Nathrop is quickly passed by on Highway 285, just 8 miles south of Buena Vista. There’s a general store and gas station and some recreation including whitewater rafting.
The town lies at the start of Chalk Creek Canyon, which holds several recreational gems, including hot springs, ghost towns and waterfalls. The Arkansas River also passes directly past this blink-of-an-eye town, providing outstanding fishing and whitewater rafting.
Main Attractions

Agnes Vaille Falls – A short hike is required to access this waterfall, located just past Mt Princeton in Chalk Creek Canyon.
Browns Canyon National Monument – Colorado’s most recently declared national monument, Browns Canyon is a mecca for whitewater rafting. It offers some of the best rafting in the state, and also some of the closest to Denver and the Front Range. Camping is also available in Browns Canyon.
Hot Springs – The most popular Mount Princeton Hot Springs, is one of the nicest hot springs resorts in Colorado, with a variety of soaking options. In addition to Mt Princeton, there are a number of private hot spring cabin rentals, mentioned below.
St. Elmo Ghost Town – Located at the end of Chalk Creek Canyon, St Elmo is one of the best preserved ghost towns in the state. It sits at the start of Tincup Pass, a 4×4 road that leads over the Continental Divide.
Recreation
Camping: Read about the camping near Buena Vista and Nathrop.
Hiking: Read about the best hiking trails near Buena Vista and Nathrop.
Accommodations
Activities near Nathrop
Drive-In Theaters:
- Comanche Drive-In Theatre (11mi)
Dude Ranches:
- Deer Valley Ranch (6mi)
Federal Land:
Ghost Towns:
Hot Springs:
- Antero Hot Springs Cabins (private) (5mi)
- Cottonwood Hot Springs (13mi)
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs (5mi)
- Treehouse Hot Springs (private) (5mi)
Towns:
- Buena Vista (8mi)
- Maysville (22mi)
- Johnson Village (6mi)
- Salida (17mi)
Waterfalls:
Whitewater Rafting:
Latest in Nathrop

Camping near Buena Vista and Nathrop, around the Arkansas River
Situated at the base of the 14,000+ foot Collegiate Peaks alongside the Arkansas River, Buena Vista…
Camping near Buena Vista and Nathrop, around the Arkansas RiverRead More