Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Colorado Parks and Wildlife

08/28/2026

Come celebrate our last campground chats of the season around the campfire with delicious s'mores and stories of the night sky! We will provide s'mores fixings as well as the stories. We'd love to see you there to celebrate the end of the summer with us!

8/28 - Hecla Junction Boat Ramp 7-8pm
8/29 - Railroad Bridge Campground 7-8pm
9/4 - Salida East Campground 7-8pm
9/5 - Ruby Mountain Campground 7-8pm

08/26/2026

These are updated drone photos and videos from the logjam in Lower Browns Canyon from 2:00PM on August 26, 2026.

This remains a mandatory portage.

At this time, we do not plan to go in and try to remove the logs. Based on the location, the size of the debris, and the difficulty of access, we do not feel it is safe to put a team in the water. We will provide additional updates as we continue to monitor the situation.

It is very possible that additional monsoon rains could naturally relieve this blockage.

Log jams are highly unstable and unpredictable. Attempting to clear these logs and debris manually poses a severe risk of entanglement, serious injury, or drowning. Please prioritize your safety and the safety of the boating community by leaving the blockage alone and giving the area a wide berth while the river does its work.

08/21/2026

Geology Rocks! We are so happy to have Bob Hickey back to talk to us about the geology of the Arkansas River Valley and what makes it so special. Join us this Sunday, August 23rd at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook from 9am-10am.

When: Sunday August 23rd 9am-10am
Where: Collegiate Peaks Overlook off of Hwy 24 near Buena Vista, CO

08/21/2026

We had so much fun at our bat talks this past weekend, but if you missed it don't worry... We have two more! Come join us to learn about Colorado's bats!

Salida East Campground
Emery Amphitheater located near the yurt
Friday, August 21st 7pm-8pm

Ruby Mountain Campground
Amphitheater between 1302 & 1303
Saturday, August 22nd 7pm-8pm

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Come draw trees with us! We will discover techniques for drawing trees both near and far, as well as identification tricks for learning Ark Valley trees.
Sunday 8/16 at Railroad Bridge Campground 9am-10am

08/15/2026

Let's get batty! Bat Talks have begun! Join us to learn how important bats are to Colorado and the world!
TONIGHT Saturday 8/15 at Railroad Bridge Campground 7pm-8pm
Friday 8/21 at Salida East Campground 7pm-8pm

08/14/2026

We’re Hiring in Salida!

Colorado Parks & Wildlife is seeking an Administrative Assistant III to lead office management, customer service, and unit accounting at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

Full-time with state benefits.

🗓️ Apply by August 25, 2026
🔗 Visit ahra.mobi/jobs for the full posting and to submit your application!

08/13/2026

We are hiring for a full-time Administrative Assistant! This position is responsible for office management, visitor center customer service, and park accounting. Call us at 719-539-7289 if you'd like to learn more.

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today...

08/12/2026

CANCELLED - Star Party this evening
Due to some much-needed weather, our Star Party this evening with Friends of Browns Canyon is being rescheduled. Keep updated here and/or with Friends of Browns Canyon for the updated date. Though we're sad to not sit under the stars with you, we're all happy for some much-needed rain!