About Arkansas Headwaters State Park

307 W. Sackett Ave. Salida, CO. 81201 (MAP) – Southeastern

Reservation & Fees

Arkansas Headwaters is located in Salida, Colorado. This river is famous for whitewater boating and has the longest continuous (100+ miles) Gold Medal fishing waters! Experienced whitewater boaters can bring their own raft, kayak, whitewater canoe, or SUP. For those less experienced, there are a number of professional outfitters in the area. For 152 miles from Leadville to Lake Pueblo, whitewater ranges from Class II and III for beginner and family trips to roaring Class IV and V rapids for more advanced. Check the AHRA website for river conditions.

Activities at Arkansas Headwaters

Land-based recreation, there’s plenty to do along the river’s winding course. Anglers can walk or wade and try their luck in the Gold Medal waters. Others might want to pan for gold at the river’s edge, rock climb in steep-walled canyons, enjoy a picnic lunch or watch for wildlife along the river and amid the gentle valleys and high mountains. Arkansas Headwaters State Park  includes eight campgrounds and numerous recreation sites along the river within the AHRA that also provide a variety of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or jumping of points that provide access to hundreds of thousands of acres of motorized OHV trails. Summer weekends can be very busy on the river, so plan your whitewater adventure for a weekday if possible. Or try visiting the recreation area in the spring or fall when fishing is at its best. — Back to All State Parks.

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