Browns Canyon National Monument protects 21,589 acres of granite spires, forested gulches and Arkansas River whitewater between Buena Vista and Salida, a wild corridor that became a national monument in 2015 and remains one of Colorado’s most popular rafting runs.

President Barack Obama designated Browns Canyon National Monument on February 19, 2015. The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service jointly manage the land, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area manages boating on the river. The canyon’s Class III to IV rapids put in near Fisherman’s Bridge or Ruby Mountain and take out at Hecla Junction, with granite walls, bighorn sheep country and Gold Medal trout water along the way.

Away from the river, trails climb from Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction into Turret Creek and the Aspen Ridge backcountry. High-clearance roads like Aspen Ridge and Turret Road reach meadows with Collegiate Peaks views. After a day on the water, Salida makes an easy base for dinner and lodging, and the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a scenic side trip farther downriver.

Insider tip: Monument lands have no entrance fee, but parking at Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction requires a CPW parks pass. Cell service is spotty in the canyon, so download maps before you go.

The monument is open year-round. For river conditions, camping and outfitter info, contact the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center in Salida at 719-539-7289 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Monument land questions go to the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office at 719-269-8500. Details at blm.gov.