Fishing Fishing

Colorado Fishing
Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - East

 

Arkansas River Headwaters South Fishing Map, Colorado Arkansas River Headwater North Area Map Legend

The area surrounding the south Arkansas River is filled with many possibilities for adventures as well as places to relax and just enjoy nature. The river is located 90 miles west of Colorado Springs, and 120 miles southwest of Denver. Its flows usually peak between the 1st and 3rd week of June. The lower section of the river runs from Nathrop through Salida and south to the Royal Gorge and Cañon City Area. The lower section stays right near US Highway 50.

The Browns Canyon is a spectacular place for scenery and adventures down the river. Here you can enjoy stunning granite rock formations that are accented by the clear blue Colorado sky. The granite walled canyon holds the river below filled with boulder-strewn waters followed by calm pools, scattered with exciting class III rapids. Enjoy incredible views of the 14,000 foot peaks of Mt. Princeton, Mt. Antero and Mt. Shavano.

Further down the river holds the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The river here flows through class II-III rapids beneath the Cotopaxi cliffs with incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.

Royal Gorge section of the river features giant waves, steep technical drops and almost continuous whitewater through the narrow canyon of the Royal Gorge. Here, the Royal Gorge Bridge stretches 1,260 feet across the canyon and 1,053 feet above the class IV-V rapids.

For some time for relaxation be sure to visit the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs or the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. The Mt. Princeton springs will relax your tired body in its 135 degree water, as you sit under the 14,000 foot mountain peaks that surround you. These hot springs are located between Nathrop and St. Elmo. The Salida Hot Springs is Colorado's largest indoor hot springs pool facility. Natural spring water is transported by pipeline from Poncha Springs.

Also in the area is Poncha Pass and the Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway. Poncha Pass is at the northern tip of the Sange de Cristo Mountains, used in the 19th century by Native Americans, overland immigrant and mountain men. It is at an elevation of 9,010 feet, making it one of the lowest passes in Colorado. The Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway travels 135 miles through beautiful scenery, three fossil sites and lots of opportunity for outdoor recreation. Monarch Ski Area also provides downhill skiing. The ski area is situated in the San Isabel National Forest in South Central, Colorado. The average snowfall is 350 inches!

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

City of Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center Web page link icon Location map of property icon
Open year-round in Salida. Relax in natural, hot, mineral water with family swimming and soaking pools. Private European style natural hot baths. The largest indoor hot springs aquatic center in Colorado!
MoonShadow Ranch
In summer and winter gear up for fishing or ATVing -- MoonShadow is a Family Vacation Home -- 4 bedroom Ranch. Between Salida and Cañon City, in the Royal Gorge Region. Mild Weather Year Round.

More Activities & Information

Buena Vista Area, Colorado includes: Johnson Village, Nathrop, St. Elmo

Royal Gorge Area, Colorado includes: Cañon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose, Texas Creek

Salida, Colorado includes: Howard, Monarch, Poncha Springs


Fishing in Colorado


Click to return to main Colorado Fishing Map

horizontal rule
Follow Us
Follow us on Facebook Button Follow us on Pinterest Button Follow us on Instagram Button

Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities
Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging

Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us

Established 1980 | ©Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.