Arkansas river headwaters. Native flows With its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, the Arkansas River stretches nearly 1,500 miles to the Mississippi River. The river's source basin lies in the western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas River Valley, where the headwaters derive from the snowpack in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Apr 29, 2024 · The headwaters of the Arkansas River is Colorado are famous for its trout and is somewhat of a Mecka for fly fishers. It starts in the historic town of Leadville and goes all the way down to Pueblo on the edge of the plains. There is a total of 150 miles of water that extends from Leadville, Colorado to Pueblo, Colorado and contains many different classes of rapids ranging from Class II-V rapids. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is managed through a unique, cooperative partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service. Colorado is a headwater state, meaning all of its rivers begin in the Rocky Mountains and flow out of the state. The river begins within the rugged expanse of the Sawatch Arkansas River Flow ForecastOfficial websites use . Join me as we The north portion of the Arkansas River is located 90 miles west of Colorado Springs, and 120 miles southwest of Denver. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The upper White River watershed is divided into three main sub-basins: Beaver Reservoir, Bull Shoals Lake and James River. The AHRA is spread out over 152-miles of the Arkansas River as it follows alongside Highways 24, 285, and 50. The Arkansas River Basin covers a huge territory, more than 28,000 square miles, encompassing more than a fifth of Colorado’s total land area. , and flowing generally east-southeastward for 1,460 miles (2,350 km) through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before entering the Mississippi 40 miles The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area first started as a cooperative arrangement between Colorado State Parks and the federal Bureau of Land Management. Top access points include: Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area: This expansive park covers 148 miles of the Arkansas River and offers numerous spots for fly fishing. The Arkansas River widens as it enters the Great Plains, taking an eastward Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado. Spanning over 148 miles, the AHRA follows the Arkansas River and offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers a choice of six campgrounds from north to southeast along the Arkansas River: Railroad Bridge, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Rincon, Vallie Bridge and Five Points Campgrounds. Whether you want to explore a ghost town, run a rapid, hook a trout, watch a bighorn sheep or stare into the depths of the Royal Gorge, chances for adventure are all around you. This section (including The Numbers, Brown's Canyon, and What to Do at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area The Upper Arkansas River Valley is a treasure trove of geology, history, wildlife, scenery and just plain good times. In the 1980s and ’90s, Mallett said, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area camping reservations and campground information. Here’s a list of states that specifically outlaw passengers from riding inside a truck camper: Arkansas Maine Mississippi New Hampshire Pennsylvania (although riding in a 5th Another 16 states have property taxes on RVs at the local level: Alabama Alaska Arkansas Connecticut Georgia Indiana Missouri Montana North Carolina Oklahoma Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wyoming Mar 1, 2024 · You are allowed to ride in a truck camper in every state in the country except for Arkansas, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report from the oldest flyshop and best fly fishing guide service on the Arkansas River in Colorado. A perfect place to RV camp by the water, you’ll be glad you’re here. The Cimarron River (/ ˈsɪmərɒn, - roʊn / SIM-ə-ro (h)n; Iowa-Oto: Ñíxgu or Ñíhgu, meaning "Salt River"; [4] Cheyenne: Hotóao'hé'e) extends 698 miles (1,123 km) across New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. The river's source basin lies in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas River Valley. The river drains over 25,000 square miles of Colorado, the largest drainage area in the state. Department of Defense organization in the United States. Four of the nation’s major rivers originate in Colorado: the Arkansas, Colorado, Platte, and the Rio Grande. Its headwaters are fed by snowpack in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Connect with the High Lonesome Road at Kobe to make it a loop. Arkansas River Access Map View our access map for the Arkansas River and learn public and private access points as well as other notable features around fly fishing this river. Whether you're an avid angler, a nature lover, or simply 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. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area extends about 148 miles from Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir through the towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Caсon City, and Florence. The White River is a 722-mile (1,162 km) river that flows through the U. For those who seek a world of adventure, the Ruby Mountain section of the Arkansas River Recreation Area most definitely is the place to be. This historical landmark serves as the origin point of one of the most famous rivers in the United States, the Arkansas River. Wildlife abounds, and there's no shortage of adventure to be found - from Fast Track trails to Wet and Wild Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area About Salida to Vallie Bridge Along the Arkansas River, the 18-mile Salida to Vallie Bridge section has 7 river access sites. Jun 30, 2021 · The headwaters of the Arkansas River rise from the snowpack Rocky Mountain’s Mosquito and Sawatch Range, near Leadville, Colorado. The terrain consists of riverbanks and surrounding hills, with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Registration is done completely online through the Arkansas My DMV website. Data from current sites are relayed to USGS offices via satellite, telephone, and/or radio telemetry and are He then continued to explore the headwaters of the Arkansas. However, the river’s high CFS tends to drop at the end of July, making August a promising month as well. The Arkansas River has three distinct sections in its long path through the central United States. The spectacular scenery is highlighted by the steep, narrow Statewide Streamflow Table Current data typically are recorded at 15- to 60-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices every 1 to 4 hours, depending on the data relay technique used. Current streamflow conditions and water data for Colorado. View camper-submitted photos of Arkansas River Headwaters in Colorado. Arkansas River At 1469 miles in length, the Arkansas River is the second longest tributary in the Mississippi-Missouri system. Beginning in the central Rocky Mountains near Leadville, the Arkansas River runs nearly 1,500 miles across the Great Plains before emptying into the Mississippi River. The information above depicts the Flow Program Target and the flow of the Arkansas River as measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Wellsville Gauge near Salida, CO. Major River BasinsColorado is the “headwaters” state for much of the western and central United States. Demands on the limited water resources also will increase as changes in water storage, water releases, and/or transfer of waters within or outside of the Information on dispersed camping within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), including rules, location suggestions, and Leave No Trace principles. It flows generally southeast through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. They applied the name Riviere des Ark, or Riviere d'Ozark, derived from the Indians who lived on Pike was also to explore the headwaters of the Arkansas River, then to proceed south, locate the source of the Red River, and descend it to the Mississippi. May 6, 2024 · Often, RVers going from one park to another do not need the hookups and amenities or expense of a regular RV campground. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO (719)539-7289 149 Campsite Results All Site Types (149) It's part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area along the Arkansas River. The South Arkansas River springs from the high mountains just below the summit of Monarch Pass west of Salida, CO. The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The headwaters of the Arkansas River are today a popular destination for fly fishing and other outdoor recreation, while its lower course in southeast Colorado supports agriculture and towns. Some states require the pickup camper to have safety glass or access to the truck cab. The Arkansas has witnessed floods and droughts, numerous There are now 60 days before the average peak snowpack and Open Snow is forecasting a more active pattern for the Arkansas River Headwaters with a potential for around 19″ of snow over the next 10 days. Lower Arkansas River Flow Forecasts Note: The historical median on the 30-Day HEFS Forecast is based on 1976-2016 data. Breathtaking! AHRA offers world-class whitewater boating, fishing, sightseeing, bicycling and hiking along 152 miles of the Arkansas River. Jan 14, 2024 · The Arkansas River offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler — from the river bank or from a boat. Photo: Park Facebook page Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a Colorado State Park located in Salida, and is approximately 25 miles south of the city of Buena Vista. Arkansas River Headwaters of the Arkansas River in Colorado The Arkansas River is a river in the United States. Joliet and Marquette, exploring for France, reached the mouth of the Arkansas on the Mississippi in 1673. Much The White River (origin to Bull Shoals Lake) meanders in direction from its headwaters near Fayetteville and up through southern Missouri to its reentry in Arkansas as it heads southeast past Cotter and Batesville. It is the sixth longest river in the United States. 5 days ago · The tailwater on the Arkansas River has blossomed into one of the best fisheries in the state, and it's a short distance from town. By the photos they post on Facebook of impressive PB rainbows and browns, they do pretty A few days later, he crossed into what is now the State of Colorado and, on the 15th, reached Purgatory River, a branch of the Arkansas River. If you go further into town, you will also find many other different species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass Fishing the Arkansas River is best from September to April when the flow is low. The Arkansas is the lifeblood of cities and agricultural communities along its course,… Located near central Colorado, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a popular destination for naturalists, whitewater rafters, kayakers, and anglers. There are no campgrounds along this section of the river, but dispersed camping is allowed on federal land. From headwaters to confluence with the Mississippi River, the White River flows approximately 720 miles and crosses two states. The park is jointly administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. Once serving in part as the border between Mexico and the United States, the river has played a significant role in the history of Colorado, from the discovery of gold to the development of irrigation. Originating in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, it arcs northwards through southern Missouri before turning back into Arkansas, flowing southeast to its mouth at the Mississippi River. The Arkansas flow report | streamflow & reservoir levels provides essential river data for 86 USGS gauges including streamflow rate, gauge height, water temperature, and more. It extends about 148 miles from Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir through the towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Caсon City, and Florence. Only the Green River, the Little Snake River, and Costilla Creek flow into the state The Arkansas Post (in present-day southeastern Arkansas), established in 1686 by Henry de Tonti, was the first permanent settlement in the Arkansas River region, and the early history of the river centers around the post. It flows east into Kansas and finally The upper White River watershed encompasses over 300 miles of river. The park offers boating, fishing, hiking, and biking with scenic views of The Arkansas River. The Arkansas River offers the most public access of any river in the state of Colorado! That being said, due to the sheer amount of gold medal trout water (102 miles) on the Arkansas folks are always challenged with where to start. May 23, 2024 · Arkansas River fishing map. states of Arkansas and Missouri. It 6 days ago · The Headwaters of the Arkansas start near Climax Mine along Fremont Pass (Highway 91 South), and then flow along Highway south of Leadville, all the way to Buena Vista. We include headwater and confluence data and in an effort to not "hotspot" river access points that are better than others, we list every access point available. The river is 1,460 miles long and flows across three states before making its way into Arkansas. The Arkansas River in Leadville, Colorado is a premium destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Stretching for 152 miles along the Arkansas River, the area offers abundant and outstanding opportunities for fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and sightseeing among deep canyons, broad valleys and towering mountain peaks. More than 100 miles of Colorado’s best whitewater can be found nearby – from Granite to Cañon City – all within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. While the basin is primarily rural and agricultural, growing communities The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area's 152-mile length also provides ample space to accommodate many of Colorado's top natural wonders. 6 days ago · The lower river is fishing well again this week, benefitting from cooler temperatures and mild weather conditions. Nearby attractions include the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and the San Isabel National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. They don’t have the time or money to bounce back and forth trying to complete the purchasing process. The campground sits adjacent to Highway 50, offering beautiful riverside views with mountains in the background. GARNA’s This decades-long success story on the Arkansas River demonstrates the effectiveness of persistent cleanup and restoration efforts, but significant threats to Arkansas River headwaters remain. Get turn-by-turn directions to fishing access sites and boat ramps, real-time flows, fishing reports and fly fishing tips. New residents of the “Natural State” also have 30 days to register. Arkansas Headwaters Rec. Apr 8, 2024 · Arkansas Arkansas is one state that allows overnight parking in rest areas, but for safety reasons only. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a 150-mile stretch of the Arkansas River in Colorado. Arkansas River Headwaters offers dispersed camping near the Arkansas River in Colorado. Arkansas River Upper - Headwaters to BV Fishing: near Leadville, Colorado. The Arkansas begins in the state of Colorado. Wade anglers will celebrate the lower Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area About Parkdale to Cañon City Along the Arkansas River, the 10-mile Parkdale to Cañon City section has 4 river access sites. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) maintains the public river access along the river. All they want is a place to park for a couple of hours of sleep before hitting the road again. During the eighteenth century, the headwaters of the Arkansas were in Spanish territory. So here is our list of 25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations: Among the states that do discuss truck campers or pickup campers in their statutes, some explicitly forbid passengers, and a few others place some conditions on them. The trail provides multiple access points to the Gold Medal Waters of the Arkansas River and impeccable views of the Sawatch Mountain Range. It enters the Mississippi River in Desha County, Arkansas, about 275 miles (443 kilometers) upstream from New Orleans. Everything you need to know about camping in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, including when to go and how to book the best campgrounds and campsites. May 4, 2023 · Reclamation is fully committed to ensuring that the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Treatment Plant will continue to treat the water from the LMDT and maintain a long-term, on-going commitment to mitigate groundwater contamination and release clean water to the Arkansas River headwaters. The campgrounds are located at Vallie Bridge and Five Points, but dispersed camping is allowed at Five 1/2 Points, Texas Creek, Lazy J, Bootlegger, Maytag and Cottonwood. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, flows through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and eventually joins the Mississippi River in southeastern Arkansas. " When you think of Colorado and adventure, you have to think of whitewater rafting and fly fishing stocked streams. Fish populations are very healthy here and even hold some truly goliath trout. Sep 1, 2024 · By following the river road north of Salida toward the headwaters, even more recreation opportunities abound, which include the Mount Antero Wilderness, Ruby Mountain and Browns Canyon National Monument. The exceptions to this are the Green and Little Snake Rivers, which flow into the northwest corner of the state, albeit only for very brief stretches (Water Education Colorado [WEco], 2005). Activities within the area include Bicycle Trails, Fishing The Arkansas River is one of Colorado's major rivers. The Cimarron River (highlighted in red) flows through four states in the American West. May 19, 2025 · The Numbers section of the Arkansas River is a formidable but enticing stretch of continuous whitewater about 11 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. Nestled along the picturesque Arkansas River, AHRA offers a plethora of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. The East Fork Arkansas River rises from the Mosquito Range and flows for about 33. With six campgrounds consisting of 102 sites, camping in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is plentiful. Surrounded by stunning meadows and towering mountains, the area is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking to experience the great outdoors. The Arkansas River is unlike many others in Colorado because it flows freely for more than 150 miles, from its headwaters to where it meets its first dam in Pueblo on Colorado’s eastern plains. 104 Likes, TikTok video from Waterfalls in AR & Beyond! (@gezrogers): “Join us on a road trip to beautiful Colorado, starting at the Arkansas River Headwaters. 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 Arkansas Headwaters is one of the nation's premier recreation areas. The partners have acquired important river access for the public and Sep 30, 2002 · The Arkansas River Basin drains an area of 24,904 square miles of southeastern Colorado. Jun 12, 2025 · Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers dispersed camping near the Arkansas River in Colorado. It generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U. It is about 1,469 miles (2,364 km) long. California In California, you can stay at a rest area for eight hours within any 24 hours. GARNA works with communities of the upper Arkansas River valley to foster the stewardship of the region’s natural environment and the resilience of our communities. The headwaters Appendix A (PDF), Cooperative Management Agreement for Providing Recreation Management of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Appendix B (PDF), 1990-2000 AHRA Recreation Use Sep 30, 2021 · Colorado’s Arkansas River (“the Mighty Ark”) is truly a wonder to behold, from start to finish. In the past, annual releases from reservoirs on the Arkansas's tributaries blew away spring caddis hatches. It is also one of the nation’s most popular rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking. It starts near Leadville and flows south through the Arkansas River Valley, past the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. 4 km) in 120 miles (193 km). 2 kilometers before joining the Tennessee Creek near Leadville to form the Arkansas River. Where Does the Arkansas River Start and End? The Arkansas River begins near Leadville, Colorado. As the sixth-longest river in the nation, the Arkansas River flows 1,469 miles from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to its confluence Discover water data collected at monitoring location USGS-07091200, located in Colorado and find additional nearby monitoring locations. The Arkansas River extends nearly 150 miles from Leadville, Colorado, to the Pueblo Reservoir and boasts an abundance of Class II-V rapids. Test your whitewater rafting skills at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area of CO. Joined by several small tributaries, the South Ark flows down through public and private lands through mountain meadows, past old mines, ranches, farms and housing subdivisions before streaming through the town of Salida and joining the mainstem Arkansas River. At its headwaters in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near the town of Leadville Colorado, the Arkansas runs as a steep mountain torrent through the Rockies in its narrow valley, dropping 4,600 feet (1. Learn more about camping near Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and reserve your campsite today. Below the towering peaks of the Saguache and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we have 101 campsites at 6 of the best riverside campgrounds in the valley. Jun 9, 2014 · Arkansas River Basin — Graphic via the Colorado Geological Survey Here’s an in-depth look at the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area from Tracy Harmon writing for The Pueblo Chieftain: It seems warring is a history that repeats itself in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Where is the Arkansas River on the map? The Arkansas River starts near Leadville Information on camping at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), including reservations, campgrounds, and facilities. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the United States' most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River. More likely they will be part of the crowds from Denver and Colorado Springs that elect to chase trout on the tailwaters of the South Platte or the lower Arkansas near Pueblo. Four regional watersheds originate high in the mountains in Colorado: the Arkansas, Colorado Mar 25, 2017 · The headwaters of the Arkansas River flow through some of Colorado's richest mining areas. Salida East, Point Barr, Rincon and Vallie Bridge all have developed campgrounds and popular dispersed camping areas include Red Wall, Woody's Claim, Rainbow Bridge and Badger Creek. We’ll share our local knowledge of the most unique features, gained from 20+ years of whitewater raft Jan 21, 2022 · Fishing at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The Arkansas River rises on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado. Today there are 9 such diversions accounting for The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, 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 Arkansas River Headwaters State Park: A Colorado Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts Welcome to Arkansas River Headwaters State Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Colorado. The 152-mile stretch offers clear water, dramatic scenery, and rapids rated beginner to expert (Class II–V) — from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. . Clear Creek Reservoir: Although technically a lake, Clear Creek feeds into the Arkansas and offers great fishing opportunities The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, 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 Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is an environmental nonprofit organization founded in 1996 as a cooperative association for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area for education and stewardship. The headwaters of the Arkansas River near Leadville. It flows southeast and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. Arkansas Headwaters Rec Area The Arkansas River between Leadville and Pueblo is home to nearly one third of Colorado’s Gold Medal trout waters. Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area About Vallie Bridge to Parkdale Along the Arkansas River, the 29-mile Vallie Bridge to Parkdale section has 20 river access sites. The headwaters are at Queen Wilhelmina State Park on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. S. mil website belongs to an official U. These days, those 2 agencies have been joined by the National Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Arkansas River (Upper) – Leadville to Lake Fork The Arkansas River headwaters, flowing from the top of Freemont Pass to Leadville offers a variety of high-quality fishing, including a “mess o’ little Brookies” in the willow flats and beaver ponds above Leadville. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and BLM provide the primary management for the intensive recreation use as well as the area’s many resources. It's a journey from Experience the grandeur of the Arkansas River and its headwaters. Most get tripped up by the logistic realities of what to do or obtaining everything they need to comply with various fees and, of course, laws. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, 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 Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area! This is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking. At its headwaters, the Arkansas River is a wild mountain stream flowing south, then southeasterly. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, geography, and attractions of the Arkansas May 10, 2023 · The Arkansas River from Hecla Junction hike is a really enjoyable, popular and easier hike at the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area. Sep 12, 2023 · The Arkansas River starts out in the Rockies, traveling through four states before joining up with the Mississippi River. Aug 31, 2025 · About Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area This is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States. Recording and transmission times may be more frequent during critical events. Fishing Map of the East Arkansas River Headwaters, Colorado - Incudes Royal Gorge, Browns Canyon, Big Horn Sheep Canyon The Arkansas River starts high in the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado where snow piles up each winter to be released by the warm sun in late spring. Find maps, visitor center information, and directions to campgrounds at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The technical angler will be perfectly at home here. The flow is now in the ideal range for the health of the fishery itself, allowing trout to fully disperse and occupy nearly all available structure in the river, efficiently and effectively feeding at their leisure in the reduced velocities. The Arkansas River Headwaters is a captivating destination located in the scenic town of Leadville, Colorado. The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website regarding safety roadside rest areas states: Arkansas Whether you buy through a dealer or a private sale, you’ll have to handle the registration yourself within 30 days of purchase in Arkansas. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) provides sites with access to some of the best “Gold Medal” fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains. Dec 6, 2023 · The Arkansas River originates high in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado, and it ends in eastern Arkansas at the confluence with the Mississippi River where the town of Napoleon (Desha County) once stood. Jan 27, 2025 · The 152-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area between Leadville and Pueblo is famous for whitewater rafting and fly fishing; nearly a third of Colorado’s Gold Medal trout fishery river miles (102 to be exact) are on this section. 4 days ago · Current streamflow conditions and water data for Arkansas. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife headquartered near Salida, offers various points of interest along the Arkansas River. The Colorado flow report | streamflow & reservoir levels provides essential river data for 390 USGS gauges including streamflow rate, gauge height, water temperature, and more. Apr 12, 2024 · Updated April 12, 2024 People have often asked us how to buy a used RV from a private seller in or out of state. That means that most of its rivers begin in the Rocky Mountains and flow across state lines. Apr 8, 2024 · Arkansas Arkansas is one state that allows overnight parking in rest areas, but for safety reasons only. Whether you’re a hiker, angler, camper, or wildlife enthusiast, this beautiful recreation area has something special in store for you. In 1879 railroad companies were going to battle over who would be the first to lay track through the Royal Gorge Jan 19, 2001 · Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Vision Statement The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area shall be managed to emphasize its natural resources, resource sustainability, and the standards for public land health, recognizing and respecting private property, while embracing numerous recreational, educational, and commercial activities. The terrain includes riverbanks and rocky areas, with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Back in the 1800s, greenback cutthroat trout was especially plentiful, but today brown trout is more common. This section of the river follows closely to US Highway 24, until the junction of Highway 285 where it follows it down to Salida. The headwaters flow from Johnson Mesa west of Folsom in northeastern New Mexico. This breathtaking park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities and camping opportunities. The headwaters derive from the snowpack in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Like other basins on the Front Range, the Arkansas Basin has experienced growth and is expected to have significant increases in growth in the future. The Arkansas River flows from its headwaters near Leadville through the Front Range cities of Cañon City and Pueblo before unspooling onto the Eastern Boating on the Arkansas River Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is home to some of the best whitewater boating in the country and one of the nation’s most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations. The Arkansas River is the second-longest tributary in the Sep 7, 2025 · Is this any way to treat a river? Is the Arkansas an umbilical cord nursing all of Colorado’s living forms, or a paved-over conveyor for commerce? “The Colorado River gets most of the attention in the state,” said Jerry Mallett, president of the nonprofit river defender Colorado Headwaters, but also a co-founder of Friends of Browns Canyon. Area (AHRA) is one of those 'Big Boys' - maybe even "Pappy. Overview of the Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, stretching about 2,364 kilometers (1,469 miles). The Ouachita River is a gorgeous gem of Arkansas rivers, flowing through Ouachita National Forest and the Caddo Mountains in Polk and Montgomery Counties of west central Arkansas, though most paddling is done in Montgomery County starting at Pine Ridge. Oct 25, 2024 · The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a stunning region located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA. Here’s a guide to planning a paddling trip on the Numbers, including put-in facilities, descriptions of the rapids, scouting points, and other resources. It’s also home to the most commercially rafted river in Colorado, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and At its headwaters, the Arkansas River runs as a steep mountain torrent through the Rockies in its narrow valley, dropping about 4,600 feet, creating The Numbers and Brown’s Canyon near Buena Vista, Colorado, and the Royal Gorge at Canon City, Colorado, which see extensive whitewater rafting in the spring and summer. Trip Highlights Mile 0: Pinnacle Rock River Access: AHRA (Arkansas boat ramp/parking area) with bathroom facilities. This snowpack converges in the Arkansas River Basin and accounts for much of the beginning Sep 27, 2012 · Also, the Arkansas Headwaters Association, a coalition of local, state, and federal agencies, deserves a great deal of the credit for improving river access and regulating river use. mil A . Did you just raft the river and now you want to view it from above? Take a thrilling journey along one of America’s most iconic rivers, offering unrivaled views of Browns Canyon, Twin Lakes, and the Arkansas River Valley. The campground can be accessed from the main highway via a dirt and gravel road that becomes single-lane near the end, with a rock cliff on one side and the river on the other. His purpose was to meet with the Comanche Indians near the Arkansas River headwaters, then strike across the country to the head of Red River and descend to Natchitoches according to the original plan. Discover stunning views and adventures! #roadtrip #travel #rockies #colorado #arkansasriver”. It was first discovered and explored by Hernando De Soto in 1541. The river has gold that can be found by panning and sluicing. Explore pictures of campsite photos, nature, and real experiences. Arkansas River, large tributary of the Mississippi River, rising in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near Leadville in central Colorado, U. Fishing conditions, reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, events, blogs, and photos. The river flows usually peak between the 1st and 3rd week of June. The location of the State of Colorado in the United States of America. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a state park in Colorado, U. Jul 3, 2025 · Map | Map (HCDN) | Flow Table | Summary Plot | Percent Summary | Summary Table | Dynamic Map | Google Earth The upper Arkansas around Salida is not the first river most Colorado anglers think about for fly fishing when winter descends. Since 1908, its flows have been augmented by trans-mountain diversions of water from Colorado’s Western Slope, tunneled under the Continental Divide. Rincon Campground is located along the Arkansas River in Colorado, within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Luckily, our partners at The Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area (the state park that manages the Arkansas River) have produced a phenomenal river land ownership map Arkansas River Watershed Map: A Comprehensive Exploration of the American Heartland The Arkansas River Watershed is a significant hydrological system in the United States, stretching across six states and covering over 170,000 square miles. kmmxr aycw ygfyda iychfk niiz bxzascx ixxfz tipoglgn xtng pwk