The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a state park and recreation area in Salida, Colorado. It is best known for being one of the most popular locations in the entire United States for whitewater rafting.

Despite being only established in 1998, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has definitely made its mark as a tourist destination for offering the waters of the Arkansas River for water recreation. Visitors could enjoy a total of 150 miles of water as well as over six thousand acres of space. The most popular activities at the site include mountain biking, gold panning, rock climbing, wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, skiing, snowboarding, and tours. Nature study and sightseeing are also popular at the park.