The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the United States' most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River. There is a total of 150 miles of water that extends from Leadville, Colorado to Pueblo, Colorado and contains many different classes of rapids ranging from Class II-V rapids. Activities within the area include Bicycle Trails, Fishing Guide Service, Hiking/Nature Trails, Horseback Riding Trails, National Forest, Nature Experience, Nature Preserve, Nature Tours, River Raft Trips, Scenic Highway/Byway, Ski/Snowboard Area, State Park, Water Park, Water Recreation.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #2: Trails Map of Crystal Lakes South of Leadville in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #3: Trails Map of Arkansas River Ranch & Old Stagecoach in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #4: Trails Map of the Rail Road Bridge area in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #5: Trails Map of Barbra Whipple & Collegiate Peaks Trails near Buena Vista in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #6: Trails Map of Ruby Mountain Campground & Trail in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #7: Trails and Overview Map of Stone Bridge / North of Salida area in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #8: Trails Map of Hecla Junction & Siedel's Suckhole areas in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #9: Big Bed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Tracks Map in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #10: Trails Map of Salida Riverwalk in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #11: Trails Map of Rincon Area in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #12: Trails Map of Lone Pine & Vallie Bridge areas in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #13: Trails Map of Five Points area in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
CPW Pocket Trail Map #14: Trails Map of Parkdale day use and river access within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (RA) in Colorado. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Colorado Fishing Guide. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Arkansas Headwaters RA
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea/Pages/default.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_Headwaters_Recreation_Area
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the United States' most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River. There is a total of 150 miles of water that extends from Leadville, Colorado to Pueblo, Colorado and contains many different classes of rapids ranging from Class II-V rapids. Activities within the area include Bicycle Trails, Fishing Guide Service, Hiking/Nature Trails, Horseback Riding Trails, National Forest, Nature Experience, Nature Preserve, Nature Tours, River Raft Trips, Scenic Highway/Byway, Ski/Snowboard Area, State Park, Water Park, Water Recreation.
Mt. Arkansas
13795'
2
1
3
Hayden Ranch
4
Hayden Meadows
Arkansas River Ranch
Kobe
5
Twin Lakes Village
Granite
Big Bend
Blue Heron
Bootlegger
Boulderfield
Buena Vista Whitewater Park
Canyon Trading Post
Cañon City Whitewater Park
Centennial Park
Granite Rock
Granite Boat Chute
Clear Creek
7
Stone Cabin 8
Pine Creek
Numbers
Arkansas River Placer
Rapid #4
The
Wall
Numbers The
Rapid #5½
Boulderfield
Rapid #6
Riverside
Railroad Bridge
Collegiate Peaks
Copper Gulch
Elephant Rock
Fern Leaf Gulch
Fisherman’s Bridge
Five Points
Five ½ Points
Florence Whitewater Park
Ford Crossing
Granite
Granite Boat Chute
Granite Rock
Grassy Knoll
Hayden Meadows
Hayden Ranch
Hecla Junction
Kobe
Lazy J
Loma Linda
Lone Pine
Lower Floodplain
Maytag
MacKenzie Bridge
Numbers
Old Parkdale
Parkdale
Pathfinder Park
Pine Creek
Point Barr
Railroad Bridge
Rapid #4
Rapid #5 ½
El.
11 12 13
Rapid #6
For campground
reservations, please call
1-800-244-5613 or online at
www.cpwshop.com
10
14
Crystal Lakes
Pinnacle Rock
Grassy Knoll
Elephant Rock
Tunnel View
Buena Vista
Whitewater
Park
7,965'
Cottonwood
• Annual passes, regulations, and guide books are available at the AHRA Visitor Center.
• The AHRA Visitor Center is located on the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue in
downtown Salida, one block North of Highway 291.
9
Collegiate Peaks
Scenic and Historic Byway
Clear Creek
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center
6
Raynolds
Red Wall
Rincon
River Station
Riverside
Ruby Mountain
Salida Whitewater Park
Collegiate Peaks
15
Salida East
Salt Lick
Slaughterhouse
Fisherman’s Bridge
18
Spikebuck
Stone Bridge
Ruby Mountain
16
Stone Cabin
17
Swallows
Browns
Canyon
National
Monument
Texas Creek
The Wall
Tunnel View
Vallie Bridge
Browns Creek
TH
Browns Canyon
Wilderness
Study Area
Browns
Canyon
Wellsville
27
LEGEND
Hecla Junction
Peak
12,208'
163 150
Big Bend
Paddock SWA
Gold Belt Tour
National Scenic Byway
19
Stone Bridge
Slaughterhouse
Reddy SWA Fishing Easement
21 166
22
Box Creek STL
Poncha Springs
Visitor Center
Hardeman SWA Fishing Easement
160
23 24
25
7,083'
Salida East
Wellsville
Clear Creek Reservoir SWA
Tiger Lily STL Fishing/Portage Easement
Red Wall
Monarch Crest Trail
Point Barr
Rincon
Buena Vista SWA
Harmon SWA
26
Chubb Park Ranch STL
Chubb Park Ranch SWA
Johnson Village SWA
Champion SWA
Bighorn Springs
Ruby Mountain
Wright’s Lake SWA
and Great Sand Dunes
National Park
River
(Jointly managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau
of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service)
11386'
SalidaWhitewater Park
Granite SWA
Heckendorf SWA
28
11716'
20
Crystal Lake STL Fishing Easement
LEGEND
9,763'
Lower
Parkdale
Floodplain
Old
Five ½ Parkdale
Points
Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Salt Lick
Bootlegger Copper Gulch
Pinnacle Rock
Spikebuck
Five Points
Maytag
Cottonwood
Texas Creek
Lazy
J
Ford Crossing
Vallie
Bridge Loma
Fern Leaf
Linda
Lone Gulch
Pine
Canyon Trading
Post
5,331'
River
Station
Raynolds
MacKenzie Bridge
Centennial
Park Pathfinder
Park
29
Blue Heron
Miles
National Monument Border
Florence
Whitewater
Park
Swallows
Road
State Wildlife Areas/Fishing Easements
Pridemore Fishing Easement
Big Bend SWA
Swallows
Mt. Ouray Fishing Easement
Mt. Ouray SWA
30
Frantz Lake SWA
Mount Shavano SWA
Sands Lake SWA
Ogden/Treat SWA
Skaguay Reservoir SWA
28
Beaver Creek SWA
29
Brush Hollow SWA
30
Swallows /Pueblo SWA
Pa
rk
ing
Pi
cn
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Ta
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Po
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rta
ril
ge
ls
Tra
il
Re
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Ri
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Sc
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Ov
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Sp
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W
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W
Ac
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ss
Arkansas River Ranch
Hundreds of thousands of visitors boat on the river each year, and close to a million people enjoy the
recreation area. Courtesy and respect for others will make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. You
can minimize your impact and help us protect this valuable resource by observing the following guidelines:
• respect private property and don’t trespass
• keep noise down
• if you are boating, travel on opposite side of the river from anglers and avoid fishing holes
• learn and practive Leave No Trace backcountry ethics, including pack it in/pack it out
• use existing restroom facilities, or a portable toilet (groover), required by regulation
• stop only at well-established, well-used sites and avoid trampling streamside vegetation
• build fires only in grills and fire pans, required by regulation
Crystal
Lakes
Ho
rs
e/M
tn
.B
ike
Arkansas River Placer
Visitor Etiquette
10,151
OH
V
Recreation
Site Facilities
Welcome to the Upper Arkansas River Valley, famous for its 14ers, whitewater, wilderness and wildlife.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers many fun and exciting activities.
Please:
• know your skill level
• be aware of risks involved in an activity
• be familiar with safety practices
• equip yourself properly
Copper Mountain
AH
RA
Ma
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Bo
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at
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Ra
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Sl
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ide
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Ch
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Di
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Di pers
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Fis
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
From the alpine highlands near Leadville to the open prairies of Pueblo, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation
Area (AHRA) offers one of the nation’s premier locations for whitewater boating, as well as a world class trout fishery. The diverse
geology and topography of the AHRA provide vast opportunities for enjoying a variety of other outdoor recreation opportunities in
the Upper Arkansas River Valley, such as camping, picnicking, biking, hiking, OHV use, gold panning and wildlife viewing. Experience all the AHRA has to offer while creating lifelong memories!
Visitors to Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area spend over $66 million in local communities each year.1
•
•
•
•
•
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•
Browns Canyon National Monument – one of the most commercially rafted stretches of river in
the nation, offering unique geological formations
McIntyre Hills Wilderness Study Area – rugged, rolling canyonlands
Gold Medal Trout Fishery – 102 miles of some of the best trout fishing in Colorado
Bighorn Sheep Canyon – abundant wildlife, including mountain lions and bighorn sheep
Royal Gorge – a spectacular sheer-walled rock canyon filled with incredible whitewater rapids
Pine Creek and the Numbers – some of the most challenging Class IV and V whitewater in the West
Featuring the Salida, Buena Vista and Canon City Whitewater Parks
Our partners
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
American Rivers
American Whitewater
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Greater Arkansas River Nature
Association
Central Colorado Conservancy
AHRA Citizen Task Force
Lake County Open Space Initiative
Salida, Buena Vista and Leadville School
Districts
Southeastern Colorado Water
Conservancy District
Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy
District
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Colorado Springs Utilities
Aurora Water
Leadville, Salida, Buena Vista and Canon
City Chambers of Commerce
Fremont, Chaffee and Lake and Pueblo
County Commissioners and Law
Enforcement Agencies
Trout Unlimited
Upper Arkansas Area Weed
Management Association
Arkansas River Outfitters Association
Colorado River Outfitters Association
American Whitewater
Colorado Whitewater
Pikes Peak Whitewater Club
Pueblo Water
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Colorado Youth Corps
Upper Arkansas Area Council of
Governments
FIBArk (First In Boating the Arkansas)
Colorado Mountain College
Canon City & Royal Gorge Railroad/
Rock and Rail Railroad
Chaffee County Visitors Bureau
Backcountry Horseman’s Association
Colorado Water Conservation Board
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Colorado State Trails Committee
Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle
Coalition
Colorado Foundation for Water Education
Challenges we face
•
•
Strengthening the partnership with federal, state and local agencies, water conservation districts, Trout Unlimited and the Arkansas River
Outfitters Association to maintain the year-round Voluntary Flow Management Program, which enhances both angling and whitewater
boating opportunities while providing an important economic benefit for local communities.
Protecting the natural landscape while providing quality recreational experiences to an increasing number of visitors and minimizing
conflicts between different constituents that use the recreation area.
1Source: Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009” (adjusted for inflation).
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
DOSKOCIL/CPW
Top attractions
307 W. Sackett Avenue, Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-7289 • Email: ahra@state.co.us
Park Manager: Rob White
As of June 30, 2017
Volunteer activities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assist with AHRA environmental education and youth recreation programs.
Work with AHRA staff on National Public Lands Day to clean up dispersed camping areas along the river.
Assist with Cleanup/Greenup in conjunction with Colorado Public Lands Day as a community-based, river-wide volunteer effort.
Serve as campground hosts for all AHRA designated campgrounds.
Serve as members of AHRA’s Citizen Task Force and the Rationing and Agreement Committee to provide recommendations on a
variety of management-related issues.
Provide assistance in a variety of maintenance tasks such as installing signs, painting picnic tables, cleaning campsites and overall
recreation area cleanup.
Work with AHRA staff monitoring Bluebird Houses at recreation sites.
Manager’s message
For those of you who are planning a vacation to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) for the first time, I invite you to experience
some of the best whitewater boating and trout fishing the State of Colorado has to offer! The AHRA is the most commercially boated whitewater river in the United States, and also offers the longest stretch of Gold Medal Trout fishing in the State of Colorado – 102 miles! In addition,
the AHRA provides two ga
CREEPERS
SILKY-FLYCATCHERS
[
] Northern Waterthrush
[
[
[
[
] Louisiana Waterthrush R
[
] Le Conte’s Sparrow R
[
] Kentucky Warbler U
[
] Sharp-tailed Sparrow R
[
] Connecticut Warbler R
[
] Fox Sparrow B
[
] Mourning Warbler R
[
] Song Sparrow B
[
] MacGillivray’s Warbler B
[
] Lincoln’s Sparrow B
[
] Common Yellowthroat B
[
] Swamp Sparrow
] Hooded Warbler U
[
] White-throated Sparrow
] Brown Creeper B
] Phainopepla R
WRENS
SHRIKES & STARLINGS
[
] Rock Wren B
[
] Northern Shrike
[
] Canyon Wren B
[
] Loggerhead Shrike B
[
] Carolina Wren B,U
[
] European Starling B
[
] Bewick’s Wren B
VIREOS
[
[
] House Wren B
[
] White-eyed Vireo R
[
] Wilson’s Warbler B
[
] Golden-crowned Sparrow U
[
] Winter Wren
[
] Bell’s Vireo B
[
] Canada Warbler U
[
] White-crowned Sparrow B
[
] Sedge Wren U
[
] Gray Vireo B
[
] Red-faced Warbler R
[
] Harris’ Sparrow
[
] Marsh Wren B
[
] Solitary Vireo B
[
] Painted Redstart R
[
] Dark-eyed Junco B
[
] Yellow-throated Vireo U
[
] Yellow-breasted Chat B
[
] McCown’s Longspur B
[
] Warbling Vireo B
] Lapland Longspur
[
] Philadelphia Vireo U
TANAGERS
[
[
] Chestnut-collared Longspur B
[
] Red-eyed Vireo B
[
] Hepatic Tanager B,U
[
] Snow Bunting
[
] Summer Tanager
[
] Scarlet Tanager U
BLACKBIRDS & ORIOLES
[
] Western Tanager B
[
] Bobolink B
[
] Red-winged Blackbird B
DIPPERS
[
] American Dipper B
KINGLETS &
GNATCATCHERS
[
] Golden-crowned Kinglet B
[
] Ruby-crowned Kinglet B
[
] Blue-gray Gnatcatcher B
SOLITAIRES &
THRUSHES
[
] Eastern Bluebird B
[
] Western Bluebird B
[
] Mountain Bluebird B
[
] Townsend’s Solitaire B
[
] Veery B
[
] Gray-cheeked Thrush U
[
] Swainson’s Thrush B
[
] Hermit Thrush B
[
] Wood Thrush U
[
] American Robin B
WOOD-WARBLERS
[
] Blue-winged Warbler U
[
] Golden-winged Warbler U
[
] Tennessee Warbler B
[
] Orange-crowned Warbler B
[
] Nashville Warbler
[
] Virginia’s Warbler B
[
] Lucy’s Warbler R
[
] Northern Parula
[
] Yellow Warbler B
[
] Chestnut-sided Warbler B
[
] Magnolia Warbler
[
] Cape May Warbler U
[
] Black-throated Blue Warbler U
CARDINALS,
GROSBEAKS & BUNTINGS
BIRDS OF THE
ARKANSAS HEADWATERS
RECREATION AREA
] Henslow’s Sparrow R
[
] Eastern Meadowlark U
[
] Northern Cardinal B
[
] Western Meadowlark B
[
] Pyrrhuloxia R
[
] Yellow-headed Blackbird B
[
] Rose-breasted Grosbeak B
[
] Rusty Blackbird
[
] Black-headed Grosbeak B
[
] Brewer’s Blackbird B
[
] Blue Grosbeak B
[
] Great-tailed Grackle B
[
] Lazuli Bunting B
[
] Common Grackle B
[
] Indigo Bunting B
[
] Brown-headed Cowbird B
[
] Painted Bunting U
[
] Orchard Oriole B
LOONS
[
] Dickcissel B
[
] Northern Oriole B
[
] Red-throated Loon U
[
] Anhinga R
[
] Scott’s Oriole B
[
] Pacific Loon
[
] Magnificent Frigatebird R
[
] Common Loon
[
] Yellow-billed Loon R
American Dipper.
[
Wendy Shattil/Bob Rozinski.
] Species seen in the Arkansas Headwaters
Recreation Area
B Species known to have bred recently in CO
U Unusual in any region of the state.
R Reported less than ten times in the state.
DARTERS & FRIGATEBIRDS
[
] Yellow-rumped Warbler B
[
] Black-throated Gray Warbler B
TOWHEES, SPARROWS &
LONGSPURS
FINCHES
[
] Townsend’s Warbler
[
] Green-tailed Towhee B
[
] Brambling R
MOCKINGBIRDS &
THRASHERS
[
] Hermit Warbler R
[
] Rufous-sided Towhee B
[
] Brown-capped Rosy Finch B
GREBES
[
] Black-throated Green Warbler U
[
] Canyon Towhee B
[
] Black Rosy Finch
[
] Pied-billed Grebe B
[
] Great Blue Heron B
[
] Gray Catbird B
[
] Blackburnian Warbler U
[
] Cassin’s Sparrow B
[
] Gray-crowned Rosy Finch
[
] Horned Grebe
[
] Great Egret B
[
] Northern Mockingbird B
[
] Yellow-throated Warbler U
[
] Rufous-crowned Sparrow B
[
] Pine Grosbeak B
[
] Red-necked Grebe U
[
] Snowy Egret B
[
] Sage Thrasher B
[
] Grace’s Warbler B
[
] American Tree Sparrow
[
] Purple Finch U
[
] Eared Grebe B
[
] Little Blue Heron B,U
] Chipping Sparrow B
] Western Grebe B
[
] Tricolored Heron U
] Clark’s Grebe B
[
] Reddish Egret R
[
] Cattle Egret B
[
] Varied Thrush U
BITTERNS & HERONS
[
] American Bittern B
[
] Least Bittern B
[
] Brown Thrasher B
[
] Pine Warbler U
[
[
] Cassin’s Finch B
[
[
] Long-billed Thrasher R
[
] Prairie Warbler R
[
] Clay-colored Sparrow
[
] House Finch B
[
[
] Bendire’s Thrasher B,U
[
] Palm Warbler U
[
] Brewer’s Sparrow B
[
] Red Crossbill B
[
] Curve-billed Thrasher B
[
] Bay-breasted Warbler B,U
[
] Field Sparrow
[
] White-winged Crossbill
[
] Blackpoll Warbler
[
] Vesper Sparrow B
[
] Common Redpoll
[
] Cerulean Warbler R
[
] Lark Sparrow B
[
] Pine Siskin B
[
] Black-and-white Warbler
[
] Black-throated Sparrow B
[
] Lesser Goldfinch B
CORMORANTS
[
] American Redstart B
[
] Sage Sparrow B
[
] American Goldfinch B
IBISES
Fly
Fishing
Etiquette
A basic outline of etiquette rules to help
the wade & float fishing angler
Provided by the Colorado
Cutthroat Chapter of
Trout Unlimited
Www.cutthroatctu.org
Compiled and Edited by: Kent Higgins
Contributors: Bob Churchill, Kent Higgins, Van Bliss, Doug & Cathy Houser
Fly Fishing Etiquette —
By — Bob Churchill, Kent Higgins, Van Bliss, Doug & Cathy Houser
Long before fly fishing, proper etiquette and respect for another’s space existed. Although
the practice of etiquette is questionable at times, distinct and desirable behaviors are supposed to separate the human race from all other animal species. Therefore, we often
need to remind ourselves of proper behaviors while fishing.
These basic rules are intended to help anglers understand how to make their fishing
experiences, on or near the water, more enjoyable for themselves and others.
Etiquette
On and Off the River
Know the specific state and local fishing regulations for the waters you fish.
Fish barbless hooks —
do yourself, your friends, and the
fish a favor, pinch down all barbs.
Be mindful of your manners and
language, particularly around youngsters —
they learn from example.
When water temperature rises
significantly —
stop fishing and thus eliminate
stressing fish.
If asked to critique another, do it in
a positive manner, don’t criticize the
flies or techniques of others. Offer
advice only if asked, and ask only if
you’re willing to listen.
Talking to another angler is
acceptable, and quite proper.
Not talking to another angler is
acceptable, and quite proper.
Etiquette
On the River
If you spot someone on or near a section
of water, that section of water is theirs until they move on — even if they stay for
the day.
This respected use belongs to anyone
fishing or not. And, as much as it hurts not
to fish there, stay out unless you have
their permission to enter their domain.
Examples:
• An angler just studying the water
• A person or party having a bank-side
•
•
•
picnic
A person or party just sitting on the
bank enjoying the scenery
Children or adults playing in the water
Bait, spin cast, or flycasting anglers.
When approaching another angler to
find out “how they are doing,” “what
they have observed,” “what flies they
may be using” or if it’s okay to share
the immediate area being fished —
use care as not to spook the fish in
the area.
Example:
Always approach the angler from
•
behind and to the side. When you address another, do so politely, if there is no
response, assume your company or access
is not welcome, say “thank you,” and
move on.
When passing another angler do it with
common sense.
Most people don’t like to fish where the
water has just been beat to a froth by
another angler, so leave some unspoiled
water between you and the other angler
before entering the water. This distance
is determined by the ratio of anglers on
the water.
Examples:
• if fishing on water where only one or two
•
•
•
anglers are in sight, observe the other
anglers few minutes to see how fast they
are moving upstream – then give them
space to fish for about an hour before
you enter the water. This could mean
leaving two to three prime fishing spots
open before returning to the water.
When fishing in areas like Deckers, the
Green or the San Juan when it’s crowded,
moving up-stream one hole or run is
totally acceptable.
If on the river bank, swing out upto 20feet as not to spook any fish upstream
from the angler.
Consider crossing the river and
proceeding up the other side to another
location.
If several anglers exist and are
“leap-frogging” back and forth,
leave each plenty of room to fish
upstream before you enter the
water.
The angler that is traveling
up-stream always has the right of
way over an angler traveling
Down-stream.
Example:
• If an angler wants to retrace
their footsteps down-river and
sees another down-river, exit the
water and go down-river using
the bank, staying far enough
away to prevent spooking fish.
An angler always has the right of
way when they have a fish on.
Example:
• Reel in your line and try to stay
out of their way while they fight their
fish. Many times the angler with the fish on
is trying very hard to keep out of your space
but sometimes circumstances won’t
allow it. It’s totally appropriate to ask the
angler with the fish on if they would like you
to net the fish for them. Many new friendships have started this way.
Handle fish with care.
The less a fish is handled the better and
the greater chance the fish has to survive.
Fish survival hints:
• Make sure your fishing net’s web is wet
before picking up a fish.
• Wet your hands before handling any fish!
• Don’t squeeze a fish’s stomach.
• Don’t stick your fingers or any object into the
fish’s gills.
• If you can’t remove a hook, from a fish, cut
your tippet line and release the fish before
the fish becomes overly stressed.
• Quickly photograph a fish and immediately
return the fish to water.
• In warmer water conditions try photographing fish in a ne
COLORADO
PA R K S
&
WILDLIFE
Your Guide to
Colorado’s 41
State Parks
2018 Edition
cpw.state.co.us
CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us
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Welcome to Your State Parks!
Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s
Cheyenne Mountain
a state park waiting to welcome
State Park
you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or
forests, out in the country or next to
the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are
as diverse as the state itself, and they
offer something for everyone. Take a
hair-raising whitewater river trip, or
kick back in a lawn chair and watch
the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast
a line in the water, take a hike, ride a
horse, try snowshoeing or discover
geocaching. From Eastern Plains
parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain
parks at 9,500, the network of state
parks offers a wealth of activities
for busy people of all ages, or the
chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On
a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring,
summer, winter or fall.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or
picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events.
Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes
and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for
youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family
member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to
share a meal and stories around the campfire.
Whether you’re an active
outdoor recreationist
or prefer to spend time
watching clouds go by,
you’ll enjoy the special
moments waiting for you
in the state parks.
Rifle Gap State Park
Cover photos:
Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park;
lower right: Lory State Park
Plan Your Visit
Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather
permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours.
Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual
parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or
maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us
Entrance Passes
All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily
pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a
vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks
may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used
to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an
additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority.
Annual Pass
Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a
great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy
all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of
purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s
unlimited times. The annual pass
pays for itself in as few as 10 visits.
If you’re a Colorado resident who’s
64 years or older, there’s even a
further discounted Aspen Leaf
annual pass. There are also passes
for disabled and income-eligible
residents. For details and to purchase a pass,
visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy
online: cpw.state.co.us
Extend Your Stay
Make more of your state park visit
by staying overnight. Bring your
tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a
cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a
comfortable, year-round alternative
State Forest State Park
to traditional camping with a yurt.
All together, the state parks have
more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300
campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins
for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway
suitable any season of the year.
Camping Reservations
Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for
overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six
months to three days ahead of arrival.
Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us
Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613
A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors
must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to
paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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What Can I Do There?
Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and
re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that:
Fishing
Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado.
Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license
is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our
annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online,
at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents.
Water Sports
Many state parks are built around a lake or
Crawford
waterway, which means boating and other water
State Park
sports are among the headliners. Larger parks
offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any
boat with a motor or sail operated in Col
