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Buena-Vista
Eden Index
Climate
6.7
•
Recreation
9.3
•
Community
2.8
•
Safeguard
6.7/10
Buena Vista, Colorado is a small town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The climate in Buena Vista is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. The hydrology of the area is dominated by the Arkansas River, which flows through town and provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. There are also several hot springs in the area, including Cottonwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Buena Vista, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing at nearby ski resorts. The town is also located near several fourteeners, including Mount Princeton and Mount Yale.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 6.7
Buena-Vista receives approximately
263mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
6°C.
Buena-Vista has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Arkansas
Area Rivers
Upper Arkansas
Snowpack Depths
Upper Arkansas
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Arkansas
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 9.3
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexter | 24 | 9,271 ft | |||
| Buffalo Springs | 18 | 9,187 ft | |||
| Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area | None | 7,651 ft | |||
| Cascade | 22 | 9,033 ft | |||
| Railroad Bridge - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area | None | 8,039 ft | |||
| Chalk Lake | 19 | 8,743 ft | |||
| Mount Princeton | 19 | 8,618 ft | |||
| Weston Pass | 14 | 10,277 ft | |||
| Iron City | 15 | 9,928 ft | |||
| Collegiate Peaks | 56 | 9,837 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.8
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.