The Arkansas Riverwalk contains seven-miles of trail that wind
along the Arkansas River through Caņon City and beyond. The trail covers many types of terrain and natural areas including
dense cottonwood forests and native wetlands. The trail has a hard-packed, crushed gravel surface and follows an old railroad
bed much of the way. The trail is open to many uses, which include running, walking, biking and even horse riding on
the John Griffin Park Bluff Trail. Your dogs are welcome too, but please keep them on a leash and be sure to pick up after
them.
Nature enthusiasts have encountered numerous species of birds and fowl along the Arkansas Riverwalk. Be sure to
keep a look out for wildlife such as bears and mountain lions, they have been known to frequent the areas around the
trail as well.
Trailheads and parking lots are located in several locations. Going from west to east, the Tunnel Drive Trailhead is located west of Caņon City off of Highway
50 and overlooks the Arkansas River
and railroad tracks as it heads west into the entrance of the Royal Gorge. It is a narrow trail that winds its way through
three tunnels of solid granite!
The Riverfront
Recreation Area Trailhead is located just east of 4th Street. It will take you west into Centennial Park or east
to 9th Street. There is also a boat launch in this location and a handicap fishing pier.
Located off of 9th Street, the Sell Avenue Trailhead
runs in two directions, west to the Riverfront Recreation Area or east into John Griffin Park past the Recreation District’s
Ropes Challenge Course.
The center of the Arkansas Riverwalk lies within John Griffin Park. The trail loops through John Griffin Park
with two separate trails, the River Trail and the Bluff Trail. John Griffin Park is a natural area complete with wetlands
and wildlife. There are numerous park benches throughout John Griffin Park, but bring your own water as there is none available. Located beside the Recreation District Office, the Ash Trailhead provides
plenty of parking and provides access to John Griffin Park. You can loop around the park by using both the Bluff Trail and
River Trail.
The
Raynolds Trailhead is just east of the Raynolds Bridge and across from the Recreation District Office. It will lead you in
two directions, west into John Griffin Park or east towards Mackenzie Avenue.
The
Brookside Trailhead is just west of Mackenzie Avenue and will take you west towards Caņon City and the Recreation District
Office.
Future
plans to extend the Arkansas Riverwalk include connecting Tunnel Drive to Centennial Park and Mackenzie Avenue to Pathfinder
Regional Park.
Get
out and enjoy the Arkansas Riverwalk experience, be courteous to others and take out with you what you took in. Have a great
time!
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