About 75 miles west of Woodland Park lies the small town of Buena Vista. The name basically means “good view” in Spanish, an appropriate yet understated title. Buena Vista offers incredible views, lining up 14ers and 13ers of the mighty Sawatch Range.

Midland Hill lies east of BV and is a lovely and adventurous hike that embraces the full impact of the Sawatch, featuring a row of massive 14ers that includes broadside looks at Princeton, Yale and Columbia. The route to the 9,556 foot summit is mostly through pinyon-juniper woodland, a more open landscape that tends to be more snow-free in spring than the nearby higher mountains.

In the small town of Buena Vista, drive eastward on Main Street to its terminus at the parking area near the Arkansas River. Cross the Whipple Bridge over the river, then swing southward on the Bridge-to-Bridge Trail. The riparian habitat along the river may hold a variety of birds, especially migrants in May and September. After about a quarter mile, turn left on the South Trail and continue for about a half mile and follow the signage to Midland Hill Trail.

Climb up Midland Hill, over rocky terrain and up a steep slope. Over the next 1.5 miles the trail climbs a hefty 1000 feet, but it’s well worth it for the awesome views from the summit. A Cooper’s Hawk hunting along the trail was another bonus in the summit area.

Relax and enjoy the top before returning 1.5 miles back down Midland Hill Trail, then turn right on North Broken Boyfriend Trail. Hike northward for about 1.5 miles to where the trail swings westward and ends at County Road 34. Turn left and walk up CR 34 for about 100 yards and turn onto signed “North Trail” on the right.

Continue hiking southward for about a half mile to a connector spur on the right that drops down for a couple hundred yards back to the Bridge to Bridge Trail. Turn right and walk about 100 yards back across the Whipple Bridge and to the parking area.

Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.

About 75 miles west of Woodland Park lies the small town of Buena Vista. The name basically means “good view” in Spanish, an appropriate yet understated title. Buena Vista offers incredible views, lining up 14ers and 13ers of the mighty Sawatch Range.

Midland Hill lies east of BV and is a lovely and adventurous hike that embraces the full impact of the Sawatch, featuring a row of massive 14ers that includes broadside looks at Princeton, Yale and Columbia. The route to the 9,556 foot summit is mostly through pinyon-juniper woodland, a more open landscape that tends to be more snow-free in spring than the nearby higher mountains.

In the small town of Buena Vista, drive eastward on Main Street to its terminus at the parking area near the Arkansas River. Cross the Whipple Bridge over the river, then swing southward on the Bridge-to-Bridge Trail. The riparian habitat along the river may hold a variety of birds, especially migrants in May and September. After about a quarter mile, turn left on the South Trail and continue for about a half mile and follow the signage to Midland Hill Trail.

Climb up Midland Hill, over rocky terrain and up a steep slope. Over the next 1.5 miles the trail climbs a hefty 1000 feet, but it’s well worth it for the awesome views from the summit. A Cooper’s Hawk hunting along the trail was another bonus in the summit area.

Relax and enjoy the top before returning 1.5 miles back down Midland Hill Trail, then turn right on North Broken Boyfriend Trail. Hike northward for about 1.5 miles to where the trail swings westward and ends at County Road 34. Turn left and walk up CR 34 for about 100 yards and turn onto signed “North Trail” on the right.

Continue hiking southward for about a half mile to a connector spur on the right that drops down for a couple hundred yards back to the Bridge to Bridge Trail. Turn right and walk about 100 yards back across the Whipple Bridge and to the parking area.

Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.