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Park Office
307 West Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO   81201

Office Hours
8am-5pm 7 days a week. Closed noon-1p Sat & Sun.
Park Hours
All AHRA river sites open 24 Hours a Day all year.

Phone   719-539-7289

Skip Navigation LinksColorado State Parks > Parks > Arkansas Headwaters
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
AHRA - cataraft in the Numbers 

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is recognized as one of the nation's most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River - the most commercially rafted river in the world!

The AHRA – and its avid patrons – follow the beautiful but unpredictable, wild-to-mild river for 150 miles from the historic town of Leadville, through the Sawatch mountain range and Colorado’s tallest mountains, all the way down to Pueblo on the edge of Colorado’s plains.

Boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. The upper Arkansas River is the most popular whitewater boating river in the United States. On any spring or summer day, hundreds of private and commercial rafters and kayakers will challenge the churning rapids or glide through the calmer sections of the Arkansas.

AHRA visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even gold panning along the river’s shores, deep canyons, broad valleys and towering mountain peaks found within the upper Arkansas River valley.

River Camping Regulation
Fishing in the AHRA

All AHRA overnight campers outside of developed camping areas must use a portable toilet system and fire pan. All waste must be carried out and disposed of properly.

Zebra Mussel Information

Zebra Mussels Information

Please click here for more information about Zebra Mussels.

The Arkansas River within the AHRA offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler --from the bank or from a raft. There are many public fishing areas easily accessible from the highway, as well as some requiring more of a hike. If you're looking for a day of fishing with the family, AHRA provides sites with access to some of Colorado’s best fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains.


Current Park Weather 

67°
Mostly sunny
12 mph w
Buena Vista, Colorado ATV Historical Color Tour
September 21
September 21 - 25: Buena Vista, Colorado hosts this annual ATV Historical Color Tour. Participants of this 4 x 4 all terrain vehicle rally and mountain festival will visit the area's old mining sites and ghost towns on self-guided tours, go to the top of a 14'er (14,000' mountain... you can drive to about 13,700'), cross the continental divide, and take in the fall colors and great fall weather. There will be rides for all skill levels from the easy forest roads to extremely challenging...if you dare. Night time is get together time with BBQ's at the park, entertainment and awards.
National Public Lands Day
September 25
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has planned a volunteer event for NPLD at the Fisherman's Bridge Recreation Site to put up buck and rail fence to separate public and private lands. For more information or to volunteer, contact AHRA at 719-539-7289.
World Rivers Day
September 26
Celebrate "World Rivers Day" with a float from Hecla Junction to Stone Bridge. At Hecla Junction participants will learn about AHRA's plans for Hecla Wash Stream Restoration and Sediment Reduction to reduce the deposit of sediment into the Arkansas River. The first 8-10 participants to sign up will then have the opportunity for a paddle boat trip with an AHRA river ranger to Stone Bridge, or participants can bring their own craft to float along. Call AHRA at 719-539-7289 for more information.

High Water Advisory in Effect?

Pine Creek Rapid  No

Numbers   No

Royal Gorge   No

 
Last Modified Date: 8/24/2010 4:39 PM