Buena Vista’s rugged landscape holds more than just majestic peaks and vast forests—it harbors an outdoor experience intimately linked with Deerhammer Distillery. Set against Colorado’s iconic Collegiate Peaks, this destination marries spirited adventure with handcrafted spirits, offering a truly memorable escape.

Start your day with a hike less ordinary: the Browns Creek Trail, just minutes from the distillery, challenges you with a 5.8-mile round-trip that gains roughly 770 feet in elevation. The trail stretches through a vibrant forest, where aspens and pines converse with every gust, while Browns Creek dares you to follow its swift, clear currents. On this terrain of soft dirt paths punctuated by rocky patches, your boots will find solid grip—ideal for both casual walkers and the seasoned alike.

Around mid-trail, the views widen. The Collegiate Peaks stand fiercely, their rocky spires piercing the sky with quiet grace. This is where preparation pays off: bring layers to adjust to shifting mountain air and enough water to stay hydrated, as the crisp elevation draws moisture fast.

Completing the hike brings you back to Deerhammer Distillery’s warm embrace. Here, the wild energy of the outdoors transitions into the crafted calm of tasting rooms where rye and bourbon mature with patience reflective of the surrounding mountains. Behind each sip is a story of local water sources and time-honored distilling—knowledge that enriches your connection to the land and the adventure just behind you.

Before you set out, pack sturdy footwear with good ankle support and a water bottle capable of holding at least two liters. Starting early or late helps you dodge midday heat and capture the golden hues that blush the peaks. Remember, the Colorado sun is sharp—sunscreen and a hat aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials.

Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of rugged trails or the draw of a small-batch distillery steeped in local tradition, this experience demands respect. The wilderness here doesn’t bow easily. It insists you tune in, move deliberately, and savor both the challenge and the calm that follow. Animal tracks cross the path, the creek chatters in your ear, and behind it all, the distillery’s promise waits—an invitation to linger with a good drink and the stories of a mountain day well spent.