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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 United States!
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

Partly Cloudy60.0° F
Partly Cloudy
Wind: Southwest at 6.9 MPH
Volcanoes!
May 27
Much of the interesting geology of the upper Arkansas River valley was formed by volcanic activity. AHRA volunteer geologist Bob Hickey will share which local mountains are actually extinct volcanoes and how they shaped our world.
Junior Rangers - Micro Wonders!
June 6
Explore the soil and ground under a magnifying glass and discover a mysterious world unseen by the naked eye!
Junior Rangers - Micro Wonders!
June 7
Explore the soil and ground under a magnifying glass and discover a mysterious world unseen by the naked eye!

High Water Advisory in Effect?

Pine Creek Rapid No

Numbers No

Royal Gorge No

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Last Modified Date: 2/9/2012 10:30 AM