Running the Whitewater

A RIVER WONDERLAND

Wet & Wild State Park Provides Rockin’ Recreation

By Jay McKinney

When 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 countr y 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 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 countr y 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 scener y. Being designated as a national monument, it’s quite a special area and the rapids are really fun but typically not over whelming.”

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

popular stretch of the river and is consistently considered one of the top 10 runs in the countr y, according to Kissack, whose excitement is obvious: “One thousandfoot granite cliffs on either side of you, big Colorado whitewater, big waves … fun drops and just really exciting rafting. The other unique thing is you get to raft under the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is the highest suspension bridge in the United States.”

Of the four stretches of river, Kissack says the Numbers is probably the most technical and challenging section, with consistent class IV rapids due to the fast and narrow nature of the river.

For those seeking a memorable adventure on the AHRA, guided adventures will provide families and thrill-seekers alike with safe access. Outfitters Dvorak Expeditions have unmatched experience on the river.

Co-owner Bill Dvorak has worked the Browns Canyon area for 35 years, not just as a guide but as a proponent for its preser vation. “It was designated as a National Monument in 2015 after over 23 years of tr ying to give it permanent protection,” Dvorak says. He ser ved as president of the Friends of Browns Canyon, which helped get the designation passed. For his efforts, he was invited to the White House when President Barrack Obama signed the legislation making it a national monument.

The family-run company provides a variety of experiences on the river. Rafting, kayaking and swift water rescue courses are available through September and options range from half-day adventures to five-day expeditions.

Although rafting may be more popular and accessible, Salida resident Alan Stevens spends most of his river days on a kayak. “The Arkansas provides a great balance of wilderness with accessibility,”

“From unsupported overnight trips to casual after-work floats, there are sections of this river that are accessible to all abilities.”

— Alan Stevens Salida resident

© Joseph Rouse/ Adobe Stock

Stevens says. “The AHRA has great amenities at a variety of put ins which allows all varieties of adventure. From unsupported overnight trips to casual after-work floats, there are sections of this river that are accessible to all abilities.”

Salida and nearby Buena Vista are two major hubs for river enthusiasts and the AHRA office is located in Salida. “Both towns have play parks for learning skills and rapids in low-consequence environments as well as technical sections for experts,” Stevens says. “There are casual floats suitable for families and innumerable guide ser vices for those looking to see more challenging sections of the river.”

Obviously, there are many decisions to be made before planning a rafting or kayaking expedition down the AHRA. From thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies to those simply looking to cool down in the river with family and friends, the AHRA is able to satisfy those needs and is one more reason to get out and explore ever ything the state park has to offer.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.