FROM SUITE TO SUMMIT: The Perfect Morning Loop from Even Keel

The Even Keel Lodge is located in the heart of Main Street, Buena Vista. Surrounding our 3 suite slice of heaven are endless opportunities of adventure, relaxation, and spaces to allow for a return to what’s important. We created this spot to be a laid back and comfortable landing pad, a spot to escape. There’s plenty of badassary prospects to pursue, but for this field guide, we’re taking you on a rainy and snowy spring day on a trail right down the street.

The Town of Buena Vista provides access to a variety of trails through the Fourmile Recreation area. Starting on the east side of The Arkansas River, the trails wind up Midland Hill. These pathways provide world-class biking, hiking, and rock sitting days.  Today, I’m going to take you on a 2.7 mile loop, perfect for a morning walk, jog, or pedal.

As I mentioned above, Buena Vista is not a loss on the quieter days of spring. While some towns call it “mud season”, we call it “local’s season” and it offers quieter days, quicker dinners, and a sense of peace that we all spend time in the mountains to achieve.  

I woke to a blanket of clouds across the mountains, and a light rain. After the driest winter of recent and ancient memory, I couldn’t wait to put on my raincoat and chase the smell of wet dirt. 

Starting at the parking lot at the Whipple Bridge, I set off on my morning walk. This hike begins by crossing a bridge over The Arkansas River, and you follow it south, surrounded by big rocks, pinons, and the sound of a spring river.  There’s a quick left up a steep connecting trail that gets your heart moving, and then settle on “The North Trail”.  The North Trail meanders north, gracing you with views of the valley, and taking you deep into small rock canyons.  The volcanic nature of this side of our valley lets you easily imagine how a volcano exploded, and blasted car and train sized rocks in all sorts of artistic positions.  Maybe the geology talk will come next month, but also, maybe not.

After your legs have been trucking uphill for just the right amount of time for a morning coffee walk, you hit the Midland Railroad Grade. This is a historic, repurposed rail-trail section, which is a place to really zone out and escape the real world and allow your brain a break. It features gentle grades and neverending panoramic Collegiate Peaks views.

Give yourself time to stop and stare at all of the Buena Vistas, which somehow look different every 50 yards, you hit the “The South Trail” which takes you back down to the river and bridge, back to your car and whatever your day holds next.

This quick and moderately easy 2.7 mile hike gives you a quick jaunt before you have to head out of town, a way to move your body before a bigger day of events or adventures, or a definite way to slow down your brain and enter nature without a car ride. The best part? It’s a quick stroll from your suite at The Even Keel Lodge. If you want a longer day, there are enough trails in this system to keep you out there all day. It’s also pretty hard to get lost - head down the hill to the river to get home!

On this rainy spring day, I saw one other person on the trail. As much as I feel pressure to feature BIG days and BIG expeditions, sometimes it’s worth zoning in on the simple, easy, and peaceful ways Buena Vista lets you escape.