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

Contact:

719-539-7289

[email protected]

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

Contact:

719-539-7289

[email protected]

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Construction Closures: Vallie Bridge, Ruby Mountain -

Vallie Bridge Day Use Area is closed 10/28/2024 through 12/27/2024. 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.

River Sections

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is divided into six river sections. Each section offers its visitors different experiences, activities and amenities. 

Screenshot of the local services near the AHRA Google map.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two people in a boat, paddling down the river

Cañon City to Lake Pueblo

The Whitewater Kayak & Recreation Park 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

  • 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.

  • Trash? Bring It Out with You.

    Did someone else leave it? Why not bring it out, too?

  • Pack Out Your Waste

    Visitors on overnight float trips are required to carry all waste out of the river corridor. 

  • 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.

  • Wash Dishes Away From Camp

    Strain wash water and pack out strainer garbage. Always use biodegradable soap.

  • 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. 

Bait

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
Disposal

Aquatic Nuisance Species

Read about other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Colorado.

Find Out More

Paddleboards, Kayaks and Caneos, 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.

Clean Your Gear: Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species in Colorado

Clean Your Gear: Paddleboards

Clean Your Gear: Kayaks and Canoes

Clean Your Gear: Inflatable Watercraft