This Underrated Colorado Gem Is A Crowd-Free Alternative To Grand Teton National Park

If you're an outdoor adventurer, you've either been to or you dream of visiting Wyoming's breathtaking and immense Grand Teton National Park. However, it's a really popular and busy spot, with over 3.4 million people visiting in 2023. However, there is an underrated gem of a park in Colorado that is much less crowded, with tons to do and see. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area in Salida, Colorado, is your perfect destination for hiking, fishing, camping, birding, and especially whitewater boating. With pristine views of the Saguache and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park follows 152 miles of the Arkansas River. It's also one of the most popular spots for whitewater boating in the entire country, with something for every level of expertise. The 5,355-acre park, which welcomed a bit over 1.1 million visitors in 2023, is about three hours from Denver International Airport (which has some of the best food options out there), and about two hours from the Colorado Springs Airport. You'll need a car to get there, but it's worth the drive. 

The Visitor Center is in downtown Salida, and you can grab any licenses and passes you require, as well as picking up some gifts at their shop. It's open every day with varying hours, depending on the day of the week. A daily vehicle pass is $10, an individual walk-in is $4, and you can bring leashed dogs and service animals. There is also an electric vehicle charging station outside of the center. One reviewer on Tripadvisor said, "It is all about water. Whether walking along the river or renting an inner tube to float down the rapids there is something for everyone. A park also has picnic tables and playground equipment to enjoy."

There are a number of entrances to Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and you should check out the brochure here so you can pick the specific part of the river you're looking for. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, and it boasts a long season. It peaks in early June, but the Voluntary Flow Management Program releases extra water during the summer, so you can boat until late August. (Note that you can't use motorized boats.) You can also do some tubing along the river.

The river in the park is set up in sections, and you can hit the rapids privately or with a commercial company. The Leadville to Buena Vista section has rapids between Class III and Class VI. Buena Vista to Salida is good for boating and paddling, but also has Class III to IV. Salida to Vallie Bridge has some deep pools and gravel bars with Class II and III rapids, and Vallie Bridge to Parkdale has some great fishing spots. Parkdale to Cañon City has Class V and offers what is referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" in its Royal Gorge. Finally, Cañon City to Lake Pueblo ends the park with some Class I and II rapids, as well as some angler-friendly waters.

Keep in mind that this river can be dangerous, and you may not see the strong currents under the surface. It's also very cold. If you have kids under 13, they have to wear a life vest while swimming, and you cannot drink the river water. Know your skill level, and double-check all requirements before you go.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is also a great park for hiking. There are a number of trails including the Parkdale Trout Trail near Cañon City. It's 1.6 miles out and back with a 177-foot elevation gain. The trail is best June through October, and you can see some gorgeous views of the canyon. While that one is on the easy side, the Peak 6399 Trail is a bit more difficult at 3.8 miles out and back with a 738-foot elevation gain through the pine forest. Make sure to bring good hiking shoes and have a map with you (you can find an interactive trail map here). There are also guided hikes available with the GARNA Hiking Club. While you're on the trails, keep an eye out for wildlife like pronghorn antelope, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. It's also great for birdwatching, and if you're lucky, you might spot golden and bald eagles. 

The park is a fantastic destination for fishing as well. The river is known for brown trout, though you can also catch some rainbow trout. It's best to fish in calm waters, but you might want to hit the visitor center to see where the best spots are. If you're wading, make sure to watch the current. If you want to extend your adventure, camping is reservation only, and there are spots all along the water. You can reserve up to six months ahead and until the day of your arrival. There's no water, electricity, or firewood, but there are vault toilets, tent pads, picnic tables, and grills available. Finally, while you're in the area, make sure to take some time to visit the under-the-radar town of Salida, full of art galleries and boutiques.