Malcom Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Malcolm Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.


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Summary

Located in the town of Salida, the park is situated on the Arkansas River and offers a variety of activities for visitors.

One of the best reasons to visit Malcolm Park is for its scenic beauty. The park is surrounded by mountains and has stunning views of the Arkansas River. There are also many hiking trails in the area, which allow visitors to explore the park's natural beauty.

One of the most popular points of interest in Malcolm Park is the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This area is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park also has a campground, picnic areas, and fishing access.

Another interesting fact about Malcolm Park is that it was once a Native American hunting ground. The area was later used by the railroad industry and served as a stop for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The best time of year to visit Malcolm Park depends on what activities you are interested in. The summer months are great for rafting and hiking, while the fall is a popular time for hunting and fishing. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also popular in the area.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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