The Barbara Whipple Trail
(known usually as the "Whipple Trail") is a relatively easy hike
in Buena Vista that provides a full "Colorado experience" in many ways.
Located east of town (take Main Street all
the way east until you reach the dirt parking lot), the trail offers the expected
grand views of the Collegiate Peaks to the west.
Ah, but there's more: The trail begins
with a bridge crossing over the Arkansas River, where it is quite common to
see rafters coming down the rapids in the summer months. The trail has a
loop that runs through pinions and desert-like tundra, with a spur that leads
to the old Midland Railroad grade. Throughout the trail, there are kiosks with
interesting historic information about the Arkansas Valley region. On my particular hike,
I also scurried to the base on the Arkansas River to spend some time alone and play with my digital camera.
Folks, if you are looking for a decent "starter hike" in the area, the Whipple Trail might be a good option.
A few other Buena Vista pages: Buena Vista Traffic Light, County Road 328, Buffalo Peaks, The Chalk Cliffs, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
