Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Colorado Parks and Wildlife

12/24/2025

We've partnered with Blue Elements and AmeriCorps to recruit Watershed Stewards for the Arkansas River Valley. See the position description below for more information:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/192Nvcl2VzmEq1wfvY15uN2nv9I1egYmD/view

12/01/2025

Our very own Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Jess King was honored by Trails and Open Space Coalition Executive Director Glenn Carlson at the TOSC Trailabration event in Colorado Springs. Jess ensures safe, accessible recreation in the Arkansas Valley; leadership of staff development, training & safety programs; and supports local motorcycle safety training in her personal time. Congratulations Officer Jess King!

06/03/2025

Give your kids a summer of outdoor adventure and learning with FREE educational programs from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area!

Our popular Jr. Rangers program (ages 5-11) is back in both Salida and Buena Vista, offering engaging activities that help kids connect with nature. For our youngest park enthusiasts, Tots on Fridays (ages 2-4) provides a special interactive experience in Salida – just remember, an adult needs to be present for these nature-filled Fridays!

All programs are free, educational, and perfect for fostering a love for the outdoors. Dates, times, and exact locations vary, so be sure to check the attached flyer for all the specifics.

Don't miss out! Find the registration link/QR code on the flyers or head over to ahra.mobi/EduEvents to secure your spot!

03/13/2025

We're so excited to bring Every Kid in a Life Jacket to more than 600 third graders and a dozen schools across the Upper Arkansas Valley this year!

08/04/2024

UPDATE:
The hazard has been removed.

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Attention Boaters:
There is a fallen tree on river right above the Salida Whitewater Park, just below the ballfields. It is passable on river left. We will communicate when this hazard has been mitigated.

Attached is a picture taken from downstream and the approximate location circled on a map.

05/20/2024

We celebrated on Friday by completing annual river rescue training with Salida Fire Department, Eagle County Government, and Sierra Rescue International!

05/20/2024

The Colorado Explorer Campaign is almost here! From May 31st-July 14th⛰🕵️️🌟 Play fun missions and get the opportunity to win amazing prizes!! Learn more here:https://agentsofdiscovery.com/colorado-explorer/

05/16/2024

We're so excited to expand this program to Buena Vista, Salida, and Cañon City this year! We're always happy to see a bunch of smiling kids in PFDs!

05/13/2024

We hope you'll join us!

Saturday is the 33rd Annual Clean Up Green Up!! Grab some buddies and help us clean up the watershed. Online registration is at http://ahra.mobi/CUGU or check-in at Riverside Park or the BV Community Center at 8:30am. THEN, stick around for Gear Up to Summer in Riverside Park from 10-1 to visit with local non-profits and agencies. The first 50 kids get a free PFD from AHRA! GARNA will have a seed-bomb making station, come visit!

05/07/2024

It's May, and we have a new mission for you, Agent! Open the Agents of Discovery mobile app to learn more about our migratory bird friends! As always, stop by the Visitor Center after completing your mission to collect your prize.

04/26/2024

We are hiring for a full-time Park Resource Technician (PRT V) position! This position exists to supervise and to provide a safe and pleasant environment for recreational activities by cleaning, repairing, replacing, and operating equipment, systems, grounds, facilities, and infrastructure for the use of park visitors and staff. For more information and to apply, visit the link below.

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