Sign In
Donate Calendar Contact Us Accessibility Military Benefits
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.

    See the Trails​ page for descriptions of trails leading from the Arkansas River access points, picnic areas and campgrounds. View additional U​S Forest Service trails​.

    Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX)​, available online or via mobile app.
    (Updated: 6/16/2022 1:07 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 roaring Class IV and V rapids to milder Class I and II sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. 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.​​  

    Boat registrations can be renewed online at cpwshop.com, at the AHRA Visitor Center, or by calling 800-244-5613.  All first-time registrations and transfers must be done in person at the AHRA Visitor Center and must include a title, bill of sale, or certificate of origin.  If you do not have the required paperwork for your vessel, please press call the AHRA at 719-539-7289 to schedule a HIN Inspection.  

    Please see the Boat Registration page for more information.
    (Updated: 12/30/2021 4:20 PM)

  • Camping

    AHRA has 8 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. 

    For detailed information about our campgrounds including directions and campground maps, please visit our Camping website.

    Overnight campers outside of developed campgrounds must use a portable toilet system and fire pan as required by regulation.  

    For ideas on where to go camping near the river, view our interactive map.  For suggestions on camping on USFS land, please visit the USFS Salida Ranger District page.
    (Updated: 7/30/2020 2:50 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:

    • they are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times.
    • their waste is properly disposed of.
    • they are not left unattended at any time.

    (Updated: 1/7/2022 10:01 AM)

  • Education Programs

    The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is pleased to offer free programs for visitors of all ages!

    Hikes:
    AHRA, with the help of volunteer naturalists, Bob Hickey, Linda Julia, and Dawn Brown hosts scheduled hikes throughout the year.  To get on the mailing list, contact AHRA at ahra@state.co.us or call (719) 539-7289.  For more information or to register for a specific hike, please refer to the links on the Hike Schedule.

    Summer Naturalist Programs:
    Join our naturalist at our newly renovated Salida East campground to learn more about the night sky, bats, and where our river water comes from.  More information and registration links can be found on our Summer Naturalist Program flyer.

    Junior Rangers Programs:
    We are excited to invite children to join us for our Junior Rangers (5-11 year-olds) or Tots on Tuesdays (2-4 year-olds) programs each summer.  Schedules are released each May for programs that will begin in June. 

    Registration is required for attendance.  Parents must stay for Tots on Tuesdays program.

    Junior Rangers Program Schedule (containing registration links):
    Tots on Tuesdays Program Schedule (containing registration links):
    (Updated: 5/16/2023 4:22 PM)

  • 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. 

    For online planning, check out the Colorado Fishing Atlas and see the Statewide Fishing Report pages, including Conditions and Stocking Reports.
    (Updated: 4/15/2022 11:45 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. 

    ​Recreational gold mining (non-motorized/mechanized) within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is allowed, except where prohibited as indicated by posted signs.

    For more information on how to get started, check out CPW's Gold P​anning page.

    Motorized/Mechanized Mining

    Point Barr Placer Area Permits are available for purchase from the AHRA Visitor Center at $30 per device per season, authorizing motorized/mechanized mining at the CPW Point Barr R&PP Lease Area between April 1 and September 30.

    For general questions about mining in the AHRA, contact us at (719) 539-7289.  For questions regarding mining claims, please contact the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office at (719) 269-8500.


    (Updated: 6/7/2022 2:58 PM)

  • 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.

    For information on local geology, check out our Geology page or join our volunteer naturalist and amateur geologist, Bob Hickey, on one of his 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.
    (Updated: 2/8/2021 4:06 PM)

  • 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: 10/2/2020 2:30 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    There are many trails for off-highway vehicle riding in the AHRA. These include the Four Mile and Texas Creek areas, as well as the Big Bend Track. See the AHRA T​rails​ 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.

    OHV registrations can be renewed online at cpwshop.com, at the AHRA Visitor Center, or by calling 800-244-5613.  All first-time registrations and transfers must be done in person at the AHRA Visitor Center and must include a title, bill of sale, or certificate of origin.  If you do not have the required paperwork for your machine, please press call the AHRA at 719-539-7289 to schedule a VIN Inspection.  

    Please check Registration/Permit requirements before hitting the trail.
    (Updated: 1/23/2023 3:34 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.
    (Updated: 10/2/2020 2:31 PM)

  • Rock Climbing

    There are many challenging climbing areas along the river for experienced climbers. For information on outfitters who have the equipment and expertise to assist you, please check the Climbing Outfitter Section of our Outfitter List.

    For information on getting started in the sport, visit CPW's Rock Climbing webpage.
    (Updated: 7/8/2022 4:51 PM)

  • 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.

    Snowmobile registrations can be renewed online at cpwshop.com, at the AHRA Visitor Center, or by calling 800-244-5613.  All first-time registrations and transfers must be done in person at the AHRA Visitor Center and must include a title, bill of sale, or certificate of origin.  If you do not have the required paperwork for your machine, please press call the AHRA at 719-539-7289 to schedule a VIN Inspection.  

    Please check Registration/Permit requirements before hitting the trail.
    (Updated: 12/30/2021 4:21 PM)

  • 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)

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Information on flora and fauna can be found on our Plants or Wildlife pages, or you may purchase one of many books/pamphlets about the area from our retail store located inside of the Visitor Center at 307 W Sackett, Salida.  All map and book sales are provided by our friends group, GARNA.
    (Updated: 12/11/2020 12:48 PM)

  • Winter Activities

    ​Fuelwood Collecting Permit

    BLM Forest Product Permits are no longer available for purchase at the AHRA Visitor Center.

    All permitting has moved to an online system this year:
    ***

    For USFS permits, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591.

    (Updated: 1/7/2022 10:13 AM)

​