Outings/Events

Colorado Springs Chapter, GPAA Outings/Events Notices

Colorado Springs Chapter, GPAA Outing/Event Notices

When:  Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19, 2024

   Arkansas River Claims, Buena Vista

(Original Dates April 27 – 28 cancelled due to weather)

Where:  We will rendezvous each morning between 9:00 and 9:30 am at the Railroad Bridge Campground Parking Lot, Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area (see directions below).   

Details:  Activities will include panning, hand sluicing, metal detecting and dry washing (dependent on weather conditions).  For those who are interested, Chapter President Tim Pitney will conduct a tour to the nearby ancient Arrastra and point out specific Spanish Monuments in the vicinity.  We anticipate the water level in the Arkansas River will be low allowing great access to the gravel/cobble bars which are normally under water during rafting season.  Have Questions – Call or text Alton at 719-439-3590. 

Parking:  Vehicles parked on the campground require a current CPW Park Pass or the payment of the day use fee, currently $11 per vehicle.  Payments can be made on site using the Iron-Maiden.  NOTE:  A current Colorado Vehicle registration includes an optional $29 charge for a “Keep Colorado Wild Pass.”  If you did not “Opt-Out”, your registration is your day use pass.

Camping:  The Railroad Bridge Campground accommodates RVs, Trailers, and Tents.  Although the campgrounds do not have water, sewer or electrical connections there are permanent vault toilets.  Camping reservations must be made in advance, either on-line at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.  The campsites at this location are $28 per night. (NOTE:  The daily vehicle fee is in addition to the camping fee.)  There are numerous other public and private campgrounds in the vicinity, many with full hookups; as well as motel accommodations.  For other overnight options: Directory - Directory - Buena Vista Area Chamber of Commerce - CO (buenavistacolorado.org)

To Railroad Bridge Campground

 From Colorado Springs, take Hwy 24 to Buena Vista. From U.S. Highway 24, there are two ways to access the Railroad Bridge. The first route is recommended if you have an RV or trailer. Take U.S. Highway 24 into the town of Buena Vista. Turn east (right) at the first stop light in town (Main Street) and then travel two blocks past the railroad tracks to N. Colorado Avenue and turn left. This will turn into Chaffee County Road 371, which is a dirt road that is narrow in places. Drive 6.2 miles from where you turn onto N. Colorado Avenue, and you will be at Railroad Bridge Campground. The second route is located between mile markers 201 and 202 on Highway 24 north of Buena Vista, and it is not recommended for RVs or vehicles with trailers. Turn east onto Chaffee County Road 371, cross the Arkansas River, and turn right. Drive 3.1 miles on a very narrow dirt road with pullouts that allows oncoming traffic to pass (Caution: 25 mph speed limit) to the Railroad Bridge Campground. If you continue south from the campground on County Road 371, it will take you into Buena Vista.