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.

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

Check out Colorado's Official Trail Map, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available online or via mobile app.
(Updated: 7/16/2020 3:11 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. Registrations may be completed in our office. See the Boat Registration page for more information.
(Updated: 11/19/2020 10:59 AM)
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 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: 3/3/2020 1:19 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 that will begin in June.
(Updated: 6/16/2021 1:37 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.

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.

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 Panning 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: 10/2/2020 10:21 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.

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. 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)
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding is becoming a popular sport at Rifle Gap. SUP users, please be respectful of shore and boat fisherman and be alert for motorized watercraft.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:41 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.
(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: 10/2/2020 2:32 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.

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)
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:
BLM Forest Product Permit Purchasing,
Royal Gorge Field Office (contact and more information)

***
For USFS permits, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591.
(Updated: 12/29/2020 12:41 PM)