.
Pine Creek Pass Trail: About 3-6 miles round-trip depending on route choice. This trail follows forested paths with moderate elevation changes and ends with open viewpoints of the surrounding mountains. Ideal for an early morning or afternoon hike near Buena Vista.
Browns Canyon Overlook Trail: Shorter hike, roughly 3 miles round trip, with some elevation gain but not extreme. Provides great views of the Arkansas River Valley and peaks around Buena Vista.

Near Salida:

Arkansas Hills Trail System: This is a network of trails just outside Salida, many of which are 3-7 miles loops with moderate elevation. You can enjoy a hike along rolling terrain with views of the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding hills. Trails like the Brown’s Canyon connector provide scenic overlooks and are well-maintained.
Fourmile Recreation Area / Fourmile Trail: Located a few miles south of Salida, this trail is roughly 5 miles round-trip with moderate elevation. The hike passes through forests and meadows, ending near creekside views of the Arkansas River. Suitable for a half-day hike.
Salida Riverwalk & Arkansas River Trail: For a gentler, scenic option, the Riverwalk offers flat, easy hiking along the river with options to extend your walk. While not mountainous, it’s very enjoyable for capturing river views, wildlife, and relaxing after a more strenuous hike elsewhere.

Tips for planning your hikes:

Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, common in mid-June in the Rockies.
Bring layers, as temperatures can vary, especially in shaded or higher elevation areas.
Carry water, snacks, and sun protection, even on moderate hikes, and check trail conditions locally before heading out.

With these options, you can plan a couple of hikes each day, one near Buena Vista for peak views and one near Salida along the Arkansas River. This will give a good balance of scenery, manageable elevation, and accessible trails close to your base in Salida.