You’ll travel through the Front Range foothills, over Kenosha Pass, across South Park’s wide alpine valley, and over Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas River Valley.

Google Maps Directions

🍁 Kenosha Pass Overlook

on the way if taking 285 to the venue

One of Colorado’s most famous fall foliage viewpoints. A quick pull-off rewards you with sweeping views of South Park and glowing aspen hillsides.

☕ Fairplay, Colorado

on the way if taking 285 to the venue

A quirky Old West mining town. Great stop for coffee or lunch at Brown Burro Cafe and a leg stretch along the historic main street.

📸 South Park Scenic Stretch

on the way if taking 285 to the venue

Vast golden meadows framed by 14,000-foot peaks. This is the “sit back and enjoy the views" part of the drive.

🍺 Buena Vista Food & Beer Stop

+15 min

If you arrive early, grab a beer at The Slammer or some grub at Simple Eatery downtown before heading to the resort.

This route follows a dramatic river canyon and passes directly beneath some of Colorado’s most iconic mountains.

Google Maps Directions

🌄 Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

Small detour before leaving town

Towering red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background. Easy walking paths and unforgettable views.

🌉 Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

+45–75 min

Walk across one of the highest suspension bridges in the U.S. at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, spanning the Arkansas River canyon.

🚗 Arkansas River Canyon Drive

No extra time

A stunning stretch of highway hugging cliffs and riverbanks - especially beautiful with fall color along the canyon walls.

🥗 Lunch in Buena Vista

+20 min

Great casual options like Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up for fresh, healthy fare.

Buena Vista sits in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks, one of the most scenic mountain regions in the state. Within a few hours drive, you can experience some of Colorado’s very best.

🍂 Cottonwood Pass

20 min away • 1–2 hrs

A breathtaking drive to the Continental Divide with endless aspen groves.

🏔 Independence Pass (toward Aspen)

1.5 hrs away • Half day

One of the most spectacular alpine roads in North America.

💧 Twin Lakes

30 min away

Glass-still lakes reflecting golden aspens and Colorado’s two tallest peaks.

🏘 Leadville

1 hour away

Explore the highest city in the US, rustic, historic mining charm in Leadville.

🏔 Ouray — “The Switzerland of America”

3 hours away • Full day or overnight

A dramatic box-canyon town surrounded by waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and glowing aspens. Pair it with a drive on the breathtaking Million Dollar Highway and a soak in the local hot springs. Our favorite CO town!

🌄 Telluride — A Legendary Mountain Town

4 hours away • Overnight or 2 nights

A postcard-perfect mountain town tucked into a canyon of 13,000-foot peaks. Ride the free gondola for panoramic fall views and hike the San Juan Mountains that surround it!

🌿 Clear Creek Trail (Buena Vista) • 30–45 min • In town

Peaceful riverside walking with mountain views.

🪨 Browns Canyon Overlook • 20 min away

A short walk to a dramatic canyon viewpoint.

🍁 Cottonwood Lake Trail • 25 min away

Easy trail through aspens to a reflective alpine lake.

🌄 Midland Hill Overlook • 10 min away

Quick panoramic view over Buena Vista and the valley.

♨️ Soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs • On site • As long as you like

Extend your trip using our wedding location as your base camp with its natural geothermal pools and mountain views - the perfect recovery on your trip.

🚙 Jeep / Off-Road Trails • Varies • Nearby

Rent a Jeep at your chosen airport and explore high alpine roads through the aspens.

🏚 St. Elmo Ghost Town • 30 min away

A remarkably preserved 1880s mining town tucked in the mountains.

🏜 Explore Great Sand Dunes + Medano Creek • 2 hrs from Buena Vista

Walk barefoot through Medano Creek at the base of the tallest dunes in North America, rent sandboards, and experience one of the strangest and most beautiful landscapes in Colorado at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

🚂 Ride the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad • 4 hrs from Buena Vista

A bucket-list vintage steam train ride clinging to cliffs above the Animas River via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, absurdly scenic, especially with fall colors.

🧗 Via Ferrata in Telluride • 4 hrs from Buena Vista

A protected cliffside climbing route with cables and iron rungs on the edge of the box canyon in Telluride, wildly exhilarating and uniquely Colorado.

🌋 Hike Wheeler Geologic Area (Colorado’s “mini Bryce Canyon”) • 2.5 hrs from Buena Vista + High Clearance Vehicle Access

Otherworldly volcanic hoodoos hidden deep in the La Garita Wilderness, remote, strange, and feels nothing like the Rockies people expect.

🍺 The Slammer – Laidback saloon with craft beer and a great selection of whiskey

🥗 Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up – fresh, healthy, casual

☕ The Blend – excellent coffee & breakfast burritos

🛍 Buena Vista - Stroll the charming main street of downtown Buena Vista for shops, views, and relaxed mountain energy