Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
State Park in Salida, CO
Hours:
Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
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:
Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
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:
Construction Closures: Parkdale Boat Ramp, Ruby Mountain -
Parkdale Boat Ramp is under construction through 4/15/25. Ruby Mountain Recreation Site & Fisherman's Bridge are closed through 5/18/2025. There is a full road closure of County Rd. 300 near MM 2.2 at the entrance into Browns Canyon 8am-12pm & 1pm- 6pm daily. The affected section of Arkansas River from Fisherman's Bridge, continuing Southeast to Ruby Mountain Campground, will be open to passing boat traffic. During blasting or heavy scaling, a flagger will be in the river & there may be up to a 2-hour wait to pass. Fisherman's Bridge Recreation Site is under complete closure & Ruby Mountain Recreation Site is closed to camping during this time.
Two people in kayaks on the water
Activities and Trails
What to Do at the 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
Whitewater 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. Motorized boats are not allowed on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. 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. Some sections remain boatable year-round but be prepared for cold conditions and possible portages in the winter.
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.
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.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Hiking and Biking
Trails
Trails from Leadville to Buena Vista
This section of the river offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
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 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 Parkdale to Cañon City
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
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 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 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 Parkdale to Cañon City
This river section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.
Trails from Cañon City to Lake Pueblo
This section offers hiking and biking trails at several river sites.