Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Located in central Colorado, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area stretches along one of the most famous rafting rivers in the United States—the Arkansas River. This area offers a variety of recreation opportunities from rafting to hiking, with the river cutting through a stunning landscape of canyons and high desert terrain. The surrounding ecosystems feature diverse wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, and plant species adapted to the dry climate. Established as a recreation area to protect the river corridor, it also preserves the cultural history of mining and railroading that once thrived along its banks. Visitors are drawn by the thrill of Class II-V rapids, as well as less intense family-friendly sections of the river. The recreation area also offers access to diverse trails, from gentle riverside walks to challenging mountain treks, and numerous developed and primitive campgrounds. As the river meanders through the area, it creates an exceptional setting for photography, fishing, and wildlife viewing, appealing to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.