Activities
Rafting
The upper Arkansas River valley offers a variety of white water rafting options from family friendly day trips to challenging class III, IV and V rapids for the more experienced and adventurous.
Hiking and Biking the Colorado Trail
The Colorado trail happens to go right by the Treehouse! Head up the valley to continue on the trail toward Durango, or head down the valley to continue toward Denver. Since the Treehouse is located right between Segment 13 and 14 of the Colorado trail, you can plan a mid-trail getaway to recoup and reenergize the body and mind before finishing the trek.
Hiking a 14’er!
The valley is also home to 12 of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners, all an easy distance from the Treehouse. What better way to celebrate summiting a 14’er (or better yet two!) than a relaxing night at the Treehouse, soaking in your own private hot springs.
Snowsports
Whether you are into skiing, snowboarding, backcountry, cross-country, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, or simply enjoying the snowflakes, the Buena Vista area has much to offer. Both Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper offer family-friendly downhill skiing with world class champagne powder, each within 45 minutes of the Treehouse.
Fishing and Hunting
With 450 ft. of creekside at the foot of the Treehouse you are not far from catching your first rainbow trout. For the seasoned angler, there is world class fly fishing, as well as a multitude of high country lakes, rivers, steams, and forests in the area to explore.
Day Hikes and Fall Colors
There are numerous hiking options in all directions, from short, easy trails like the Agnes Vaille Falls loop just up the valley to longer, more challenging treks. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area is home to any number of trails hidden among its alpine lakes and forests. Book during September to see why we are called Colorful Colorado!
Birding
From the Steller’s Jays and hummingbirds right outside the Treehouse windows to larger hawks and eagles cruising the valley, there is a variety of winged creatures for the sharp-eyed birder to behold. Follow the Headwaters Trail guide, part of the Colorado Birding Trail, and see if you can spot all the birds of the valley.
Rock Hounding
Besides Mt. Princeton, the Treehouse sits at the base of Mt. Antero which is home to some of the world’s richest mineral deposits. It was first mined for beryllium in 1952 and has since been a rich resource for several other precious gems such as aquamarine, blue topaz, phenakite crystals, and purple and blue fluorite.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Pools
For a different soaking experience from our private pool, the world-renowned Mt Princeton Hot Springs pools and resort is just a short walk down the road. Enjoy a day with the family at the upper pool, complete with a water slide, a new infinity soaking pool with water jet chairs, and a beer garden and food truck. Or you can enjoy an evening soak in the lower pools with the ‘hot’ pool and several creekside hot spring alcoves.
Explore History
Just 22 miles up the road from the Treehouse, lies the old mining town of St. Elmo. It is considered a ghost town, although still inhabited by a few hardy folks and some say a ghost if you look hard enough, and offers a glimpse of what the mining life was like in the late 1800s. There are lots of old buildings to see, a general store, and a number of hiking trails nearby. Also nearby is the Iron City Cemetery, which is interesting to explore for the history buff.
Horseback riding
There are two stables within a few miles of the Treehouse, both of which offer horseback trail rides. This is a great family experience and another way to discover and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Salida Art Walks and River Fun
The nearby town of Salida, a 25-mile drive, sustains a thriving community of artists and is home to a number of galleries. Whether or not you can make one of the scheduled Art Walks, there is always plenty of art to enjoy in the downtown area. Salida is located on the Arkansas River, where kayaking, rafting, and tubing are popular activities.