Buena Vista’s pronunciation might be different than you think. When you call our office and ask about Browns Canyon rafting or the other white water rafting trips we offer throughout Colorado, you might feel as though the person on the other end doesn’t know a thing about Spanish and is butchering “Buena Vista”. Truth is, they’re absolutely correct in saying “BEW-na VanIS-ta”.
How Buena Vista Got Its Name
Long before Buena Vista became the white water rafting destination we know today, it was a mining town. In the 1860’s the discovery of gold in Colorado inspired many settlers to head West towards Buena Vista. The lure of getting rich from mining, the abundant water supply from the Arkansas River, and the lush soil allowing for farming and cattle ranching, made this area irresistible to early settlers. In 1879 when the time came to incorporate into an official town, community members gathered together and came up with ideas for a name. Some suggestions included “Cottonwood” as in Cottonwood Creek, or “Mahonville” after the Mahon family who were one of the first to settle the area. Alsina Dearheimer suggested the name “Buena Vista.” Alsina wanted to put a unique twist on the name, designating the pronunciation of Buena like “beautiful”.
Why the Pronunciation Stuck
In Spanish, Buena Vista literally translates to “good view.” But the moment you set sight on our town, you’ll probably agree that “good” is an understatement. With the Collegiate Peaks towering above town and the Arkansas River running through it, the unique pronunciation became part of Buena Vista’s character — a local tradition that’s still proudly carried on today.
Insider tip: If you want to sound like a local, remember it’s “BEW-na Vista.”
Things to Do in Buena Vista, Colorado
Whether you’re embarking on the Arkansas River for a Browns Canyon Rafting Trip or soaking in the views of the Collegiate Peaks from Main Street, the natural beauty is everywhere. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
Buena Vista Rafting & Kayaking → Buena Vista is the hub for Browns Canyon and other top Arkansas River runs.
Hot Springs → Relax at Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Hiking & Biking → Trails range from riverside strolls to big
14er climbs.Downtown Buena Vista → A walkable Main Street with breweries, shops, and cafes.
14er climbs.Here are some of our favorite Buena Vista photos, old and new. We’d love to see yours! Tag @wa_rafting and share your #BeautifulBV photos on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Locals pronounce it “BEW-na VanIS-ta” rather than the Spanish “Bwen-a Vista.” Saying it this way shows you know the town like a local.
When the town was incorporated in 1879, settlers chose to slightly alter the Spanish pronunciation of Buena Vista to reflect the local English accent. The pronunciation “BEW-na” has been used by residents ever since.
Buena Vista is in central Colorado, along the Arkansas River, with the Collegiate Peaks rising nearby. It’s about 120 miles southwest of Denver, making it an accessible destination for a weekend getaway.
Buena Vista is famous for whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, stunning mountain views, hot springs, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s considered one of Colorado’s top outdoor adventure towns.
To truly experience Buena Vista like a local, pronounce it “BEW-na Vista,” explore the Arkansas River via rafting, hike the Collegiate Peaks, and visit Main Street’s shops, cafes, and breweries.
