Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Ruby Mountain Camp
Salida, CO

Ruby Mountain is one of the most popular campgrounds at AHRA, especially for private boaters. Along with the excellent river access, several trails in the area lead into the backcountry.​ The Four Mile trail system and the Browns Canyon National Monument (BCNM) and Wilderness Study Area (WSA) can be accessed from the Ruby Mountain campground. Four Mile is designated for both motorized and non-motorized use, while BCNM is for non-motorized use only.

Activities and Amenities:

Boat Ramp/Slide
Camping
Changing Facilities
Fishing Access
Hiking
Horse/Bike Trail
OHV
Parking
Picnic Tables / Grills
Restroom
River Access
Wildlife Viewing
Fee Site

Ruby Mountain

Hiking Trails

Friends of Brown Canyon

The Ruby Mountain Trailhead is the main access point for hiking in Browns Canyon National Monument. Trailhead facilities include a picnic table and vault toilets. There is no fee for parking or for accessing the National Monument, and the parking lot can accommodate vehicles with trailers. No mechanized travel is allowed on these trails (including mountain bikes) as the trails pass through the Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

Distances and estimated hiking times from the Ruby Mountain Trailhead:
Roundtrip to the river at Little Cottonwood via Turret Trail: 2.7 miles, 2 hours
Roundtrip to the river via the River Bench Trail: 5.5 miles, 3 hours
Roundtrip to the river via River Access Trail: 9 miles, 4.5 hours
Roundtrip including Catkin Gulch Loop: 11.5 miles, 5 hours
Roundtrip Ruby Mountain Trailhead to Turret Road (Forest Service Road 184): 11 miles, 5 hours