Arkansas

Location: Central and eastern Colorado (about 120 miles southeast of Denver).

Length of trips: 9.5 to 102 miles in two hours to four days. More than 265,000 rafters floated the Arkansas in 1995, making it the nation’s most popular white-water river. Can be congested at popular access points.

Season: May through early September. The water flow usually peaks in late May and June.

Weather: Daytime temperatures range from 65° to 75°F in spring and from 70° to 95° in summer. Nights are cool (40s and 50s), so warm clothing is a must. Bring insect repellent in spring and summer. Rainfall is unpredictable and variable, from drought conditions to floods.

Lodging: Campgrounds along the river, as well as a wide range of accommodations in Buena Vista, Canon City, Leadville, and Salida.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: From easy Class II and III to difficult Class V sections that should be run only by experts. The water is cold (40° in spring, 55° in summer) and clear, except after heavy rainfall.

Special features:

  • The Numbers, a difficult section above Buena Vista, requires previous Class V white-water experience. Breathtaking views of mountains topping 14,000 feet.
  • The most popular section is through granite-walled Browns Canyon, a few miles south of Buena Vista. Breathtaking views of mountains topping 14,000 feet.
  • Seniors in good physical condition and families with young children enjoy the Salida-Cotapaxi section, with its striking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
  • The Cotapaxi-Parkdale stretch features a superb blend of canyon scenery and moderate Class III and IV rapids. Recommended prerequisite for Royal Gorge.
  • Most outfitters require previous white-water experience for Royal Gorge. Rafts pass between towering canyon walls and nearly a thousand feet below the world’s highest suspension bridge.
  • Mule deer, elk, antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, hawks, golden eagles, great blue herons, peregrine falcons, hummingbirds.
  • Excellent trout fishing (brown, cutthroat, rainbow).
  • Abundant wildflowers in summer.
  • Aspens turn golden in September and October.

Nearby excursions:

  • Old mining town of Leadville.
  • Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
  • St. Elmo ghost town.
  • Royal Gorge.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), P.O. Box 126, 307 West Sackett, Salida, Colorado 81201; +1 719 539 7289, fax +1 719 539 3771. Try to book at least three to five weeks in advance for weekend trips, two to three weeks in advance for weekday trips.
  • For a list of Colorado outfitters, contact the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), 4098 Surrey Court, Lafayette, Colorado 80026; +1 303 369 4632.

For more information:

  • Colorado Travel and Tourism Authority, P.O. Box 22005, Denver, Colorado 80222; +1 303 296 3384 or 800 265 6723.

 
 
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