Why visit the Arkansas River in Salida?
Salida exists because of the Arkansas River. The waterway cuts through downtown, offering unrivaled access to white‑water, mellow flats, and Gold‑Medal trout habitat. The result is a playground that appeals to families and thrill seekers alike. While the Salida and the Arkansas River offer many adventures, our favorite activities include tubing, paddle-boarding, whitewater rafting, and fishing.
Tubing: A Lazy Summer Classic
When summer temperatures soar, locals head to Riverside Park right in the middle of town with an inflatable tube. Four engineered white‑water features in the park provide fun waves and eddies, and a paved path alongside the river means you can walk back upstream for another lap without needing a shuttle. Early‑season snowmelt can make flows too high for safe tubing, but most years the water mellows by mid‑July. For your safety, always wear a personal flotation device and check current flow conditions. Tubes and PFDs are available from local rental shops in downtown Salida like Totally Tubular!
Paddleboarding in and around Salida
Over the past decade, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become one of the most popular river adventures in Salida. You’ll see people practicing yoga on serene lakes or navigating gentle whitewater rapids, paddleboarding can be as relaxing or as thrilling as you like. If you’re a beginner, start on calm, flat water like Cottonwood Lake, O’Haver Lake, Clear Creek Reservoir, and Twin Lakes which are all excellent learner-friendly spots within an hour’s drive.
For more advanced SUPers out there, the Arkansas River immediately around Salida has a variety of intermediate whitewater. Check out any of these three sections for active paddling with rapids up to Class III: The Town Run (Big Bend boat ramp to Salida East boat ramp), Browns Canyon (Fisherman’s Bridge to Hecla Junction), and Lower Browns (Hecla Junction to Stone Bridge).
Our Personal Favorite – Whitewater Rafting on the Ark!
Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River is a bucket‑list experience. This waterway is renowned for its range of whitewater – from placid, meandering stretches to splashy wave trains and exhilarating rapids – making it accessible to all levels. Whether you head upstream into Browns Canyon or downstream through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge, adventure awaits around every bend.
When you’re ready to plan, talk to Arkansas River Tours. Our guides know every section of the river and will match you with the right trip. We also have private river access in Cotopaxi, just 25 miles downriver of Salida in the heart of Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
To simplify your choice, here’s how we break down our trips:
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Beginner (families and first‑timers): The Cottonwood Canyon Family Float features gentle rapids and swimming holes, perfect for kids and anyone new to white‑water.
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Beginner/Intermediate (adventurers looking for excitement): Bighorn Sheep Canyon offers fun Class III rapids interspersed with calm stretches and stunning scenery. It’s one of the most popular runs near Salida and is also great for first-timers and families!
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Advanced/Expert (adrenaline junkies): The Royal Gorge packs big hydraulics, swirling water, and towering canyon walls. Expect continuous Class IV action and non‑stop excitement.
Wherever you choose to paddle, Arkansas River Tours will handle the logistics, provide all gear, and make sure your day on the water is unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions: Even More Ways to Enjoy the River near Salida
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Surf the Scout Wave: Salida’s Whitewater Park features several standing waves, including the Scout Wave 2.0—a man‑made surf wave engineered to mimic an ocean break and rideable at a range of flows. Whether you’re carving on a river surfboard or boogie board, it’s a fun way to feel the river’s energy. Boards and wetsuits are available to rent locally, and spectators can watch from the riverside path.
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Celebrate at FIBArk: Every June, Salida hosts FIBArk (“First in Boating the Arkansas”), America’s oldest whitewater festival. What began in 1949 as a 57‑mile race from Salida to Cañon City has grown into a three‑day extravaganza with downriver races, slalom events, quirky Hooligan races, trail runs, bike races, live music, and a parade. The festival draws more than 10,000 spectators and fills the town with energy.
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Cast a fly in Gold‑Medal waters: Colorado Parks and Wildlife designated a 102‑mile stretch of the river, from Lake Fork near Leadville to Parkdale above the Royal Gorge, as a Gold‑Medal fishery. Around Salida, the river holds roughly 5,000 trout per mile and boasts more than 80 miles of public shoreline. Arkansas River Tours’ guided float fishing and walk and wade trips help anglers explore these productive runs while navigating regulations.
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Dine riverside: After your adventure, unwind at one of Salida’s riverside eateries. Options range from the chic Wesley and Rose, serving artisan breads and craft cocktails, to the laid‑back Riverside Bar & Grill with tacos and live music. Craft‑beer fans love Browns Canyon Brewing, while the Drift In Bar & Grill channels a beach‑bar vibe. Downtown Salida offers High Side Bar & Grill with smash burgers and live bands, and Boathouse Cantina / Pizza Rio for margaritas, tacos and pizza with river views.
Plan Your Adventure With Us
Salida’s river corridor offers endless ways to play. Whether you’re floating a tube through town, learning to paddleboard on a mountain lake, surfing a standing wave, casting for trout, or running whitewater rapids, the Arkansas River invites exploration. Arkansas River Tours specializes in guided rafting and fishing adventures. Our professional guides prioritize safety and provide local knowledge to ensure your time on the water is unforgettable. Ready to experience the heart of Salida? Contact us to book your next river adventure.
