Arkansas Headwaters Rec Area

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the most heavily rafted rivers in the United States, stretching 152 miles from Leadville to Pueblo. The section near Salida — particularly Brown's Canyon — offers the most accessible and iconic Class III-IV whitewater in Colorado. The AHRA is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and provides world-class access to the Arkansas River for rafters, kayakers, and anglers. Dozens of commercial outfitters operate put-ins throughout the Salida area, including trips on the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section (Class II-III, great for families) and the Royal Gorge section downstream (Class IV-V).