A RIVER WONDERLAND Wet & Wild State Park Provides Rockin’ Recreation
By Jay McKinney
W
hen it comes to moving water, an elevation change of 4,600 feet in roughly 120 miles will surely create some ideal whitewater sports conditions. That’s why the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), has remained one of the most popular destinations across the country when it comes to rafting. The 1,469-mile Arkansas River starts right here in Colorado and crosses through Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas before joining the mighty Mississippi River. But it’s the first 150 miles plunging through the
8 ThirstColorado.com
May-June 2021
Rocky Mountains from Leadville to Pueblo that is truly a backyard gem for Coloradans. This portion of the river makes up the AHRA and is designated as a state park that continually draws people from across the country to partake in fishing, hiking, camping and of course, world-class rafting and kayaking. Four sections of the AHRA are renowned for whitewater rafting: Numbers, Browns Canyon, Big Horn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge. Mike Kissack, president of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, says Browns Canyon National Monument is the most popular stretch. “It is a phenomenal
class III section of whitewater, often considered beginner to intermediate,” Kissack says. “It’s really popular because of its great combination of fun, exciting whitewater but also spectacular scenery. Being designated as a national monument, it’s quite a special area and the rapids are really fun but typically not overwhelming.” Big Horn Sheep Canyon is another beginner-to-intermediate stretch of class III rapids located near Cañon City that is known for abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep. For those with intermediate-to-advanced experience, the Royal Gorge is the most
