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 4:30 p.m. Closed 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch. Closed Saturdays and 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:
Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch. Closed Saturdays and 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:
Construction Closures: Vallie Bridge, Ruby Mountain -
Vallie Bridge Day Use Area is closed 10/28/2024 through 12/12/2024. 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. The campground is located at Railroad Bridge, but disbursed camping is allowed at Granite Rock, Stone Cabin, Rapid Number 4, The Wall, Rapid Number 5 1/2, Boulderfield, Rapid Number 6, Riverside, Elephant Rock, and Tunnelview, and on federal land.
What to Do at This River Section
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Gold Panning
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
- Rockclimbing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hunting
- OHV/Snowmobile Riding
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.
Leadville to Buena Vista Sites
The 24 river access sites are listed in order from Leadville to Buena Vista.
Choose a Site
- 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
- Parking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Scenic Overlook
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
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
- Parking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- 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
- Parking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Scenic Overlook
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- OHV
- Commercial Boaters: Not Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class II and Class V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Beginner, Novice, or Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Horse/Bike Trails
- River Access
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- 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
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Restroom
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- Parking
- Restroom
- OHV
- River Access
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Portage Trail
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: between Class IV and Class V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- 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
- Parking
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Novice, Advanced.
Caution: It is recommended that Pine Creek Rapid (within Section 1B) 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.
Equipment for High Water Trips
- Helmets must be worn at all water levels.
- Wetsuits/dry suits are advised when water levels are above 900 cfs as measured at the Numbers/Below Granite gage.
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- Portage Trail
- Restroom
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Advanced are welcome.
Caution: It is recommended that the Numbers (Section 1C) 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.
Equipment for High Water Trips
- Helmets must be worn at all water levels.
- Wetsuits/dry suits are advised when water levels are above 900 cfs as measured at the Numbers/Below Granite gage.
Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Fishing Access
- Hiking
- Parking
- Restroom
- River Access
- Fee Site
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Parking
- 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
- Hiking
- Parking
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
This site is managed by the town of Buena Vista, CO.
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA is only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- OHV
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Novice, Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
- River Access
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Novice, Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- River Access
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restrooms
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
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
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- River Access
- Fee Site
- OHV
Campsite Information:
Railroad Bridge campsite offers 14 basic sites at $28.00 dollars per night. Site 1403HA is accessible.
- Changing Facilities (two)
- Picnic Table / Grill
- Tent Pad
- Vault Toilets (two)
- Potable Water
- RV Hook-ups
- Trash Cans
Reservations can be made online at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Novice, Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Disbursed Camping
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Restroom
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- Commercial Boaters: Allowed
- River Flow Class: Class III to V rapids.
- Float Skill Level: Novice, Advanced.
Activities and Amenities:
- Fishing Access
- Parking
- River Access
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Camping
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Restroom
- 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
- Boat Ramp/Slide
- Changing Facilities
- OHV
- Restroom
Firewood Collecting Permits
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
US Forest Service firewood collecting permits are available from the Salida Ranger District Office.
- 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
- Parking
- Picnic Tables / Grills
- Restroom
- River Access
- Scenic Overlook
- Camping
- OHV
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 14 paid basic campsites available for $28.00 per night. You can reserve online at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Disbursed camping is also available at other select sites between Leadville and Buena Vista, and on federal land.
Two people assembling a tent at a campsite.
- Changing Area
- Grill
- Picnic Table
- Tent Pad
- Vault Toilet
- Potable Water
- RV Hook-ups
- Trash Cans
Disbursed camping is allowed at 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.
Camping outside of a developed campsite does not include any amenities so campers will need to:
- Bring a portable toilet device.
- Use a fire container and follow local fire restrictions.
- 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.
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
Permits for collecting firewood on Bureau of Land Management land within the AHRA are only available on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website. The AHRA Visitor Center no longer sells these permits.
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.