As one of the nation’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) offers visitors a chance to explore over 6,000 acres of wilderness along 150 miles of the world’s most commercially rafted river. With class II-V rapids to conquer and abundant opportunities for hiking, biking and sightseeing, AHRA is an unforgettable destination for an exciting adventure.
The Setting
AHRA is made up of 6,193 acres of diverse land that stretches from high mountain peaks near Leadville to the plains of eastern Colorado. Visitors can choose trips from wild to mild. There are sections of the river that offer roller-coaster whitewater rapids while others satisfy those who want a serene, easy paddle. The area is well-known for white water rafting and kayaking, but many also take advantage of the varied terrain and cornucopia of sights and sounds featured throughout the AHRA.
With deep canyons, broad valleys and towering mountain peaks, the upper Arkansas River Valley has a unique geological history dating back 325 million years ago. Volcanoes spewed lava and ash, shaping mountains and hills, and causing runoff from both sides of the Rio Grande Rift to form the Arkansas River. The river flows east instead of south because volcanic activity sealed off the river near Poncha Pass, forcing it out of the mountains, across the plains, and eventually to the Mississippi River.
In addition to AHRA’s geologic story, the land features throughout the area draw wildlife that you might not see when camping in other areas of Colorado. Both mountain goats and bighorn sheep inhabit AHRA. Goats are difficult to spot on the rocky cliffs, but are common in Chalk Creek and Cottonwood Creek canyons just west of Buena Vista. Several hundred bighorn also sheep make their home in between Browns Canyon and the Royal Gorge, often descending to the Arkansas River for a drink.
Another popular activity in the AHRA is fishing, as the Arkansas River is home to one of Colorado’s finest brown trout fisheries as well as other species. During the month of May anglers can enjoy some of the best conditions of the year with the annual caddis hatch. Fish are abundant during this time of year, swimming upstream to feast on these bugs and offering anglers the perfect opportunity to catch a big one!
The Facility
AHRA has six campgrounds along the Arkansas River with over 100 different campsites for visitors to experience. From north to southeast along the Arkansas River you’ll find Railroad Bridge, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Rincon, Vallie Bridge and Five Points campgrounds. Each campground has river access and invites visitors to experience “backcountry” camping conveniently located in the heart of a unique recreation area.
Most of the campsites in the AHRA have a tent pad, fire grill, and table. Facilities at all the campgrounds include vaulted toilets and changing areas except Vallie Bridge and Five Points, which do not have changing areas. The northern most campground, Railroad Bridge, is located north of Buena Vista and has 14 campsites. Down the river is Ruby Mountain, a popular spot for private boaters featuring 22 campsites.
Hecla Junction campground is the traditional take-out for the Browns Canyon run and, like Ruby Mountain, also features 22 campsites. Downstream from Hecla Junction is the RV lover’s favorite spot, Rincon. As the smallest of AHRA’s campgrounds, Rincon has eight campsites. Below Rincon campground is Vallie Bridge campground, located in between the towns of Howard and Coaldale. With 16 tent sites, Vallie Bridge is strictly a boat-in/walk-in campground. Campers who drive will need to park in the day use area, pack their equipment and follow the walking trail across County Road 45 to find the campground. Downstream from Vallie Bridge campground is Five Points campground, the last along the river. It features 20 campsites and has some of the best picnic spots in AHRA.
Camping Tips
• Fish for brown trout during May as the caddis hatch brings great conditions for anglers
• Pan for gold along the shores of the Arkansas River at Railroad Bridge campground
• Campgrounds within the AHRA do not have access to hook-ups or water
Park Features
• Miles of roaring river and quiet eddies for incredible whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing
• Challenging trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as an OHV track
• Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities that offer rare glimpses of mountain lions and big horn sheep
Location
Unlike other Colorado State Parks, AHRA is not a singular destination because it follows the Arkansas River. Visitors can access AHRA at several different locations. Visit www.parks.state.co.us for more specific directions to various access points.
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