The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is recognized as one of the nation's most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River - the most commercially rafted river in the United States!
NOTICE: As of 800 hours 6/17/2013 the Arkansas River is still closed for boat traffic from Parkdale to Canon City due to cables in the river from the Royal Gorge Fire. Private and commercial boaters upriver of Parkdale MUST take out at Parkdale. Highway 50 is now open to Canon City. Information will be updated as received.
Fremont and Chaffee Counties have issued Level 1 Fire Bans, which bans all open burning/fires on both private and public lands, EXCEPT within established (AHRA) campgrounds with permanently constructed fire pits/grills. Gas fueled stoves with an on-off valve are also permitted, but must be carefully monitored and placed in an area free of vegetation. No fire pans or non-permanent fire rings allowed.
The AHRA – and its avid patrons – follow the beautiful but unpredictable, wild-to-mild river for 150 miles from the historic town of Leadville, through the Sawatch mountain range and Colorado’s tallest mountains, all the way down to Pueblo on the edge of Colorado’s plains.
Boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. The upper Arkansas River is the most popular whitewater boating river in the United States. On any spring or summer day, hundreds of
private and commercial rafters and kayakers will challenge the churning rapids or glide through the calmer sections of the Arkansas.
AHRA visitors also enjoy
fishing,
hiking,
camping, 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.
Water Questions? Go to
AHRA's WaterFlow web site for current information.
River Camping Regulation
Fishing in the AHRA
All AHRA overnight campers outside of developed camping areas must use a portable toilet system and fire pan. All waste must be carried out and disposed of properly.
Zebra Mussel Information
Please click here for more information about Zebra Mussels.
The Arkansas River within the AHRA offers
fishing opportunities for every type of angler --from the bank or from a raft. There are many public fishing areas easily accessible from the highway, as well as some requiring more of a hike. If you're looking for a day of fishing with the family, AHRA provides sites with access to some of Colorado’s best fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains.