Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is a large linear state recreation area following 152 miles of the Arkansas River from the Leadville area to Lake Pueblo. Based in Salida, Colorado, AHRA is recognized as one of the nation’s most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations and provides access to outdoor recreation throughout the upper Arkansas River Valley.
AHRA includes 5,355 acres, 318 campsites, 102 miles of Gold Medal trout fishing, and 152 miles of river. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, gold panning, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and rafting along the Arkansas River’s shores, deep canyons, broad valleys, and mountain landscapes. The recreation area is divided into multiple river sections, including Leadville to Buena Vista, Buena Vista to Salida, Salida to Vallie Bridge, Vallie Bridge to Parkdale, Parkdale to Cañon City, and Cañon City to Lake Pueblo.
The AHRA park office and visitor center are located in downtown Salida at 307 West Sackett Avenue, near the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue. Because AHRA is a linear recreation area rather than a single entrance park, visitors should review specific river section directions, closures, fire restrictions, waterflow information, camping options, and fees before visiting. AHRA campgrounds are subject to federal and county fire restrictions, and visitors should check current fire restriction information before their trip.
AHRA serves residents and visitors seeking Arkansas River access, Colorado state park recreation, camping near Salida and Buena Vista, whitewater rafting, kayaking, Gold Medal trout fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, river safety information, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public lands information in Chaffee County and the upper Arkansas River Valley.
Hours of Operation:
Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Saturday–Sunday
Park Office: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed for lunch 12:30 PM–1:00 PM; closed weekends
Website:
https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/arkansas-headwaters-recreation-area
Other Important Links:
- Buy a Pass: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Book Your Stay: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Download the Park Brochure: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Get Directions: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- River Sections: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- River Waterflow: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Activities & Trails: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Camping: Available through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website
- Colorado Fire Restrictions Map: Referenced through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife AHRA website