Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
State Park in Salida, CO
Hours:
Visitor Center
- Park hours: Open 24 Hours A Day, Year-Round
- Visitor Center: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. Closed on Sundays.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
307 West Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO 81201-1654
United States
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
State Park in Salida, CO
Hours:
Visitor Center
- Park hours: Open 24 Hours A Day, Year-Round
- Visitor Center: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. Closed on Sundays.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
307 West Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO 81201-1654
United States
Navigate to:
Two people in kayaks on the water
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The Upper Arkansas River Valley is a treasure trove of geology, history, wildlife, scenery and just plain good times. Whether you want to explore a ghost town, run a rapid, hook a trout, watch a bighorn sheep or stare into the depths of the Royal Gorge, chances for adventure are all around you.
Best of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Boating
Home to some of the best whitewater boating in the country, the 152-mile stretch offers something for everybody of all experience levels — from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. For information on boat access points, check out the AHRA Map or River Safety and Etiquette brochure. Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Fishing
The trout population in the Arkansas is 90 percent self-reproducing brown trout and 10 percent Colorado River rainbow trout, which are introduced as fingerlings. Fishing is best when the flows are lower and the water is clear. Refer to the AHRA Area Map for fishing access points. Fishing will be better in the river’s calmer areas, but even if the river appears calm in spots, it has strong currents and care must be taken when wading. Certain sections of the river have special regulations, so be sure to look for posted signs.
Wildlife Viewing
Many animals, such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep live year-round in the valley, and elk and moose can be seen seasonally. Many different species of birds also inhabit and migrate through the valley, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles, bald eagles, blue herons and turkey vultures. Ducks, geese, mergansers and shore birds like the American dipper are common.
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.
Hiking and Biking
Trails
Trails from Buena Vista to Salida
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several sites. Visitors can also ride off highway vehicles in this area.
Trails from Cañon City to Lake Pueblo
This section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Leadville to Buena Vista
This section of the river offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Parkdale to Cañon City
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Salida to Vallie Bridge
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Vallie Bridge to Parkdale
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several sites. Visitors can also ride off highway vehicles in this area.
Trails from Buena Vista to Salida
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several sites. Visitors can also ride off highway vehicles in this area.
Trails from Cañon City to Lake Pueblo
This section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Leadville to Buena Vista
This section of the river offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Parkdale to Cañon City
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Salida to Vallie Bridge
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Vallie Bridge to Parkdale
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several sites. Visitors can also ride off highway vehicles in this area.