Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado

ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA

The headwaters of the Arkansas River offer quite a spectacular experience. Enjoy gold-medal fishing, river sports, astounding bike trails, OHV trails, camping and hiking along its shores.

In the height of summer, you’ll see whitewater enthusiasts like kayakers and private boaters. You can join in the fun with plenty of River Outfitters to choose from. From family floats along the serene sections to where the whitewater tumbles, it’s always a good ride.

You don’t want to miss an opportunity to fly-fish this 152-mile stretch of gold-medal fishing, the longest in Colorado. Brown and Rainbow Trout abound at about 2,000 fish per mile. You’ll find there are ample points of access, whether with a boat or with wading on shore

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Mountain biking flourishes around the Collegiate Peaks Group Picnic Area with both the Midland Trail, Barbara Whipple, and the Four Mile Recreation Area. The trails are easy to intermediate, full of technical terrain and mountain views that are hard to beat.

From its headwaters near Leadville, down to narrows of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, there are eight unique campsites along the river that will allow you to fully enjoy the area. Choose from Railroad Bridge if you’re interested in rock climbing. Ruby Mountain and Texas Creek offer several trails leading into the back country for Off-Highway Vehicles.

Ruby Mountain Campground is a great way to gain access to hike Browns Canyon National Monument. For ADA accessible interpretive trails look at Hayden Meadows. A full experience of wildlife viewing can be taken at McIntyre Hills Wilderness Study Area. And try your hand at gold-panning at Point Barr.

Whatever adventure you choose, you’ll be surrounded by thrilling scenery. Take it all in and say now THIS is Colorado.

Colorado parks & Wildlife