20 Attractions to Explore Near Midland Hill

Buena Vista is situated in scenic Chaffee County, between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado, and is known for its laid-back, mountain-town vibe .Buena Vista is sometimes referred as the “banana belt”, because of its temperate and arid climate that provides 300+ days of sunlight. It’s common for someone to ride a snowmobile or cross-country ski in snowy, frigid conditions in the mountains, and then return to Buena Vista.

Chinaman Gulch is a very popular, difficult rock crawling trail best suited for modified vehicles. Minimal snow to the area makes it an ideal location for winter wheeling. There are many obstacles and rocks to play on along this 4wd trail, many of which provide multiple lines from easy to hard. Although not very scenic, the occasional views of the Collegiate Peaks are astonishing.

A beautiful 21,586 acres national monument in Chaffee County, which is centered along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida. It is the most popular destination for whitewater rafting in the country, and is also known for its fishing and hiking. It is also protected habitat for bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, elk, and golden eagles.

Trout Creek Pass, elevation 9,346 ft is a mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado in the United States. The pass sits atop the southern end of the Mosquito Range on the Park-Chaffee county line, between South Park and the headwaters of the Arkansas River to the west. It is traversed jointly by U.S. Highway 24 and US 285. It is passable by most motorized vehicles and is closed only during severe winter storms.

Experience this 10.9-km out-and-back trail near Nathrop, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 28 min to complete. This trailhead is at 8,900' and there is a large parking area. If you have a good clearance 4WD, you can continue up the narrow 322 (Mt. Princeton) road. Just after the lower parking area, there is a fork in the road - stay right on the main road. Drive 3 miles to the radio towers at 10,800'.

The North Cottonwood trail travels west for 4.3 miles to Kroenke Lake. The trail has numerous creek crossing and is lush and green with alpine vegetation. Take advantage of this trail in the peak of summer for wildflower season with July being the best month for the breathtaking flowers.

The Buffalo Peaks are the twin southern sentinels of the relaxed Mosquito Mountains. It is one of the iconic location for a trek and also there are so many things to see and do. For climbers the Buffalo Peaks offer a chance to get away from crowds and enjoy something distinctive yet different. Both mountains are but a healthy hike but the hike is memorable.

The Avalanche trailhead is a major access point for the Colorado Trail near Buena Vista. This is a popular trailhead for winter recreationists and provides ample parking for the many snowmobilers who converge on the area. Weekend snowmobilers love to ride to the top of Cottonwood Pass and over the Continental Divide to Taylor Park.

Mount Princeton rises dramatically from the upper Arkansas River valley, its 14,204-foot summit a stately sentinel over the land below. Mount Princeton carries many distinctions, both historic, geological and recreational. It is also a good trekking destination nd also it offers nice views of this area.

West Buffalo Peak, elevation 13,327 ft , is a summit in the Mosquito Range of central Colorado. The mountain is the highest peak of the Buffalo Peaks, slightly taller than East Buffalo Peak. It is located in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.

A beautiful lake located in the middle of a small forest and is famous for fishing and so many other leisure activities. The lake has such a scenic setting nestled within the mountains. Water access is easy and though the water is cold.

Chalk Creek is a 27.3-mile-long river flowing east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range in Chaffee County. The river is surrounded by a mix of privately owned and US forest service land. Campgrounds and public trails, including the Colorado Trail, are located along the length of the river. Several hot springs emerge in this valley.The river is named after the magnificent white kaolinite cliffs that stand at the entrance to the Chalk Creek valley, and are a result of hot spring deposits.

Agnes Vaille Falls is nestled in the mountainside of Chalk Creek Canyon, south of Buena Vista. It requires a short, uphill hike to the falls.This trail is, however, still being taken today, as there are no officials signs stating it is still closed. Social media shows much activity on the once closed trail.

Cascade Canyon is located in Grand Teton National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It has numerous polished glacial erratics, hanging cirques and a U-shape as evidences that demonstrate that glaciers once filled the canyon to a depth of at least 2,000 feet. Cascade Creek now flows where the glaciers once did and the numerous waterfalls, such as the 100-foot tall Hidden Falls, found within the gorge are popular destinations with tourists.

Mount Columbia is a high mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 14,077-foot fourteener is located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest, 9.9 milesnorthwest by west of the Town of Buena Vista in Chaffee County, Colorado. This trail is great for birding, horseback riding, and mountain biking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

Chalk Lake is a beautiful lake lcoated in the heart of Chaffee and is famous for fishing too. It is a very popular campground with an array of recreational opportunities like hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding.

Mount Yale is the eighth highest peak in the Sawatch Range and twenty-first in the state on Colorado. There are two routes up the mountain, each with accessible trailheads year-round. This makes it a good training peak for more difficult hikes and climbs. With lots of camping in the area, it’s a great opportunity to stay and climb several Sawatch 14ers in one trip.

This is a popular trail, which is gentle, family friendly grade with amazing destinations. The natural water slide area at Denny Creek is a must visit for families. The trails offer an authentic mountain experience as they go through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

Mt. Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and only one of three 14ers within Colorado that rises above 14,400 feet. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is located in Park County, about 30 miles southwest of Denver. The wilderness area comprises two distinct peaks, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak, which are connected by a deep canyon. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and expansive views. Wildlife is abundant in the wilderness, with elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears all making their home in the park.