Showing posts with label Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Show all posts

Friday, March 20, 2015

Arkansas Headwaters presents Cottonwood Gulch hike

Volunteer Naturalist Bob Hickey of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) will lead the public on AHRA’s first spring hike on Saturday, March 28, through Cottonwood Gulch east of Salida. Hickey is excited to begin AHRA’s 2015 spring and summer hike line up with this “hidden gem” of a walk through unique closed and open canyon scenery.

Hikers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead on Railroad Street in Salida, which is accessed off County Road 175 and runs south and parallel to the railroad tracks along the east side of the Arkansas River. Throughout the duration of the hike, participants will experience a variety of spectacular geology and unique rock features while traversing pinon forests and beautiful valleys.

The hike will be approximately six miles round trip, and last about five hours including breaks, lunch and geology exploring along the way. Hikers need to dress for the weather and trail conditions, and bring water, sunscreen, a sack lunch and snacks. There is no fee for the event, but interested hikers must call AHRA at 719-539-7289 by the morning of March 27 to register and for exact directions and detailed hike information.

The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the upper Arkansas River valley.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Royal Gorge re-opens for whitewater rafting

A section of the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge managed by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area will re-open for whitewater boating today.

A 10-mile stretch of the river through the Royal Gorge was closed for over a week due to the Royal Gorge fire. Following the fire, it was determined that cables and debris presented a significant safety hazard to boaters. Whitewater rafting and kayaking through the gorge was suspended until mediation measures could be completed.

Alpine Cable & Construction, Inc., the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Rock & Rail Railroad and river rangers from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area completed mediation measures Friday when they removed six cables that had fallen into the Arkansas River. The goal was to clear the river of boating hazards and that operation is now complete.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area stretches for 152-miles from just below Leadville to Lake Pueblo State Park. All portions of the river are now open for whitewater boating with blue skies, bright sunshine and warm temperatures providing the perfect setting for a family adventure!


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Arkansas Headwaters' summer programs and guided hikes

Summer is here and it’s time for everyone to get out to the Arkansas River and have some fun! This year the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) will be offering hikes and programs for all ages and abilities, which cover a spectrum of outdoor activities and attractions.

This summer volunteer Naturalist Bob Hickey and Naturalist Melissa Arentsen will lead hikes along the river, forests and mountains within the upper Arkansas River valley. Here's a sampling of some of the upcoming programs at the AHRA:

June 22, 9 a.m.: Cottonwood Pass NE side Easy, short day hike with lots of wildflowers and magnificent views.

June 13 to 16, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: AHRA will be hosting an information booth at FIBArk. Come join the festivities at Colorado’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival. Don’t miss the AHRA float in the FIBArk parade on Saturday!

June 29, 8:30 a.m.: Water Dogs Lake: Short day hike up Monarch Pass area through forests and meadows to a pristine high mountain lake.

July 5, 6:30 p.m.: Campground Program at Railroad Bridge: Bob Hickey will talk about the geologic forces that formed the mountains, valleys and the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista.

August 17, 9 a.m.: Lost Lake on Cottonwood Pass – Bob Hickey will lead a short day hike just below and west of the summit of Cottonwood Pass to a lake that is rarely found.

August 31, 6 p.m.: Labor Day Campground Program/Hike at Hecla Junction: Learn fascinating facts about "Metamorphism" and how the weird and wonderful rock formations were created.

For more information call AHRA at 719-539-7289, or visit their website.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Thursday, May 9, 2013

The 22nd Annual Arkansas River Cleanup

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) announces the 22nd Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup on Saturday, May 18th from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm.

AHRA invites individuals and groups of all ages to help clean up the public lands and waters of the Arkansas River to maintain the health of the areas where we love to relax and recreate. Low flows and warm temperatures last year took a toll on the area. A lot of plastics, cans and other debris ended up in the bushes and grassy areas along the riverbanks.

"We need to get rid of this unwanted and unhealthy trash to protect and restore the resource and its vegetation and wildlife," said Rose Bayless of AHRA.

Individuals and groups can sign up on May 18, between 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Buena Vista Community Center parking area on East Main Street in Buena Vista and the AHRA Visitor Center at 307 W. Sackett Street in Salida.

Volunteers will receive trash bags and a “CLEANUP” button that will serve as their ticket to the volunteer picnic from noon - 3:30 p.m. at Riverside Park in Salida. Prizes will be given, so remember to save any unique and interesting trash items and bring them to the picnic for the “trash contest.”

"We count on the cooperation of our valued volunteers to make the cleanup a success. Each year over 200 volunteers pick up over a ton of garbage from sofas to soda bottles," said Bayless.

AHRA looks forward to seeing a good turnout on May 18 to give a little back to the river that gives so much to all of us! Call AHRA at 719-539-7289 or GARNA at 719-539-5106 for more information.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association and the U.S. Forest Service sponsor the Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup.


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Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area plans hike to 'crater' volcano

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Volunteer Naturalist Bob Hickey will lead the public on a fascinating hike Saturday, April 13 to explore an extinct volcano northeast of Salida. The hike will begin at 8 a.m. and ends around 4 p.m.

There are lovely views of the surrounding area and as the hike enters the forest, the trail drops into upper Cottonwood Gulch and the volcanic rock zone of the Salida Volcano Field. There is a beautiful pond as the hike begins to climb up beside Rick Mountain, which is a large volcanic deposit. The trail then follows the west slopes of Big Baldy Mountain, the main volcano in this area, to a saddle connecting Big Baldy with The Crater where hikers can stand on the rim and look into a small, but real, volcanic cone.

Hikers should bring plenty of water, snacks, a sack lunch and sunscreen, wear good hiking shoes and dress accordingly for the weather. A hiking stick or pole would be helpful on the cone of the crater. This is a moderate 9-mile round trip hike. Because of the distance, it is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Space is limited. Please call AHRA at 719-539-7289 by April 12 to register and receive more information. There is no charge. Dogs must be on a leash.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com