Follow the river.
Find Colorado fall.
Golden aspens, cool trails, fall fishing, hot springs, scenic drives, and quieter mountain towns.
When are you coming?
Spring in the Arkansas River Valley
Summer in the Arkansas River Valley
Fall in the Arkansas River Valley
Winter in the Arkansas River Valley
Follow the snowline, find open water, and take advantage of quieter early-season days.
Long days, open passes, flowing rivers, campgrounds, and the full high country.
Cooler days, changing aspens, good fishing, and a quieter Arkansas Valley.
Ski up high, soak in hot water, or head down valley for sun and open trails.
Four areas. Four very different versions of Colorado.
Follow the Arkansas from alpine headwaters to red-rock canyon country. Each area has its own landscape, weather, towns, activities, and personality.
Compare all areas →Leadville Area
Alpine lakes, mining history, 14ers, snow, skiing, and the beginning of the Arkansas River.
Buena Vista Area
Rafting, hot springs, camping, mountain passes, 14ers, and one of the best all-around outdoor basecamps in Colorado.
Salida Area
Downtown energy, whitewater, fishing, biking, food, arts, and easy access both upstream and down.
Cañon City Area
The Royal Gorge, red-rock canyons, rafting, rail history, warmer weather, fishing, and lower-elevation exploring.
Start with the big picture.
Choose the part of the Arkansas Valley that fits your trip, understand the river, then fill in the hiking, camping, hot springs, fishing, food, and side trips around it.
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Featured guide
Which Arkansas River section is right for you?
Browns Canyon, Salida Valley, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, The Numbers, Royal Gorge, and the quieter scenic stretches each offer a very different river experience.
Read the river guide arrow_forwardBuild the trip around what you love.
Come for the river, the trails, a quiet campsite, or a day with a fly rod. The Arkansas Valley gives you plenty of ways to build your own version of the trip.
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Rafting
From mellow scenic floats to continuous Class IV whitewater, explore the river section that fits your group.
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Camping
Riverside sites, mountain campgrounds, RV parks, and places to set up for a few days.
Fishing
River access, seasons, public water, conditions, and places to fish throughout the valley.
Hiking
Easy river walks, canyon trails, alpine lakes, mountain passes, and some of Colorado’s biggest peaks.
Field notes from the Arkansas Valley.
River conditions, trip ideas, local places, seasonal advice, and practical guides for exploring the valley.
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Fishing
Fall Fishing the Arkansas River: Great Fishing, but Watch Your Step
September changes the Arkansas River. Summer crowds begin thinning out. Mornings get colder. The river generally settles into…
Hiking & Exploring
Temple Canyon and Grape Creek: Cañon City’s Other Canyon Adventure
Just outside Cañon City, Temple Canyon and Grape Creek offer trout fishing, hiking, primitive camping, wildlife and rugged…
Travel
Late Summer on the Arkansas River: Why September Is One of the Best Times to Visit
September on the Arkansas River feels different. The river is quieter. Mornings are cooler. Cottonwoods begin hinting at…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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