Entry No. 217 — the Denver file — filed under: after-dark
Comanche Drive-In Theatre
Billed as the highest-elevation drive-in in the United States, Comanche sits three miles west of Buena Vista in the upper Arkansas River valley, with the Collegiate Peaks looming behind the screen. At nearly 8,000 feet the night sky is absurdly dark, so the stars compete with the movie. It's a genuine destination drive-in, not a metro convenience, worth the mountain drive for the setting alone.
The story
John and Pearl Groy broke ground three miles west of Buena Vista in 1966, opening the screen for its first full summer season in 1967. Sitting at nearly 8,000 feet in the upper Arkansas River valley, the Comanche is the highest-elevation drive-in theater in North America. The original screen tower faces west toward the Sawatch Range, framing the 14,000-foot Collegiate Peaks directly behind the movie picture.
For over fifty years, the projection booth ran on classic 35mm film reels until August 2018, when the theater upgraded to a 4K digital projector to secure first-run studio releases without abandoning its vintage single-screen footprint. Inside the concession building, the original 1954 Manley Popcorn Popper still handles movie night snack duties, churning out popcorn made with real butter using a family recipe passed down through generations of Groy family operators.
Because of the remote valley elevation and minimal town light pollution, dusk brings a rare atmospheric double feature: the film on screen competes directly with a pitch-black sky full of stars over the Continental Divide. You didn't hear it from us, but showing up right as the sun dips behind the mountains gives you the absolute best natural light show before the projector lamp turns on.
What it's like
Drive three miles west of Buena Vista on Highway 306 and pull up to the box office with cash ready. SUVs and tall trucks are routed toward the back rows to preserve sightlines for sedans. Once parked, tune your vehicle's stereo to their FM radio frequency with your ignition set strictly to accessory mode—running your engine or leaving exterior daytime running lights on is a quick way to annoy everyone around you. Bring a battery-powered portable FM radio if you prefer to sit outside, as phone radio apps will not pick up the local signal. Pack serious winter layers, heavy blankets, and down jackets even in mid-July: high-altitude valley temperatures plunge into the 40s the second the sun drops behind the peaks.
The move: Make the mountain drive, park facing the screen with the Collegiate Peaks behind it, and watch a movie under some of the darkest skies in the state.
📍 Before you go Seasonal; 2026 season opens around April 24. It's ~2 hours from Denver, so plan a late return; bring layers since high-elevation nights get cold fast.
- 📍 Buena Vista
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 17063 Hwy 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Interlaken Resort Ruins & Dexter Cabin — Explore the abandoned 1880s lakeside luxury resort at Twin Lakes before driving 20 minutes south to catch dusk at the drive-in.
- The Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon — Grab a pre-movie drink in Leadville at the 1879 saloon where Doc Holliday dealt cards before heading down Highway 24 to Buena Vista.
- South Park Coney Island — Grab a hot dog inside a giant 42-foot programmatic novelty building on Highway 285 on your mountain drive out from Denver.
Good to know
What elevation is the Comanche Drive-In Theatre at?
It sits at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest-elevation operating drive-in cinema in the United States.
How do I listen to the movie audio?
Sound is broadcast locally over FM radio. Tune in via your car stereo with your key in the accessory position, or bring a portable FM radio. Mobile phone radio apps do not work.
What form of payment does the venue accept?
The box office accepts cash, so bring physical bills (exact change is appreciated) when you pull up to enter.
Can I bring outside food and lawn chairs?
Yes, lawn chairs, blankets, and outside food are allowed. However, the concession stand serves popcorn made in a original 1954 Manley popper.
When does the season run?
The drive-in operates seasonally from spring into early fall, typically screening films Friday through Sunday nights with showtimes beginning at dusk.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · uncovercolorado.com · colorado.com · Yelp
last checked: 2026-06-23