Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
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
Waitlist
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Junior Rangers - Buena Vista
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 | 02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Waitlist
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Junior Rangers - Canon City
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 | 01:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Sign Up
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Junior Rangers - Salida
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 | 02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation AreaJunior Rangers is an outdoor education program for youth ages 5-11 run by Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area throughout the summer months. This takes place every Wednesday 2:30 to 3:30 at the Salida East Campground just South of Salida off of HWY ... more |
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Sign Up
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Junior Rangers - Salida
Wednesday, 01 July 2026 | 02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation AreaJunior Rangers is an outdoor education program for youth ages 5-11 run by Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area throughout the summer months. This takes place every Wednesday 2:30 to 3:30 at the Salida East Campground just South of Salida off of HWY ... more |
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Register
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Junior Rangers - Buena Vista
Tuesday, 07 July 2026 | 02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Register
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Junior Rangers - Canon City
Tuesday, 07 July 2026 | 01:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Sign Up
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Junior Rangers - Salida
Wednesday, 08 July 2026 | 02:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation AreaJunior Rangers is an outdoor education program for youth ages 5-11 run by Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area throughout the summer months. This takes place every Wednesday 2:30 to 3:30 at the Salida East Campground just South of Salida off of HWY ... more |
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Sign Up
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Junior Rangers - Salida
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 | 02:30 AM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation AreaJunior Rangers is an outdoor education program for youth ages 5-11 run by Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area throughout the summer months. This takes place every Wednesday 2:30 to 3:30 at the Salida East Campground just South of Salida off of HWY ... more |
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Register
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Junior Rangers - Buena Vista
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | 02:00 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Register
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Junior Rangers - Canon City
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | 01:30 PM | Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area | Registration RequiredCalling all young explorers! Join our Junior Ranger program and discover the wild wonders of Colorado through hands-on adventures in nature. From tracking animals to learning about plants and earning your badge, it’s a great way for kids to connec... more |
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Get Involved
Accepting Applications for the following Volunteer Types:
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Volunteer Application
- Bluebird Monitoring Volunteer Application
- Campground Host Application
- Trail Data Volunteer Application
- Visitor Services Volunteer Application
- Volunteer Ambassador Application
- Volunteer Naturalist/Interpreter Application
Become a Volunteer Today!
You can make a difference by becoming a Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteer. By becoming a volunteer you can learn new skills, meet new people, and visit new landscapes. Outdoor stewardship will become a new and rewarding aspect of your life. Have fun and give something back at the same time!
View Opportunities...