Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Great Western Sumac Lodge is in Buena Vista, approximately 20 minutes west of San Isabel National Forest. This locally-owned hotel is within walking distance of shops and dining options at Buena Vista Shopping Center, located in the town center. The Collegiate Peaks nine-hole golf course is a five-minute drive from the hotel; the course provides club and golf car rentals. Great Western provides a picnicking area with tables and RV parking spaces; the picnicking area is next to the hotel's pond. Kitchenettes are in some of the hotel's units; pets may stay for an additional fee.
Situated in Buena Vista's town center, the Best Western is a 20-minute drive from San Isabel Forest. Local Buena Vista eateries, such as Mothers and Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery, are within five minutes of the hotel. Buena Vista attractions are also within five minutes; these attractions include the Buena Vista Heritage Museum and McPhelamy Park. Best Western amenities include an indoor pool, bicycle rentals and ski lift tickets to Monarch Ski Area, approximately an hour from the hotel. All 54 rooms are nonsmoking; some have sofa beds.
The southern end of San Isabel National Forest is a 15-minute drive from the Gateway Inn in Salida, Colorado. This mountain town is a 10-minute drive from skiing and snowboarding opportunities at Monarch Ski Resort near Poncha Springs. Dining options on Rainbow Boulevard are within walking distance of the hotel; local eateries include Fiesta Mexicana and Patio Pancake Place. Gateway Inn offers a complimentary breakfast every morning in the lobby. Other hotel features are parking spaces for RVs and a meeting room. New couples can stay in the Honeymoon Suites, which includes log cabin-themed furniture and a complimentary bottle of champagne.
The Riverside Inn in Fairplay is less than 30 minutes from the northern end of San Isabel National Forest. The hotel's amenities include an indoor pool area with whirlpool tub, conference facilities and an on-site pond, which is stocked with trout fish; off-site fishing in the South Platte River is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Private whirlpool tubs are available in the hotel's spa suites. Millonzi's Delicatessen and Brown Burro Cafe are in downtown Fairplay, a five-minute drive from the hotel. Nearby Fairplay attractions include South Park City, a 19th-century mining settlement that was at the forefront of the Colorado Gold Rush. Seven of the original buildings are still intact and open to the public.