Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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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 152-mile stretch offers something for everybody of all ages - from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. For more information on boating opportunities in our park, visit the AHRA Boating page.

Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Registrations may be completed in our office. See the Boat Registration page for more information.
(Updated: 7/25/2019 9:12 AM)
Camping
AHRA has 7 unique campgrounds for those who like to relax and listen to the river. AHRA campgrounds do not have any electric hook-ups or potable water. Reservations should be made online or by calling (800) 244-5613.

Overnight campers outside of developed campgrounds must use a portable toilet system and fire pan as required by regulation.
(Updated: 1/7/2020 9:17 AM)
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
AHRA, with the help of volunteer naturalist, Bob Hickey, hosts scheduled hikes throughout the year. To get on the mailing list, for more information, or to get signed up, contact AHRA at ahra@state.co.us or call (719) 539-7289.

We'd be happy to have your children join us during the summer for our Junior Rangers (5-11 year-olds) or Tots on Tuesdays (2-4 year-olds) programs. Schedules will be released each May for programs which will begin in June.
(Updated: 3/14/2019 11:08 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.

Check out the CPW Fishing app and/or Match-a-Hatch app, available for Android or Apple users. For online planning, check out the Colorado Fishing Atlas.
(Updated: 7/25/2019 9:17 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.
(Updated: 1/7/2020 8:49 AM)
Hiking
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.

Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available online or via mobile app.
(Updated: 7/25/2019 9:12 AM)
Horseback Riding
Adjacent Public Lands into the backcountry offer unlimited opportunities

Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available online or via mobile app.
(Updated: 7/25/2019 9:12 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.

Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available online or via mobile app.

Registrations/permits may be purchased in our office. Please check Registration/Permit requirements before hitting the trail.
(Updated: 7/25/2019 9:11 AM)
Photography
State Forest State Park in 360

Located adjacent to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, State Forest is an idyllic Colorado landscape that's packed with wildlife. With some of the most scenic hiking, camping, wildlife watching, four-wheeling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing in Colorado, State Forest State Park is a must-visit location for outdoor recreation lovers.

(Updated: 1/10/2020 3:32 PM)
Photography
State Forest in 360

(Updated: 1/10/2020 3:39 PM)
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 areas for snowmobile riding in the adjacent public lands next to AHRA. Included are Cottonwood Pass, Tincup/St. Elmo, Marshall Pass, Leadville and North Fork at Shavano Campground.
Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available online or via mobile app.

Registrations/permits may be purchased in our office. Please check Registration/Permit requirements before hitting the trail.
(Updated: 1/7/2020 8:51 AM)
Whitewater rafting
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers private and commercial opportunities for whitewater rafting. The season begins with spring runoff and ends in the late summer/early fall when flows drop and fishing picks up.

See AHRA's Outfitter List for information on commercial outfitters who can take you out on the river.
(Updated: 6/14/2018 11:48 AM)