Browns Canyon
National Monument

Things to Do

The most popular land entrance to Browns Canyon National Monument is Ruby Mountain at the northwest corner of the monument. Some whitewater enthusiasts launch their downriver journeys at Ruby Mountain, where Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages an Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) boat launch and campground.

Whitewater Boating

Whitewater boating is the most popular activity in Browns Canyon National Monument, and the Arkansas River is the most accessible way to enjoy the Monument. The remote canyon provides a unique type of whitewater boating experience when compared to other segments of the Arkansas River, allowing visitors to experience solitude in a natural setting while enjoying the scenery.

Through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, CPW manages river access through the national monument as part of the 152-mile AHRA. Browns Canyon National Monument has two AHRA boat ramps, one at Ruby Mountain and one at Hecla Junction.

Gold Medal Fishing

Browns Canyon lies at the heart of the Arkansas River’s 102-mile Gold Medal fishery, the longest stretch of Gold Medal river in Colorado.

Camping

AHRA campgrounds at Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction have fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilet restrooms. A fee and reservations are required to camp at AHRA campgrounds. Since the AHRA manages the river corridor, AHRA regulations apply to all camping along the river corridor in the national monument.

Aspen Ridge Road offers undeveloped dispersed camping opportunities. To maintain the natural setting and preserve food sources for local wildlife and livestock, please use only established campsites in this area.

Dispersed primitive backcountry camping is also permitted.

To preserve and protect the unique natural features of Browns Canyon National Monument, all campers should minimize their impact by following Leave No Trace Principles.

Leave No Trace basics include:

  • Pack out all waste, including human waste, pet waste, and trash … period.
  • Camp in established campsites. By camping in hardened or established sites, campers can enjoy a rare wilderness experience without harming local plants and wildlife, some of which exist nowhere else.
  • Don’t build fire rings. Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the environment. More fire rings mean more environmental damage. Use a lightweight stove for cooking, and enjoy a candle lantern for natural light.

Hiking

Ruby Mountain Trailhead (Ruby Mountain Recreation Site) distances and estimated hiking times:

  • Roundtrip to river at Little Cottonwood via Turret Trail (#6045): 2.7 miles, 2 hours
  • Roundtrip to the river via the River Bench Trail (#6045A): 5.5 miles, 3 hours
  • Roundtrip to the river via River Access Trail (#6045B): 9 miles, 4.5 hours
  • Roundtrip including Catkin Gulch Loop (#6046): 11.5 miles, 5 hours
  • Roundtrip Ruby Mountain Trailhead to Forest Service Road 184:  11 miles, 5 hours

Hecla Junction Trailhead (Hecla Junction Recreation Site) distances and estimated hiking times:

  • Roundtrip out-and-back along the west bank of the river via Seidel’s Suckhole Trail: 2 miles, 1.5 hours

Turret Trail 6045 en route to the Arkansas River at Little Cottonwood Creek is a steep but short 2-mile roundtrip hike with wide views of the area’s northern half.

  • The 5.5-mile out-and-back hike along the gentle, dead-end River Bench Trail 6045A provides a good sample of the northern monument with an Arkansas River overlook.
  • The 11.5-mile Catkin Gulch Loop 6046 roundtrip via the Turret Trail 6405 goes deep into the monument for a fuller experience of its wilderness character.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is permitted on Browns Canyon National Monument trails. Trailer-parking spaces are available at the Ruby Mountain trailhead; however, limited trailer parking spaces limits access, especially on weekends and holidays.

Motorized and Other Mechanical Recreation

Mechanical recreation opportunities are limited in Browns Canyon National Monument. Within the monument, manually powered mountain bikes are allowed only on the Hefley Saddle Trail and Turret Road (Forest Service Road 184).

Motorized traffic within the monument, including e-bikes and ATVs, is limited to Turret Road). Motorized traffic is also allowed on roads and ATV trails along the monument boundaries:

  • FSR 185 (Aspen Ridge Road) along the monument’s eastern boundary.
  • BLM Road 300, FSR 185D.
  • FS Trails 1434 and 1434A along the northern boundary of the monument (ATV access only, maximum width of 50 inches).