AHRA Activities | Colorado State Parks

Activities

Biking - 11/1/2006

Mountain bikers in the AHRA enjoy challenging terrain and diverse scenery. Check out some of the trails in the Salida area. They include the Midland Trail , which follows an 1800s railroad grade, the Rainbow Trail, which offers some excellent views of the Arkansas River and the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On the AHRA Map and Brochure (available under "Publications" on the left side of Arkansas Headwaters' main page) look for “Midland Bike Trail” near Buena Vista and the Collegiate Peaks Group Picnic area.

Boating - 11/7/2006

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is home to some of the best whitewater boating in the country. The 150-mile stretch offers something for everybody of all ages -- from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. For more information, visit the "Boating" link on Arkansas Headwaters' "Park Activities" page.

Camping - 11/10/2006

AHRA has 6 unique campgrounds for those who like to relax and listen to the river. No hook-ups or water, but secluded and tidy. Visitors can reserve sites through State Parks Reservations 1-800-678-2267 for April 1 through September 30. Other dates are first come, first serve. Open all winter

Cross-country Skiing - 7/19/2006

Try a moonlight glide through the pines in some of the most majestic terrain imaginable.

Education Programs - 7/19/2006

The majority of regularly scheduled programs are from May through September, but we are always happy to take special requests!

Fishing - 11/7/2006

The Arkansas River offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler --from the river bank or from a boat. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) provides sites with access to some of the best fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains. For more information, check out the "Fishing" link in Arkansas Headwaters' "Park Activities" section.

Gold Panning - 7/22/2010

Gold panning is a traditional and popular activity along the banks of the Arkansas River. It's not uncommon to see several people looking for their fortune on the river. Refer to the Bureau of Land Management’s Geology and Minerals Web site (http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/minerals.html) for gold panning information about this area. Motorized Placer Notices are also available at AHRA for recreational placer activities.

Hiking - 11/1/2006

If hiking is part of your vacation plan, AHRA can direct you to trails originating from our sites or can even give you information on climbing a “fourteener”, a mountain that is 14,000 or more feet high. See the "Trails" section of AHRA's Web site, available from the links on the left side of the page, for descriptions of trails leading from the Arkansas river access points, picnic areas and campgrounds. There are also many popular hikes in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest, and backcountry opportunities are unlimited.

Horseback Riding - 7/19/2006

Adjacent Public Lands into the backcountry offer unlimited opportunities

Ice Fishing - 11/20/2006

Available at the Hayden Meadows recreation site.

OHV Riding - 10/24/2006

There are many trails for off-highway vehicle riding in the AHRA. These include the FourMile and Texas Creek areas. See the "Trails" of AHRA's Web site for descriptions of trails leading from the Arkansas River access points, picnic areas and campgrounds.

Picnicking - 11/1/2006

Most of our picnic sites are easily accessible from a major highway. Many people enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the activities on the river. Refer to the "AHRA Area Map" available from the "Maps and Directions" link on the left side of Arkansas Headwaters' main page to find numerous picnic sites along the river. In the “Recreation Site Facilities” table of this map, look for the “picnic tables/grills” column. A group picnic area is also available at Collegiate Peaks Overlook near Buena Vista. Call AHRA for details 719-539-7289.

Rock Climbing - 2/13/2007

There are many challenging climbing areas along the river for experienced climbers. For novices, please contact AHRA for information on outfitters who have the equipment and expertise to assist you.

Snowmobiling - 7/19/2006

There are many high country trails in the Collegiate Peaks "14'ers". Snow conditions continue to improve throughout the winter for those who like a faster pace.

Snowshoeing - 7/19/2006

If you've got the time and urge, there is a place out there just waiting for you to enjoy.

Whitewater rafting - 11/7/2006

Private and commercial. Season begins with spring run off and ends in the late summer when flows drop and fishing picks up.

Winter Camping - 8/30/2006

AHRA campgrounds are open year-round, barring severe weather.

Last Modified Date: 7/22/2010 8:59 AM

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