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Park Activities
Park Activities

  • Biking

    Mountain bikers in the AHRA enjoy challenging terrain and diverse scenery. Check out some of the trails in the Salida area. They include the Midland Trail, which follows an 1800s railroad grade, the Rainbow Trail, which offers some excellent views of the Arkansas River and the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On the AHRA Map and Brochure, look for “Midland Bike Trail” near Buena Vista and the Collegiate Peaks Group Picnic area.
    (Updated: 7/23/2014 12:42 PM)

  • Boating

    Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is home to some of the best whitewater boating in the country. The 150-mile stretch offers something for everybody of all ages - from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. For more information, visit the AHRA Boating​ page. 
    (Updated: 12/14/2016 9:37 AM)

  • Camping

    AHRA has 6 unique campgrounds for those who like to relax and listen to the river. No hook-ups or water, but secluded and tidy. Visitors can reserve sites online​ or by calling 1-800-244-5613​ for April 1 through October 31.  Other dates are first come, first serve. Open all winter.

    Salida East will begin charging the standard $7/day vehicle fee beginning on November 1st, 2017.  Camping fees at Salida East will be $10/night for "primitive" camping.  Beginning in May 2018 Salida East will be "basic" camping with more amenities and charge the standard $18/night.  

    Access to Point Barr from the west (Wellsville) is closed. Motorized access from the east to Point Barr is open.​​
    (Updated: 1/4/2018 11:30 AM)

  • Cross-country Skiing

    Try a moonlight glide through the pines in some of the most majestic terrain imaginable within the Collegiate Peaks.
    (Updated: 2/1/2018 1:44 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​​Dogs are allowed in the park as long as:

    • they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times

    • their waste is properly disposed of

    ​
    (Updated: 8/4/2016 2:00 PM)

  • Education Programs

    The majority of regularly scheduled programs are from May through September, but we are always happy to take special requests!  Great hikes have been planned for 2017, along with fun Junior Ranger programs.  Also, check out our Tots on Tuesdays programs.  
    (Updated: 6/8/2017 9:15 AM)

  • Fishing

    The Gold Medal Waters of the Arkansas River offer fishing opportunities for every type of angler - from the river bank or from a boat. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area provides sites with access to some of the best fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains. For more information, visit the AHRA Fishing​ page. 
    (Updated: 3/14/2016 9:08 AM)

  • Gold Panning

    Gold panning is a traditional and popular activity along the banks of the Arkansas River. It's not uncommon to see several people looking for their fortune on the river. Refer to the Bureau of Land Management’s​ Geology and Minerals website​ for gold panning information about this area. Motorized Placer Notices are also available at AHRA for recreational placer activities.  Access to Point Barr from the west (Wellsville) is closed.  Motorized access from the east to Point Barr is open providing the portage across Badger Creek is accessible. 
    (Updated: 5/1/2017 11:33 AM)

  • Hiking

    If hiking is part of your vacation plan, AHRA can direct you to trails originating from our sites or can even give you information on climbing a “fourteener”, a mountain that is 14,000 or more feet high. See the AHRA Trails​ page for descriptions of trails leading from the Arkansas river access points, picnic areas and campgrounds. There are also many popular hikes in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest, and backcountry opportunities are unlimited.
    (Updated: 7/23/2014 12:47 PM)

  • Horseback Riding

    Adjacent Public Lands into the backcountry offer unlimited opportunities
    (Updated: 2/18/2014 11:47 AM)

  • OHV Riding

    There are many trails for off-highway vehicle riding​ in the AHRA. These include the Four Mile and Texas Creek areas. See the AHRA Trails​ page for descriptions of trails leading from the Arkansas River access points, picnic areas and campgrounds.
    (Updated: 5/1/2017 11:35 AM)

  • Picnicking

    Most of our picnic sites are easily accessible from a major highway. Many people enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the activities on the river. Refer to the AHRA Area Map to find numerous picnic sites along the river. In the “Recreation Site Facilities” table of this map, look for the “picnic tables/grills” column. A group picnic area is also available at Collegiate Peaks Overlook near Buena Vista. Call AHRA for details 719-539-7289.
    (Updated: 6/8/2017 9:25 AM)

  • Rock Climbing

    There are many challenging climbing areas along the river for experienced climbers. For novices, please contact AHRA for information on outfitters who have the equipment and expertise to assist you.
    (Updated: 2/18/2014 11:47 AM)

  • Snowmobiling

    There are many high country trails in the Collegiate Peaks "14'ers". Snow conditions continue to improve throughout the winter for those who like a faster pace.
    (Updated: 6/8/2017 10:51 AM)

  • Snowshoeing

    If you've got the time and urge, there is a place out there just waiting for you to enjoy.
    (Updated: 2/18/2014 11:47 AM)

  • Whitewater rafting

    Private and commercial. Season begins with spring run off and ends in the late summer/early fall when flows drop and fishing picks up.
    (Updated: 2/18/2014 11:47 AM)

  • Winter Camping

    AHRA campgrounds are open year-round, barring severe weather.

    Salida East will begin charging the standard $7/day vehicle fee beginning on November 1st, 2017.  Camping fees at Salida East will be $10/night for "primitive" camping.  Beginning in May 2018 Salida East will be "basic" camping with more amenities and charge the standard $18/night. ​
    (Updated: 10/26/2017 10:45 AM)

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