Recreational Activities
At Bighorn Park we have both onsite and nearby recreation opportunities to help you and everyone in your party have loads of fun during your visit! Click here for the onsite photo gallery

Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and on the Arkansas River, we've got easy access to trailheads for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.

Nearby, you can go whitewater rafting, horseback riding in the mountains, or sightseeing in Historic Downtown Salida

Local Recreation Opportunities
Horseback Riding:
Enjoy a sunset trail ride in the mountains with experienced guides or chose from any of the other fun horseback rides that are offered nearby. Riding is fun for the whole family, as you sit back and enjoy the outdoors.

Rafting on the Arkansas River:
From mild float trips to whitewater adventures, river trips for all ages and adventure levels are available on the famous waters of the Arkansas river. We recommend rafting with Vessels for Honor Rafting Co. and Arkansas River Tours.

Hot Springs:
Soak in the relaxing hot springs pool in Salida, Colorado or venture a little further to some of the other local hot springs. A soak in a hot springs pool is the perfect way to pamper yourself!

The Royal Gorge Bridge:
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in North America and it is just down-river from Bighorn Park toward Canon City, Colorado. When you stand on this slender span, you will have a breathtaking view of the Arkansas River winding through the Royal Gorge and rafters paddling their way through Class IV whitewater far below.

Sand Dunes National Monument:
Sand Dunes National Monument has North America's tallest dunes, which rise over 700 feet against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This geologic wonderland, contains 30 square miles of dunes. Wander the dunes and enjoy spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Surrounding the dunes, you can explore alpine lakes and tundra, six peaks over 13,000', ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands--all habitat for diverse wildlife and Rocky Mountain plant species.

Historic Downtown Salida, Colorado:
Visit this charming Victorian riverside town for a relaxing day of browsing through the stores, antique shops and art galleries. You'll want to try one of Salida's prize-winning micro-brew beers or a nationally-recognized local wine while enjoying a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Guided Fishing the Arkansas River:
Enjoy fishing from the shores of the river here at Bighorn Park and other public areas or take a guided float-fishing trip with Arkansas River Tours . A prime destination for fly fisherman, the Arkansas River is bound to be a successful fishing spot for you too!

Mountain Biking, Hiking, and Climbing:
Our area is a mecca for hikers, climbers and mountain bikers! Just minutes away, the San Isabel National Forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers easy access to trailheads for day hikes to alpine lakes, mountain vistas, and wild flower meadows! Mountain bikers will find plenty of scenic tracks for two-wheel adventuring and climbers will delight in the selection of rock and summits.