Parkdale Colorado

The community of Parkdale, Colorado is less of a town and more of an area. The rural space which leads to the Bighorn Sheep Canyon and borders the Arkansas River known as Parkdale has a few ranches and residents, but is primarily recognized as the gateway to whitewater rafting. The train track which also follows the river between Parkdale and Canon City was the Union Pacific railway until 1998, when the Rock and Rail Railroad purchased the track and began operating. The Rock and Rail also operates between Canon City and Pueblo, on lines purchased from the BNSF Railway. This railroad partnered with the Royal Gorge as a tourist line and is the common carrier through the Royal Gorge on a 2 hour scenic and historic train ride departing from Canon City and going through Parkdale on the way to the Royal Gorge.

More Area Facts

In addition to the train travel, the main focus of this area is certainly the Arkansas River with it’s many activities. Whitewater rafting is considered to be world class in this part of the river, and varies from gentle areas to serious business. Many companies offer tours and guides to assist people safely through the waters of the Arkansas. Tourists from around the world come to enjoy the Class IV rapids and incredible beauty toward the Royal Gorge. Farther up Highway 50 in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, the calmer waters can be found and the scenery is also spectacular. The neighboring town of Cotopaxi hosts the annual Arkansas river rafting festival known as FIBark.  Not only is the Arkansas excellent rafting fun, but it’s home to world-class trout fishing and a variety of wildlife including the Colorado State Animal – the Bighorn Sheep. People can see the large animals come down from the rocky crags above to drink from the river. Pinnacle Rock Recreation area is a very popular public access to view the Bighorn Sheep and enjoy a family picnic. Lone Pine Recreation offers handicapped accessible fishing areas, and Five Points Recreation Site is great for wildlife watching, and watching the kayaks and rafters run the Five Points rapids.

According to the weekend guide to waterways, Gorp.com notes: “Parkdale Recreation Site provides public access to the river and the last boating access before the river enters the Royal Gorge. Boaters who want to view the gorge from the bottom up should take note: Within the gorge, the river gives you a wild ride, with Class V (extremely difficult) rapids. East of Parkdale on U.S. 50 is the primary road access to the Royal Gorge Park and Bridge—a fee is charged for admission.”

Parkdale Local Attractions

• Pinnacle Rock State Recreation Area – Pinnacle Rock is a river rafting point for rafters and kayakers to enter or exit from the Arkansas River. It is located between the towns of Texas Creek and Parkdale on Highway 50.There are quite a few very nice day-use areas for picnicking with BBQ pits, a restroom and shower facility as well as a parking area. The familiar landmark known as Pinnacle Rock looks much like a bird or a jet taking off with nose pointed toward the sky.
• Five Points Recreation Area – Between Vallie Bridge and Parkdale you’ll see herds of mule deer and Bighorn sheep that come down to the river to drink. This area is a favorite or many rafters and kayakers, and the riverbanks will likely have trout fishermen along the way. Here the water runs Class II to Class V, making it fun, a little calmer in areas, and a very popular rafting area. If you like animals, look for Five Points Watchable Wildlife Area in Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
• Parkdale Recreation Site – The Parkdale Recreation Site offers the last public access before the Arkansas enters Royal Gorge. This is a Class IV and V rapids run where the edge of the water runs against a 1,000′ vertical granite wall. The Arkansas will take you into Royal Gorge rapids, so be prepared and able to make the challenging ride.

Parkdale Photo Gallery

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