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 will be under construction from 1/13/25 through 4/15/25. Ruby Mountain Recreation Site is closed 9/1/2024 through 5/1/2025. There is a full road closure of County Rd. 300 near MM 2.2 at the entrance into Browns Canyon; and, full river closure of the Arkansas River from Fisherman's Bridge continuing Southeast to Ruby Mountain Campground. County Rd. 300 and this section of Arkansas River are closed to all vehicle, water craft and foot traffic as a result of unstable slope conditions encountered during construction. The full road and river closure will continue until project completion.
Two people in an inflatable two person kayak float past a bridge.
Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area
About Leadville to Buena Vista
Along the Arkansas River, the 32-mile Leadville to Buena Vista section has 24 river access sites. A developed campground is located at Railroad Bridge and dispersed camping is allowed at select sites.
What to Do at This River Section
- Biking
- Camping
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Gold Panning
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
- Rockclimbing
- Whitewater Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area
The River Below Leadville
The river below Leadville has huge boulders scattered across the river bottom. At first, this upper stretch flows fairly quietly between banks that are sometimes open and sometimes forested with Douglas fir and Englemann spruce. Below Granite, the river changes dramatically as it flows into a narrow canyon that is home to Pine Creek Rapids (Class V to VI). Below Pine Creek, the river offers boaters technically challenging (Class III to V) water to Buena Vista in the Numbers and Fractions sections.
Leadville to Buena Vista Sites
The 23 river access sites are listed in order from Leadville to Buena Vista.
Choose a Site
Hayden Meadows has accessible interpretive and fishing trails, five wetland boardwalks, and two bridges surrounding a small reservoir.
- Commercial Boaters: Not Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class II and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Beginner, novice or advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Wildlife Viewing
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Camping
- OHV
- Snowmobile
- Commercial Boaters: Not Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class II and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Beginner, novice or advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Horse/Bike Trails
- River Access
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- OHV
- Snowmobile
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Not Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class II and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Beginner, novice or advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Horse/Bike Trails
- River Access
- Scenic Overlook
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- OHV
- Snowmobile
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Not Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class II and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Beginner, novice or advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Horse/Bike Trails
- River Access
- Wildlife Viewing
- Restroom
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Camping
- OHV
- Snowmobile
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Fishing Access
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Camping
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Boat Ramp / Slide
- Camping
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Camping
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Horse/Bike Trail
- River Access
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Caution: It is recommended that Pine Creek Rapid not be run at flows over 1250 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Numbers/Below Granite gauge as read at 7:00 a.m. or as read at 12:00 p.m. for any trips that same day.
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Camping
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Advanced are welcome
Caution: It is recommended that the Numbers not be run at flows over 2400 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Numbers/Below Granite gauge as read at 7:00 a.m. or as read at 12:00 p.m. for any trips that same day.
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Fee Site
- Changing Facilities
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Camping
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Camping
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Designated Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- River Access
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- River Access
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Restrooms
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
Railroad Bridge is located north of the town of Buena Vista. Traditionally, this site has been a popular river access point for boaters and gold-panners alike. It also is located fairly close to some of the better-known climbing in the region.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- River Access
- Fee Site
Campsite Information:
Railroad Bridge campground offers 14 basic sites at $28.00 dollars per night. Site 1403HA is accessible.
- Changing Facilities
- Picnic Table / Grill
- Tent Pad
- Vault Toilet
- Potable Water
- RV Hook-ups
- Trash Cans
Reservations can be made online at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Designated Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- River Access
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Camping
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Designated Dispersed Camping
- Fishing Access
- River Access
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids
- Float Skill Level: Novice, advanced
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Bike/Horse Trail
- Changing Facilities
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- River Access
- Scenic Overlook
- Disc Golf Course
- Camping
This site is managed by the town of Buena Vista, CO.
High Water Advisories
| Rapid | Advisory in Effect | High Water Advisement | High Water Equipment Advisement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numbers | No | It is recommended that the Numbers (Section 1E) not be run when the river is flowing over 2400 cfs at the Numbers/Below Granite gage as read at 7:00 am for full day or morning trips and at 12:00 noon for afternoon Numbers trips. |
|
| Pine Creek Rapid | No | It is recommended that Pine Creek Rapid (within Section 1D) not be run when the river is flowing over 1250 cfs at the Numbers/Below Granite gauge as read at 7:00 a.m. for full day or morning trips. |
|
| Royal Gorge | No | It is recommended that the Royal Gorge (Section 5) not be run at flows over 3200 cfs at the Parkdale gauge as read at 7:00 a.m. for full day or morning trips and at 12:00 noon for afternoon Royal Gorge trips. |
|
Camping
Camping at Railroad Bridge
Railroad Bridge has 8 basic and 6 tent campsites available for $28.00 per night. You can reserve online at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Dispersed camping is also available at other select sites between Leadville and Buena Vista.
Two people assembling a tent at a campsite.
- Changing Area
- Grill
- Picnic Table
- Tent Pad
- Vault Toilet
- Potable Water
- RV Hook-ups
- Trash Cans
Dispersed camping is available throughout the AHRA outside of developed campgrounds and day-use areas. Popular locations include Granite Rock, Stone Cabin, Rapid Number 4, The Wall, Rapid Number 5 1/2, Boulderfield, Rapid Number 6, Riverside, Elephant Rock, Tunnelview, Five 1/2 Points, Texas Creek, Lazy J, Bootlegger, Red Wall, and at Brown’s Canyon National Monument.
All dispersed camping is first come, first served. Camps cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Camping outside of a developed campground does not include any amenities so campers will need to:
- Bring a portable toilet device.
- Use a fire container if having a fire and follow local fire restrictions (see links under the "Use Fire Containers, Follow Fire Restrictions" tab below)
- Camping is limited to 14 days in any 28 day period.
For camping on forest land, contact the USFS Salida Ranger District, or for camping on Bureau of Land Management Land or information on Browns Canyon National Monument contact the Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is comprised of over 6,000 acres of public lands, owned by and cooperatively managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the United States Forest Service (USFS).
It is the recreator's responsibility to know what land they are on and the rules and regulations tied to those lands. Private landowners are not required to post signs.
In addition to traditional paper maps, there are online tools and phone apps to help you locate and access public lands around the AHRA. Some popular tools include:
- COTREX - The Colorado Trail Explorer: Search for Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
- The Colorado Hunting Atlas
- Map apps including OnX and Avenza Maps
- Paper maps, such as those sold in the AHRA Visitor Center
- Maps and Publications offered by the US Forest Service
Within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, fire containers must have at least a two-inch rigid side and must be elevated up off the ground. Always check for local fire restrictions before building a fire. Know what land you are recreating on and follow the rules for that area:
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
ACTIVITIES
Rock Climbing
There are many challenging climbing areas along the river for experienced climbers.
If you would like to climb with a guide, see the Outfitters page for a list of approved guides.
ACTIVITIES
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. Recreational gold mining (non-motorized/mechanized) within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is allowed, except where prohibited as indicated by posted signs.
Please visit the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website for more gold panning information about this area.