Location and Lodging
Preferred Housing
We recommend this rental during your time with us. Reserve it here.
Use code “FAL1023” for a 10% discount
Other Options
Buena Vista has several hotels, including a Best Western, Super 8, and the Surf Chateau. There are additional smaller non-chain motels, however we recommend either the Best Western or Surf Chateau if you are interested in a hotel room. AirBNB, VRBO, and similar vacation rental services have numerous options in the Arkansas River Valley and Buena Vista area. The town of Salida is about 20 minutes south, and Leadville is about 30 minutes north and both can serve as cheaper options if needed. If you are adventurous, there are camping options throughout the area and some are even free. If lodging is difficult to obtain, contact us and we may be able to assist. We will do our best to ensure it is not a hindrance to your arrival.
Our Location
The Freedom and Life Counseling offices are located at 205 South San Juan Avenue, in Buena Vista, Colorado. Our counseling setting is designed for comfort, accessibility, and safety. We are also conveniently located in the middle of Buena Vista itself, and depending on your lodging location, you may be able to walk to our offices. Once you are here, we offer a fully stocked coffee bar with snacks and comfortable, modern office space.
The Town
Buena Vista (pronounced Bew’ na Vis’ ta, and also referred to as BV) was settled peacefully in 1864 and it retains the outdoors, Western feel of a small Rocky Mountain town. With a population of about 2,500 in the winter, it swells in the summer months to almost triple that size as people come from all over the world to enjoy what it has to offer. The rafting, kayaking, hiking, climbing, ice fishing, fly fishing, off-roading, skiing, and the hot springs are some of the best anywhere. The line of 14,000+ peaks (called “14ers”) on the Western edge of the valley provide stunning views and also act as a “catcher” of the moisture in the winter that produces heavy snows. The town of Buena Vista receives an average of 36 inches of snow per year, much less than the surrounding resort towns of Aspen and Breckenridge. Whether you are interested in summer or winter activities, the valley has many options for you to enjoy.
There are numerous restaurants in BV, and almost all of them are great places to eat. Eddyline Brewery, Simple Eatery, and Crave are some of our favorites. But with few exceptions, anywhere is a good place to eat. If shopping is in your interest, Main Street has shops of all types of services. From walk up food venders to antique stores to outfitters, you can find more than enough to keep you walking.
The Arkansas River is a prominent feature in town and is a short walk (sometimes only a few feet) from the town itself. There are miles of trails in almost every direction. With plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views, you are sure to find a relaxing place for reflection. Just remember the wildlife in area considers downtown a safe place to be, and they are known to wander right in at any time.
The Buena Vista area is “saturated” in the spiritual as well, with more churches than bars and a number of ministries with specialized focus (such as Young Life). Many people have climbed Mount Princeton and prayed over the town and the valley. We believe the Spirit of God abounds here in natural beauty.
The Weather
Buena Vista sits at about 8000ft above sea level, so altitude sickness can occur. Most people feel fine after a good night’s rest and plenty of water. We provide water bottles just for this purpose! Remaining hydrated, even in winter, is very important. Buena Vista enjoys a relatively mild winter, but temperatures can easily reach below freezing, especially at night. Scattered snow can pass by almost any day, but major snow events are usually forecasted in advance. Like anywhere at altitude and in the mountains, the weather can change rapidly. It’s a good idea to bring a jacket or warmer clothes even if it is summer.
In the summer, temperatures rarely reach close to 90 and most days are in the mid-70s to mid-80s. At night, even in the summer, the temperatures easily drop by 40 degrees. At this altitude, the sun is a significant warming factor. Sunscreen is always a necessity if you plan to be outside for a length of time. In the Spring or Fall, be prepared for shifting weather. It can be 40 degrees one day and 80 the next.