Quick Info
From Denver: 115 miles, 2.5 hours via US-285. From Colorado Springs: 90 miles, 2 hours via US-24. Scenic route: Through South Park. No major passes: Highway is well-maintained year-round.
Buena Vista is tucked in the Arkansas River Valley, accessible via scenic mountain highways. The drive from Denver through South Park is beautiful, passing through high mountain parks before descending to the river valley. No high mountain passes make the route manageable year-round.
From Denver
Distance: 115 miles. Time: About 2.5 hours.
Route: US-285 South from Denver through South Park to Buena Vista. The most direct route, passing through Fairplay and over Trout Creek Pass (9,346 feet).
What to expect: Scenic drive through mountain valleys. South Park is a broad, grassy basin surrounded by peaks. The route is well-maintained but winding in sections.
From Colorado Springs
Distance: 90 miles. Time: About 2 hours.
Route: US-24 West through Woodland Park and Divide, then over Wilkerson Pass to Hartsel. South on US-285/24 to Buena Vista.
What to expect: Starts in foothills, climbs through mountain terrain. Scenic route with Pikes Peak views.
From I-70 (via Leadville)
Distance: Varies. Time: 1.5-2 hours from Frisco area.
Route: I-70 to Highway 91 South through Leadville, then Highway 24 South to Buena Vista.
What to expect: Crosses Fremont Pass (11,318 feet). Higher elevation route. Can be combined with Leadville visit.
From the South
From Salida: 25 miles, 30 minutes via US-24/285.
From Alamosa: 95 miles, 2 hours via US-285 over Poncha Pass.
Nearest Airports
Denver International (DEN): 130 miles, about 2.5-3 hours. Best selection of flights.
Colorado Springs (COS): 100 miles, about 2 hours. Smaller airport, fewer flights.
Regional airports: Leadville has a small airport. Private planes only, no commercial service.
Tips
Gas up in Denver or Fairplay. Limited stations between. Don't run low.
Watch for wildlife. Deer and elk cross highways, especially dawn and dusk. Stay alert.
Winter is manageable. No extreme passes, but snow happens. Check conditions and carry winter gear.
Avoid I-70 traffic. The 285 route bypasses ski traffic entirely. A major advantage on winter weekends.
Scenic stops: South Park is beautiful. Plan time to enjoy the views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive difficult?
No—standard mountain driving. Some winding sections, but well-maintained highway. Any vehicle handles it fine.
What about winter driving?
Manageable with proper tires. No extreme passes. Winter conditions possible but less severe than I-70 corridor.
Is there traffic?
Generally light. Not a major commuter corridor. Summer weekends see more visitors but rarely congested.
Do I need 4WD?
Not for highway access. Helpful for winter conditions and accessing remote trailheads or campgrounds.
What's the best route from Denver?
US-285 is most direct and scenic. Avoids I-70 traffic entirely. The Leadville route is longer but connects to I-70 towns.