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
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Construction Closures: Parkdale Boat Ramp, Ruby Mountain -
Parkdale Boat Ramp is under construction through 4/15/25. Ruby Mountain Recreation Site is closed 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.
River Sections
Nearby Services
To help visitors plan their trips, we have put together a Google map of services close to park at different locations, and along access routes.
A group of paddle boarders on the water
Leadville to Buena Vista
The river below Leadville formed when ancient glacial dams broke, scattering huge boulders across the river bottom. Below Granite, the river changes dramatically as it flows into a narrow canyon that is home to Pine Creek Rapid (Class V–VI). Below Pine Creek in the Numbers and Fractions sections, the Arkansas offers boaters technically challenging (Class III–IV) whitewater to Buena Vista.
A group of rafters
Buena Vista to Salida
The Buena Vista Whitewater Park has surf waves for boats and boards and hosts the annual Paddlefest events. Beyond the river park, this stretch's outstanding feature is Browns Canyon (Class III-IV). The busiest stretch of river, Browns is a wild ride at high water, although at any water level it is a beautiful and challenging river trip. Visitors can hike, backpack, camp, fish and view wildlife in this beautiful section of the park.
A paddle boarder on rough water
Salida to Vallie Bridge
Just below Salida, the river flows into Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a granite canyon dotted with stands of pinyon pine, juniper and oak brush. Anglers especially enjoy this segment — it offers deep pools, rock banks and gravel bars. Boaters will find Class II–III rapids in this segment. This section offers some of the best walk-and-wade and float-fishing in the park.
Three people riding ATVs on a dirt trail
Vallie Bridge to Parkdale
The section between Vallie Bridge and Parkdale is ideal for rafting, fishing and wildlife viewing, as well as other recreational activities. The rapids in this section range from Class II–IV, and this diversity makes for a very popular stretch of river.
Two people looking out over the river
Parkdale to Cañon City
Parkdale Recreation Site provides public access before the river enters the Royal Gorge (Class V). From this peaceful spot, the river plunges into the Royal Gorge, also called the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas. Over millions of years, the river carved through the hard rock of the Royal Gorge Plateau, forming the 1,000-foot walls of the gorge.
Two people in a boat, paddling down the river
Cañon City to Lake Pueblo
Downtown Cañon City features a whitewater park with features for experienced boaters to play and new boaters to learn. Below Cañon City, the Arkansas changes into a quiet, meandering great plains river with Class I–II water. Cottonwood, willow and water-loving plants along its banks create a riparian zone that is home to an abundance of wildlife. Therefore, this stretch of river offers fantastic wildlife viewing and great fishing.
River Outfitters
For Visitors Seeking a Guided River Trip
Many people use a river outfitter to enjoy the whitewater of the Arkansas River. Look up an AHRA river rafting or fishing outfitter, photographer or shuttle service in the Outfitter List.
For River Outfitters Wanting to Operate on the Arkansas River
All river outfitters operating in Colorado are required to first obtain a River Outfitter License from Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Visit the River Outfitter Licensing Page to learn more. A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial activity within the AHRA.
Brochure
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Arear River Safety and Information Map
See the River Safety and Information Map for detailed river running information including boat ramps, rapid ratings and hazards.
River Etiquette
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Avoid Private Land
The river passes through areas of private property. Don’t trespass! Please respect the river’s neighbors. Pay attention to the private/public signing system implemented for river users’ benefit to indicate where private properties are located. Bring a map. When in doubt, don’t get out. Unlike many states, Colorado has no navigable waterway exception to allow for portage/scouting on private property.
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Trash? Bring It Out with You.
Did someone else leave it? Why not bring it out, too? There is no trash collection in the park.
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Pack Out Your Waste
Visitors on overnight float trips are required to carry all waste out of the river corridor. Developed campgrounds have vault toilets but dispersed campers must have and use a portable toilet.
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Firepan Required
Use a firepan to confine ashes and charcoal and keep the ground clean. Use only fallen deadwood or driftwood for campfires. A firepan is required when having a fire outside developed campgrounds.
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Wash Dishes Away From Camp
Strain wash water and pack out strainer garbage. Always use biodegradable soap.
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Keep Noise Down
Please keep noise to a respectable level for wildlife, nearby homeowners and others enjoying the river.
Keep Aquatic Nuisance Species out of the Arkansas River
Paddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes, Inflatable Watercraft
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 paddleboard, kayak, canoe or inflatable watercraft.