Arkansas River

Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world. 
--Brenda Peterson (b.1950) author.

At 1,469 miles long, the Arkansas River is the 6th longest river in the US. It originates near Leadville, CO and flows through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas before flowing into the Mississippi River.  Pictured here is the river as it travels through Cañon City. The segment of the river from Granite to Cañon City is renowned for its whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing.

Adjacent to the river in Cañon City is the Arkansas Riverwalk. Running through the center of town, this fantastic trail is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, birdwatching, and even horseback riding (allowed in one section near John Griffin Park). The hard-packed, crushed rock trail was recently extended to connect with the Tunnel Drive Trail and Pueblo Community College (Fremont Campus). Following an old railroad bed for part of the trail, it extends 7.5 miles from the Tunnel Road in the west to MacKenzie Avenue on the east side of town. Access points with parking (listed from west to east) are found at Tunnel Dr., PCC-Fremont, 1st St., 3rd St/Centennial Park, 9th St./Sells Lake, Reynolds Ave., and MacKenzie Ave. Click here for specific directions to the access points. Click here for a PDF map of the trail.