Hiking the easy dog-friendly Bridge to Bridge Trail in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Hiking on Bridge to Bridge Trail in Buena Vista was on my itinerary when we stayed for four days in the city. It was an easy trail and dog-friendly. Perfect for people like me who come from a low elevation and traveling with a dog.

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I hiked the trail twice with my dog. First was in the evening we arrived there, and the night before we left. It was lovely on the first hike, and rain was pouring at the end of our second hike.

Are you worried about high altitude sickness? Don’t forget to bring an oxygen can with you.

Now, let’s take a quick look at where Buena Vista is in Colorado.

Where is Buena Vista in Colorado?

Buena Vista sits at an elevation of 7,965 feet in southcentral Colorado. This laid-back mountain town is between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River. It is home to fourteen mountains over 14,000 feet.

Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America, is around 40 minutes north. Salida is 30 minutes south.

Many considered Buena Vista the Capital of Whitewater Rafting in the United States. But you can find almost any outdoor activities in Buena Vista.

Don’t plan to summit one of the fourteeners? There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails for visitors with different abilities. It is where Bridge to Bridge Trail caught my attention.

Bridge to Bridge Trail Buena Vista.

The Bridge to Bridge Trail is on the east side of Buena Vista. This scenic and short trail is on both sides of the Arkansas River, connecting Whipple Bridge on the north to Beaver Falls Bridge on the south.

The West side (starting point, Whipple Bridge) is easy and relatively flat. You can do this side as an out & back trail. Visitors and locals use this side for a hike, jog, or a leisure walk with their dog.

Along the way, you may see people surfing in the river on the Staircase River Surf Wave. It’s fun to watch them.

If you stay at the Surf Hotel & Chateau, the Bridge to Bridge Trail is a few stairs away from your room.

I didn’t see the Beaver Falls Bridge when I did this trail the first time. If you want to walk to Beaver Falls Bridge, veer off to the right and follow the trail.

There are benches for people to sit and relax. The boulders along the river make a nice spot for spending time on the river. It is a lovely trail.

Bridge to Bridge Trail, from Whipple Bridge to Beaver Falls Bridge.

The second time I did the trail, I started from the east side of the river. I crossed the Whipple Bridge and started hiking to the Beaver Falls Bridge.

This side of the Bridge to Bridge Trail is higher with some elevation change and rock stepping. That’s why the grade is moderate.

You will pass a few junctions to the Barbara Whipple Trail System. If you want to explore a bit more, follow this trail, but don’t forget to go back towards the river to finish your Bridge to Bridge Trail. I didn’t venture to these trails because a storm was coming.

I saw two bikers coming from these trails, and they moved fast. Watch out for bikers if you plan to do this route. Also, I saw at least two places for launching your kayak along the river.

Keep walking to the right when you see the View Point 2 sign with a Gazebo at the Y intersection. But not too long from here, the trail started to disappear. It is where you begin to climb and jump on rocks. I found it fun, not difficult. Proceed to walk along the river, and the trail started to reappear.

Finally, you will see the Beaver Falls Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn north towards Whipple Bridge. You will hike the west side of the Arkansas river trail back to the starting point. 

When I hiked along the east side, I saw one person surf and two others using their kayaks to surf on the Staircase River Surf Wave. I could also see the Collegiate Peaks in the distance from the trail.

It was rained, stopped, and rained before it rained hard when I almost got to the car. You know what the summer storm in Colorado brings, right? A double rainbow! It was amazing!

The Beaver Falls Bridge and road are private property. Therefore, you can’t fish or climb on the bridge structure. The wood bridge may be slippery when it is wet or icy. We use it at our own risk.

How long is the Bridge to Bridge Trail?

The Bridge to Bridge Trail is a 1.8-mile loop. It takes an average of 37 minutes to finish, but prepare to stop a lot because it’s a beautiful trail. You want to take pictures and more pictures!

It is a popular trail for locals and visitors. So expect high traffic during your hiking.

Dogs are welcome on the trail. My dog and I encountered three other hikers with their dogs, and they let their dogs off-leashed. It is stated clearly on the trailhead that dogs must be on a leash at all times.

How to get to Bridge to Bridge Trail Buena Vista

Go to E Main St and drive to Buena Vista Whitewater Park at the end of the road. You will pass an elementary school, tennis & pickleball courts, and a baseball field on the left.

There is a spacious parking lot and a restroom facility nearby. The trailhead is behind the facility.

You can always walk from the stores or restaurants in the downtown area, also on E Main St. That’s what I did on my first hike. You add around 0.5 miles to your hike.

How about the altitude sickness in Buena Vista?

As mentioned above, Buena Vista (or BV) is almost 8,000 feet in elevation. I came from Texas, with an elevation of less than 1,000 feet. I didn’t feel altitude sickness at all. But when I hiked the Independence Ghost Town loop on Independence Pass, I had a breathing problem at the end of the hike. The elevation was 10,900 feet, though.

People adjust differently to high altitudes. It also depends on their physical condition when they are in high elevation. Last summer, we spent a week in Eagle Nest in New Mexico. It took three days for me to acclimate to high elevation. Eagle Nest stands at 8,200 feet of elevation, slightly less than 300 feet higher.

Some Coloradans suggest bringing an oxygen can in case you will need it.

Should I do the Bridge to Bridge Trail Buena Vista?

YES!! If you travel with your dog, he will enjoy the trail, too! You will miss it if you don’t do the trail!