Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
State Park in Salida, CO
Hours:
Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
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: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
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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Fire Restrictions -
AHRA campgrounds are covered by Federal and County fire restrictions; the most restrictive applies. Because conditions change rapidly, check the Colorado Fire Restrictions map before your visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your specific location. Read more details.
River Sections
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s premier destinations for whitewater rafting and kayaking, featuring the Arkansas River—the most commercially rafted river in the United States. Over its 152-mile course, the river descends 4,650 feet, offering a wide range of experiences from challenging Class IV and V rapids to more moderate Class II and III sections ideal for beginners and families. AHRA is also home to a world-class trout fishery. For ease of navigation and planning, the river is divided into six primary sections, each with additional subsections.
Sections Broken Out by River Areas
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board any paddleboard, boat or kayak.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Water Levels
Heavy rain and high wind can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Late May and early June are typically when the amount of melted snow that flows down the mountains and into rivers and streams is highest, causing water levels to rise for a few weeks.
Even without heavy rain, rivers and streams can have "drop offs," spots with sudden changes in depth, which can catch swimmers off guard.
Strong Currents
Prepare carefully, especially during high flows. Know the conditions, bring friends and have the right equipment. If using a paddleboard, remember that not all boards are made for strong currents. Unlike flatwater paddleboards, river paddleboards have a curved-up design for riding currents and rapids. To prevent drowning, river boards have built-in safety leashes that “break away” if the board or the swimmer get stuck on an object. Flatwater boards do have leashes, but they do not break away.
River Hazards
Know and be aware of river “hazards” – both natural and man-made: holes, wrap rocks, undercuts, rock sieves, horizon lines across the river, low head dams as well as significant rapids and “strainers” (trees in the river).
Nearby Park-Related Services
To help visitors plan their trips, the park has put together a Google map with different locations, and along access routes, with services park users may need. These include camper utilities, dispersed camping, kiosks for day pass payments, fee sites, as well as CPW and license agent locations.
Keep Aquatic Nuisance Species out of the Arkansas River
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Those accessing the river are strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Self-Cleaning Station
To assist in keeping your exempt vessels and fishing gear clean, drained and dry, the park offers a small self-decontamination station located within the Vallie Bridge Recreation site. It is located next to the east side boat ramp for ease of use. Signage, boot cleaning and a rag to wipe off your boat is available.
Visit Salida to Vallie Bridge Section
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
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.
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.
Bring the Brochures with You
AHRA River Safety and Information Map
See the River Safety and Information Map for detailed river running information including boat ramps, rapid ratings and hazards.
Download The Brochure
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure
Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Boating Regulations Handbook
Boaters, please follow all Colorado's boating statutes and regulations.
Download the Brochure