<P> The Arkansas has three distinct sections in its long path through central North America . At its headwaters beginning near Leadville , Colorado , the Arkansas runs as a steep fast - flowing mountain river through the Rockies in its narrow valley , dropping 4,600 feet ( 1.4 km ) in 120 miles ( 193 km ) . This section supports extensive whitewater rafting , including The Numbers ( near Granite , Colorado ) , Brown 's Canyon , and the Royal Gorge . </P>
<P> The Arkansas has three distinct sections in its long path through central North America . At its headwaters beginning near Leadville , Colorado , the Arkansas runs as a steep fast - flowing mountain river through the Rockies in its narrow valley , dropping 4,600 feet ( 1.4 km ) in 120 miles ( 193 km ) . This section supports extensive whitewater rafting , including The Numbers ( near Granite , Colorado ) , Brown 's Canyon , and the Royal Gorge . </P>
where does the arkansas river start in colorado
where does the arkansas river start in colorado
near Leadville
near Leadville