Arkansas River Rafting near Salida and Buena Vista

There is no rushing a river. When you go there, you go at the pace of the water and that pace ties you into a flow that is older than life on this planet. Acceptance of that pace, even for a day, changes us, reminds us of other rhythms beyond the sound of our own heartbeats. - Jeff Rennicke, River Days: Travels on Western Rivers

If you are looking for the perfect river community, your search just may end here. The mighty Arkansas River flows through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing the downtowns of both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals.

For rafting enthusiasts, Browns Canyon is sure to please as splashy class III whitewater winds through a dramatic canyon. Daredevils can head upstream to class IV-V sections like Pine Creek and the Numbers, where even the most seasoned boaters tremble in their booties. Or, if drifting in warm sun is more to your liking, try a mellow float trip. Regardless of your choice, outfitters will help you find just the right trip.

For play-boating kayakers, both Salida and Buena Vista have world-class playholes right downtown. Park the car, unload your boat and show off your skills and river savvy.

The river corridor is part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, which spans 150 miles from Leadville to Pueblo. The AHRA features some two dozen fee-required recreation sites with abundant opportunities for picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle travel, sightseeing at pullouts and camping at one of six AHRA campgrounds. The rec area is managed through a unique 20-year partnership between Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. A visitor center at Sackett and G streets in Salida offers a variety of passes and a wide selection of brochures, maps, books and guides.

Town parks. Both Salida and Buena Vista provide public parks with picnic tables and riverside trails. The amphitheater at Salida’s Riverside Park hosts concerts, special events and movies throughout the summer.

Camp or picnic on the river. You don’t have to raft, kayak or fish to enjoy the Arkansas. There is nothing like the mesmerizing sound of the river to bring a sense of calm to over-scheduled lives. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area makes it easy to get up close and personal with the river thanks in large part to the twin goals of stewardship and accessible adventure. Low-cost day and overnight camping fees can be paid at self-service dispensers on site. Campgrounds provide a mix of pull-through RV hookups, tent sites and handicap accessible facilities. See map on page 44 - 45 for locations. Visit parks.state.co.us for more information and online reservations. Stop by the AHRA headquarters in downtown Salida near the Coors Boat Ramp at Sackett and G streets.

Arkansas River rafting map courtesy of AllAboutRivers.com