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:
River Sections
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is divided into six river sections. Each section offers its visitors different experiences, activities and amenities.
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 rapids (Class V–VI). Below Pine Creek, the Arkansas offers boaters technically challenging (Class III–IV) water to Buena Vista.
A group of rafters
Buena Vista to Salida
The Buena Vista Whitewater Park is located at the Buena Vista boat ramp. Beyond the river park, this stretch's outstanding feature is Browns Canyon. 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–IV rapids in this segment.
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–V, 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. From this peaceful spot, the river plunges into the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River's most famous achievement. 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
The Whitewater Kayak & Recreation Park (WKRP) is located at Centennial Park near the 4th Street Bridge. 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 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.
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Trash? Bring It Out with You.
Did someone else leave it? Why not bring it out, too?
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Pack Out Your Waste
Visitors on overnight float trips are encouraged to carry all waste out of the river corridor.
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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.
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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.
Aquatic Nuisance Species in the Arkansas River
One aquatic nuisance species has been detected in the Arkansas River.
Waterflea
Waterflea is present in the Arkansas River (below Pueblo Dam). Visitors using this section of the river should clean river equipment to help stop the spread of waterflea.
Stop the Spread