Arkansas River Guide
Explore Colorado’s Arkansas River
A field guide to rafting, camping, fishing, hiking, towns, hot springs, scenic drives, and river sections from Leadville to Cañon City.
River Towns
Explore the towns along the Arkansas River
From high mountain history in Leadville to canyon country in Cañon City, each town along the Arkansas River has its own character, trails, food, festivals, river access, and basecamp appeal.
Leadville
Mining history, alpine lakes, 14ers, cool summer air, and the upper Arkansas River headwaters.
Adventure basecampBuena Vista
Rafting, hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, river parks, and big views of the Collegiate Peaks.
Hot springs countryNathrop
Campgrounds, rafting access, hot springs, Chalk Creek Canyon, and quiet Arkansas River scenery.
Arts, food & river lifeSalida
A classic Colorado river town with a historic downtown, whitewater park, trails, galleries, and festivals.
Canyon roads & quiet waterCotopaxi
Small-town Arkansas River access, scenic drives, fishing, camping, and quieter stretches of canyon country.
Royal Gorge gatewayCañon City
Royal Gorge views, rafting, trails, scenic rail rides, warm weather, and the lower Arkansas River corridor.
River Atlas
Follow the Arkansas River Downstream
Start in the high country near Leadville and follow the river south through classic Colorado towns, granite canyons, public lands, whitewater sections, and the Royal Gorge on the way to Cañon City.
Open the full river mapFeatured Guide
Plan Your Arkansas River Trip
Start with the big picture. Pick your stretch of river, choose your home base, then build the rest of the trip around it.
River Guide
Which Arkansas River Section Is Right For You?
Browns Canyon, Salida Valley, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, The Numbers, Royal Gorge, and quieter scenic stretches all have a different feel.
Read the GuideExplore By Interest
Build The Trip Around What You Love
Latest Guides
Field Notes From The River
Camping
Why Chalk Creek Campground Is One of the Most Convenient Basecamps in the Arkansas River Valley
When people plan a camping trip to Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley, they often focus on finding the perfect…
Family Travel
The Best Rapids for Kids on the Arkansas River
A Practical Guide to Gentle Floats, Beginner Whitewater, and Family-Friendly River Adventures The Arkansas River is one of…
Colorado River Country
One river. Dozens of ways to explore it.
Use Arkansas River Guide as your starting point for rafting, camping, fishing, hiking, scenic drives, public lands, and small-town Colorado.
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