Arkansas River Recreation Area•Colorado

00:00     Title
00:15     Highway 50 Recreation Sites
09:35     Ruby Mountain Recreation Site
13:20     Browns Canyon National Monument
14:50     Fin

The Colorado Rocky Mountains definitely are a great place to escape from the extreme heat of summer. The high elevations offer cool temperatures and there are plenty of lakes and rivers to splash around in. Most of the great outdoor destinations in this state are located within national forests, so finding a cozy campsite is easy to do. No matter whether the vacation plan involves rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking or just plain old relaxing under a shade tree, camping definitely is the best way to go during the summer season. This is especially true at the Arkansas River Recreation Area! 

The Arkansas River Recreation Area along Highway 50 consists of several individual sites covering long narrow strips of land on either side of the river from Salida all the way downhill to Royal Gorge. More can be experienced along Highway 285 north of Salida at the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Sites. The boundaries are not easily defined because private properties are in the mix. Most of the recreation sites along the river have facilities, boat ramps and picnic areas. Camping is an option at some of the recreation sites and there are developed campgrounds operated by private businesses. Rafting excursion companies also abound along this river. 

When driving on Highway 50 along the Arkansas River, the scenery is so picturesque that one simply has to stop at the roadside overlooks to take in the breathtaking views. Because there is river water next to the road, this is a great place for wildlife viewing, so be sure to pack a good camera. While stopping at an Arkansas River overlook near Royal Gorge during my spring season trip, I was lucky enough to spot a Colorado cinnamon color black bear ambling along the other side of the river. 

The recreation sites usually offer facilities, small craft launches, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables and chargrills. White water rafting is the prime sport on the river, but this is also a fly fisherman’s paradise. This river is loaded with a variety of trout and some fish species are protected, so it pays to be familiar with the rules. There is also a section of river where gold prospecting is allowed near Pueblo.

The cool fresh Rocky Mountain river water is mighty attractive during the hot summer season and the majestic views are icing on the cake. When considering that this destination lies along a major travel route, making the great escape happen does not get much more convenient than this. Chalking the Arkansas River Recreation Area high on the summer travel destination list is easy to do, because this is a great place for outdoor adventures and fun in the sun!