Success Story

Located within a three-hour drive of ColoradoSprings, Denver and other Front Range cities,the Upper Arkansas River Valley is the “backyard”

to millions of Colorado residents. In addition, internationaland national recognition of the area’s outstandingrecreation opportunities and resources draws visitors herefrom across the U.S. and around the world.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area ismanaged through a unique, cooperative partnershipbetween Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of LandManagement, and the US Forest Service. Colorado Parksand Wildlife and BLM provide the primary managementfor the intensive recreation use as well as the area’smany resources. The partners have acquired importantriver access for the public and developed recreationalfacilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, boatramps, wildlife viewing areas, fishing access sites andOHV trails. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area,National Forest Land, BLM Land, Bureau of Reclamationprojects and State Wildlife Areas and easementstogether provide many of the outstanding resources andrecreational opportunities found in the upper ArkansasValley. State and federal agencies, local governments,private organizations and individuals responsible formanaging the land and resources of the upper ArkansasValley work together ina partnership. The goal:to balance increasingrecreation use and otherdemands with resourceprotection – for what wouldthe upper Arkansas Valleybe without water, wildlifeand wilderness?

Visit Bureau ofLand Management

at www.blm.gov

307 W. Sackett Avenue • Salida, CO 81201(719) 539-7289 • E-mail: ahra@state.co.us

www.parks.state.co.us

Visit all Colorado’s State Parks atwww.parks.state.co.us

C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E

42 Great State Parksto Explore & Enjoy!

Arkansas HeadwatersRecreation Area

C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E

W elcome to the ArkansasHeadwaters Recreation Area,one of the nation’s most popular

locations for whitewater rafting and kayakingand home to the most commercially raftedriver in the United States! Tumbling 4,650’in 152 miles, boaters can find anythingfrom roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milderClass II and III sections, which are ideal forbeginner and family trips. AHRA also offersa world class trout fishery and abundantopportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking,wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountainbiking, OHV travel and sightseeing within theArkansas River Valley.

The Arkansas Headwaters RecreationArea began as a landmarkcooperative effort between theUS Bureau of Land Management(BLM) and Colorado Parks andWildlife. Today, Colorado Parksand Wildlife and the US ForestService have joined the BLMin this management venture.Through this partnership,the agencies provide visitorswith outstanding recreationopportunities and care for the nationallysignificant natural resources of theArkansas River Valley.

The Arkansas River begins its 1,400-mile journey to the Mississippi among theloftiest peaks in the Rockies, including14,433-foot Mt. Elbert, the highestmountain in Colorado. In 152 miles, theriver tumbles 4,650 vertical feet throughopen valleys, boulder-strewn canyons andthe depths of the Royal Gorge.

Evidence of the first humans in theArkansas River Valley dates to at least10,000 years ago. Attracted to the water,wildlife and climate of the area, theseprehistoric people most likely used thevalley to travel between the mountainsand the plains. Later, the Apaches, Utes,Arapahoes, Cheyennes and Kiowas followedmany of these same migration routes.

In 1706, the Spaniard Juan de Ulibarri

explored the region, followed a century later byZebulon Pike. Trappers and traders exploredand lived in relative solitude within the valleyuntil 1859 when gold was discovered andprospectors poured into the area.

Leadville’s silver boom in the late 1870sled to a race between the Denver and RioGrande Railroad and the Santa Fe Railroadfor the lucrative Arkansas River Valleyrailroad route. The Denver and Rio Grandewon, and to this day the rails follow thissame route along the river.

CampingThe Arkansas Headwaters features eight

campgrounds with over 120 campsites,94 of which are reservable with advance

reservations. The campgroundsare located at Railroad Bridge,Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction,Salida East, Point Barr, Rincon,Vallie Bridge and Five Points.Most sites are located near theriver and some are accessibleto the physically challenged.Campgrounds do not havepotable water, electricity or

trash services. Please follow “Leave NoTrace” principals and take your trash withyou when you leave as there are no trashreceptacles within AHRA sites. Bringfirewood with you, wood gathering is notallowed. Please camp only in designated ornumbered sites and display your campingpermit in the marker provided at yourcampsite. A daily park pass as well as acamping permit are required for each day.

PicnickingPicnicking is permitted throughout the

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Areaexcept in designated campsites. Thereare tables and grills available at selecteddeveloped sites or one can enjoy animpromptu picnic near the river. Picnicareas do not have potable water or trashservices. Please take trash with you whenyou leave. Please park in designatedparking areas. A daily park pass isrequired to picnic in fee sites.

From the peaks to the prairies, the Arkansas

River is a powerful influence, shaping lives and

landscapes...

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SafetyDo not underestimate the power of theArkansas River - enjoy it safely. Follow thesetips for an enjoyable and safe experience:• Water from the river and streams may look

clear and clean but that does not mean it issafe to drink. Bring your own drinking water.

• Even in calm water sections, the river haspowerful currents and it is very cold.

• Always wear a life jacket when boating,tubing, or stand up paddling.

• Closely supervise children near the river.• All persons under the age of 13 swimming

in the Arkansas River must wear a PFD(lifejacket) as required by regulation.

• The river’s side canyons are subject to flashflooding. Avoid camping insidecanyons, even those that seem very dry. Ifyou anticipate a flash flood hazard, climbhigh to safety.

• On the highway, be alert for other vehiclesslowing and turning into pull-outs and rec-reation sites located along the river.

Passes, Permits, FeesFee sites within the recreation area have

improvements and services, and either adaily or annual Colorado State Parks passis required to use them. Developed camp-sites require an additional fee for a campingpermit. All fees collected are returned tothe area for its operation, maintenance andimprovement.

Daily park passes and camping permitscan be purchased at self-service dispensersat fee sites or at the Arkansas HeadwatersRecreation Area Visitor Center in Salida.

Annual passes allowing unlimited visits toall Colorado State Parks and Division of Wildlifelicenses are also available at the AHRA VisitorCenter. Colorado residents 64 years of age orolder qualify for a discounted Aspen Leaf Passor an Aspen Leaf Lifetime card.

Several other state, federal and localagencies manage a variety of recreation sitesin the Arkansas Valley. Please note and abideby the requirements for use of these areas.

FishingEddies, ripples, deep pools ... th

Arkansas offers excellent anglingalong its entire length. Inn thespring and fall, the brownntrout fishing is exceptionaal.Both browns and rainbowwsaverage 12 to 14 inches wwith thepossibility of an occasionaal trophycatch. The Arkansas Riveer has aself-sustaining brown trouut populationand is recognized as Colorrado’spremier brown trout fishery.ery.

Public fishing access is available onpublic lands and on fishing easementscrossing private lands. Signs mark allpublic fishing access points along theriver. Refer to the map in this brochurefor more information about fishingeasements, AHRA recreation sites andstate wildlife areas.

Regulations vary along the river, soplease be certain you know the rulesthat apply to the areas you will befishing. Fishing regulations andlicenses are available at the AHRAVisitor Center, Colorado Parks andWildlife offices and at numerous sport-ing goods stores throughout the area.

Boaters and anglers share the river,with some sections of the river beingmore heavily boated thanothers. Most whitewaterboating takes place frommid-morning to mid-afternoon and thereforethe best fishing is typicallyearly and late in the day.High water in the latespring and early to mid-summer brings the mostintense boating use, whilefishing use peaks bothbefore and afterhigh water.

Wildlife Viewing

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and sustains avariety ofwildlife s.speciesMany animals,suchsuch asas mulemule deer,d pronghorn antelopeand bighorn sheep live year round in thevalley. Other species, such as elk, or evenmoose are also found in the valley. In addi-tion, elusive bobcats and mountain lionsare year-round residents, but are seenonly occasionally. Many different speciesof birds also inhabit and migrate throughthe valley – including the peregrine falconand bald eagles.

Watch for Colorado’s state mammal,the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,on the rocky slopes along the riverin Bighorn Sheep Canyon from U.S.Highway 50 and in Browns Canyon.Mid-morning and late afternoon areprime times for bighorn sheep viewing.When you see wildlife – keep voicesdown, give the animals plenty of space

and allow them to go abouttheir business undisturbed.

To find out more aboutthe wildlife of the ArkansasValley, stop by the WatchableWildlife exhibits locatedat Blue Heron, Five Points,Pinnacle Rock, Lone Pine,Canyon Trading Post, RubyMountain, Hecla Junction,Fisherman’s Bridge, CollegiatePeaks, Hayden Meadows,Arkansas River Ranch andCrystal Lakes recreation sites.

The Finer Points of Enjoying Your Visit to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

Whitewater BoatingThe Arkansas is one of the

world’s most popular whitewaterboating rivers for kayaking andrafting – with good reason. Clearwater, dramatic scenery and rapidsrated from beginner to expert lureboaters from around the world.

Within the recreation area, theriver changes character severaltimes as it travels through the var-ied geologic features, making fora variety of boating experiences.

With native flows peaking in early June,and the voluntary flow program providingsupplemental water during the summermonths, the Arkansas has an extendedboating season, reaching well into mid tolate August.

The Arkansas can present tremendouschallenges to both novice and experiencedboaters. Be certain to get specificinformation about the section of river youare interested in. Consult others whohave boated there, know your abilities– and carry and use safety equipment.All whitewater boats (canoes, kayaksand rafts) must have the owner’s nameand current address written legibly andclearly visible somewhere on the craft. Inaddition, it is also recommended that atelephone number be clearly displayed onthe boat.

Many commercial boating companiesoperate within the recreation area andoffer visitors the chance to experience the“wet side” of the river with experiencedguides. AHRA encourages you to explorethe Arkansas River first hand, be it a wetand wild ride through Class III+ rapids,a relaxing float trip through calm water,spending time enjoying one of the white-water parks located in Buena Vista, Salidaor Canon City, or a walk and wade or floatfishing trip in world-class trout waters.

River EthicsWith such spectacular surroundings and

unlimited recreational opporvttunities, theArkansas River draws hundreds of thousandsof visitors to the recreation area.

Please treat the AHRA, your fellow visitorsand local residents with courtesy. Follow thesebasic rules:

• Respect the rights and property oflandowners and residents – do nottrespass on private land and keepnoise down near homes.

• Boaters, if possible, move to the otherside of the river, away from anglersand avoid playing in fishing holes.

• Dispose of trash and waste properly.If you pack it in, please pack it out.Trash pickup costs time and money thatcould be much better spent on other efforts.

• Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet.

• Fires must be built within a permanentconstructed fire grate or a portable firecontainer elevated off the ground with a twoinch+ rigid side (as required by regulation).Tend fires constantly and extinguish themwhen no longer needed.

• All campers camping outside of establishedcampgrounds, and all commercial boatingtrips must provide and use a portable toiletdevice capable of carrying human waste outof the AHRA (as required by regulation).

• Keep vehicles on existing roads and parkingareas, unlessotherwiseposted.

• Follow specificregulationsposted atindividuallocations.

Bighorn sheep.

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Photo by Tim Brown.

T he upper Arkansas River Valley is a treasure trove of geology, history, wildlife, scenery and just plain good times. Whether you want to explore a ghost town, run

a rapid, hook a trout, watch a bighorn sheep or stare into the depths of the Royal Gorge, chances for adventure are all around you. Below, you will find a community-by-community tour of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, featuring both river access sites and campgrounds. Please enjoy your visit.

Collegiate PeaksScenic and Historic Byway

Frantz Lake

and Great Sand DunesNational Park

Sands Lake

Swallows

Browns CreekTH

3

River Station

28

17

Swal

low

sRo

ad

19

18

16

15

Smyth Fishing Easement

Buena Vista Fishing Easement

Tiger Lily STL Fishing/Portage Easement

Crystal Lake STL Fishing Easement

Reddy SWA Fishing Easement

Hardeman SWA Fishing Easement

State Wildlife Areas/Fishing Easement

Chubb Park STL

Chubb Park SWA

Treat/Ogden SWA

Skaguay Reservoir SWA

Bighorn Springs

Ruby Mountain

Arkansas River/Salida Easement

Mt. Ouray SWA

Frantz Lake SWA

Wright’s Lake SWA

Heckendorf SWA

Shavano SWA

Brush Hollow SWA

Beaver Creek SWA

28 Swallows (Pueblo) SWA

Sands Lake SWA

Johnson Village SWA

Champion SWA

Granite SWA

Clear Creek SWA

Box Creek STL

Hallenbeck SWA

Outdoor Adventures in the Upper Arkansas River ValleyArkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Welcome to the Upper Arkansas River Valley and its famous 14’ers, whitewater, wilderness, and wildlife.The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers many fun and exciting activities. Please:

• know your skill level and physical condition • be aware of the risks involved in an activity • be familiar with safety practices • equip yourself properly

Visitor EtiquetteHundreds of thousands of visitors boat on the river every year, and close to a million people enjoy the recreation area. Courtesyand respect for other users will make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. You can minimize your impact and help us protect thisvaluable resource by observing the following guidelines. Please:

• respect private property and don’t trespass• keep noise down• if you are boating, travel on the opposite side of the river from anglers, and avoid fishing holes• learn and practice Leave No Trace back-country ethics, including pack it in/pack it out• use existing restroom facilities, or a portable toilet (groover), required by regulation• stop only at established, well-used sites and avoid trampling streamside vegetation• keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, required by regulation• build fires only in grills and fire pans, required by regulation

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center• Annual passes, registrations, maps and guides are available at the AHRA Visitor Center.• The AHRA Visitor Center is located on the corner of G and Sackett streets in downtown Salida, one block north of Highway 291.

Physically Challenged AccessThe Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has fully accessible restroom facilities and at least one fullyaccessible campsite at each developed campground, except for Vallie Bridge which is walk-in/boat-inonly access.

Selected river access sites also have fully accessible restroom facilities, complete with accessible parkingspots. Please call 719-539-7289 or visit for more information.

Recreation Site

Public Campground

Wildlife Viewing Area

Fishing easements crossing private lands.Look for signs marking easements

Visitor Information

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area(Jointly managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife andthe Bureau of Land Management)

Paved Road

US Highway and Interstate

Dirt Road

Continental Divide

Trail 1" = 5 miles

AHRA Visitor Center

AHRA Recreation Site (See chart for activitiesavailable at each site.)

Private/State Lands (No public access)

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Public Land

BLM Wilderness Study Area

US Forest Service Land

US Forest Service Wilderness Area

Communities

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Lands

Whitewater Park

Legend

Boat Ramp/Slide Site (See chart for activitiesavailable at each site.)

State Wildlife Areas/Fishing EasementState Wildlife Areas/Fishing Easement

LegendLEGEND

RECREATION SITE

FACILITIES