Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Department!

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is recognized as one of the nation's most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking locations. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States and is noted for its world-class fishery, which provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to test their skills at catching brown and rainbow trout.

AHRA visitors also enjoy camping, hiking, 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.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a landmark cooperative effort between Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the US Forest Service (USFS).  Through this partnership, the agencies provide visitors with outstanding recreation opportunities and care for the nationally significant natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

Upcoming Activities   Calendar

Tots on Friday Profile Photo  Register Tots on Friday
  Friday, 11 July 2025 |   02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 2-4 **All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the program** Location: Chisholm Park Investigate nature

 more
Salida Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Register Salida Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 16 July 2025 |   02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Emery Theater (Salida East Campground) What makes a good habitat? **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person)!!**

 more
Buena Vista Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Register Buena Vista Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 16 July 2025 |   10:00 AM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Buena Vista Whitewater Park What makes a good habitat? **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person)!!**

 more
Tots on Friday Profile Photo  Sign Up Tots on Friday
  Friday, 18 July 2025 |   02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Ages 2-4 **All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program** Location: Chisholm Park Camping Safety

 more
Salida Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Waitlist Salida Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 23 July 2025 |   02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Emery Theater (Salida East Campground) Investigate wildflowers and learn how to use the sun to create pictures! **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person...

 more
Buena Vista Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Register Buena Vista Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 23 July 2025 |   10:00 AM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Buena Vista Whitewater Park Investigate wildflowers and learn how to use the sun to create pictures! **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person)!!**

 more
Nature Journaling Profile Photo  Register Nature Journaling
  Thursday, 24 July 2025 |   10:00 AM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Location: Salida East Campground **When entering campground, take the furthest left-hand turn into the day-use parking area** Come join us for a reflective journaling workshop! **All park visitors must have a parks pass** Time and location...

 more
Tots on Friday Profile Photo  Register Tots on Friday
  Friday, 25 July 2025 |   02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 2-4 **All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the program** Location: Chisholm Park Explore using the sun and objects found in nature to create photos

 more
Buena Vista Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Register Buena Vista Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 30 July 2025 |   10:00 AM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Buena Vista Whitewater Park Interviews with wildlife! **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person)!!**

 more
Salida Junior Rangers Profile Photo  Waitlist Salida Junior Rangers
  Wednesday, 30 July 2025 |   02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area |  Registration Required

Ages 5-11. Location: Emery Theater (Salida East Campground) Interviews with wildlife! **Attend 50% (minimum 5) Junior Ranger Programs and earn a spot on the end of season raft trip ($10/person)!!**

 more

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