This vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Arkansas River and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a dining area.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
SteamPlant Theater and Event Center - 15 min drive - 14.4 miles
Poncha Springs Disc Golf Course - 20 min drive - 19.2 miles
Monarch Ski Area - 39 min drive - 39.1 miles
Royal Gorge Bridge - 54 min drive - 51.0 miles
Restaurants
Howard’s Cafe - 4 min drive
Riverview Cafe - 4 min drive
Eggie Acres - 4 min drive
Susie's Out-West Cafe & Steakhouse - 7 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Arkansas River House Near Salida
Come stay at "The Sweet A-Frame" at Howard River Gathering for the perfect place to launch your mountain adventures. Located just 10miles downstream from Salida, our spacious property has 150 feet of Arkansas River Front for fishing, boating or just hanging. Our home can comfortably sleep 6. If you love the river, gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and easy access to Salida, then Howard River Gathering is the place for you!
Howard River Gathering is a 2.5 acre property. The 1500 sq ft A-Frame is cute & compact and sits on the upper part of the property. The kitchen, dining area & living room flow into one space. Just beyond the living room is the master bedroom with a king bed & en-suite bathroom. Next to the kitchen is a full bath. Upstairs there is a landing with a full bed & twin. Beyond the upstairs landing is a bedroom with a queen bed & sliding glass doors to the top front deck. The back of the house boasts a spacious back entry way with laundry, an office work space and a 5x7 work out area with weights, bench & yoga mat. Off the back entry way is a deck with comfortable seating, dining table & BBQ. The house sleeps 6 people comfortably. There is plenty of parking available.
The lower part of the property is an open field with some fruit trees and a greenhouse that opens up to 150 feet of river front. The riverfront area has a beautiful deck with Adirondack chairs & smokeless fire pit. Fisherman can wade out in front of the property where there is an island, 1/3 of the island belongs to Howard River Gathering. Unfortunately, fisherman must stay in the river just near our property and not wade upstream or downstream due to private property laws.
The whole space was designed with "all the comforts of home" in mind. Next to each bedside is a charging station & reading light. There are three potential work stations, two lap top tables & one proper desk. All products used to clean are are organic &/or non-toxic. The kitchen is stocked with plenty of plates, glasses, cutlery... and essentials for cooking, like a toaster oven, slow cooker, pressure cooker & blender. There's also is a Weber gas grill & grilling utensils. Coffee pot, filters, beans & grinder provided, along with tea & sugar.
Guests can access the Arkansas River front. -Guests are welcome to put-in for river adventures at the East Salida put-in or at Rincon and take-out on the property (take out on the property might be challenging during high-water or for inexperienced boaters. I suggest checking it out in person before attempting to take out.) -Guests can also put-in at Howard River Gathering and take out further down stream (at low water, you must go around to the outside of the island to float downstream.) The next take-out is Vallie Bridge. -Guests can also fish from the shore or wade out into the river to fish. The deck by the river is the perfect place to hang out. The lawn down by the river is great for kids or dogs to run around, although animals & children must always be supervised by the river. There is a green house in the middle of the lawn that is a work in progress, so that will be in the beginning stages of functioning this summer.
Jess, an old friend, is living next door & care-taking the property. She'll stay out of your way, but also be available if help is needed. I (Julie) will be available by text, VRBO message, phone, etc. I live 2 hours north of Howard and visit periodically. Otherwise, two of my friends (Shawna & Attila) who live in Salida are doing the cleanings & helping me co-host this property. They'll be available too if need be.
Something to note is that Howard is a close knit community that relishes peace & quiet, so out of respect for our neighbors, we encourage camp fires and chill activities, but don't encourage rowdy parties. Since it is a special place, we hope that our guests will love & care for the property as much as we do.
The vacation home is heated and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms and a dining area. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
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Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Garden
Unit size: 1,500 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
3 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Arkansas River House Near Salida?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront vacation home include a jetted bathtub, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does Arkansas River House Near Salida have a hot tub?
No, but this vacation home offers jetted bathtubs in all accommodations.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Arkansas River House Near Salida?
Yes, every accommodation at Arkansas River House Near Salida comes with a deck with some featuring mountain views.
Arkansas River House Near Salida Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 14 reviews
10 - Excellent
12
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 14 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Marie W.
Dec 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed this cute, very well-appointed home with beautiful views of the mountains! Julie was extremely responsive to my questions. My only suggestions would be to add a rack for hanging clothes - maybe in the spacious mud room? - and put blackout curtains in the loft area. Otherwise we loved it! Would highly recommend.
Marie W.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
JAmes M.
Sep 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Clem, beautifully appointed home with river access.
JAmes M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Linda G.
Aug 25, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed the river in the backyard. Place was very well-equipped and nicely decorated. Excellent choice!
Linda G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Douglas G.
Aug 22, 2025
It was nice and homey, with everything we might need.
Douglas G.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jared L.
Jul 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Hiking , rafting and star gazing
Traveled with friends and family. I grew up in Colorado and Wyoming and come back a couple times a year. What a great place and close to Salida as well as Buena Vista. Gorgeous mountains encase the property and everything you could want is close . Spent each night star gazing and listening to the melodic Arkansas river entice conversations of mountain adventures. Wonderful time was had by all!!
Jared L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elliot C.
Jul 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay at Howard sweet A-frame
Three of us stayed at the sweet A-frame as a base for fishing the Ark. Wading from the A-frame is limited (as was well described) but there are numerous other options near by. The kitchen is very well stocked with cookware, foil, utensils, etc. Be aware that there is some highway noise with the windows open, but it didn't bother us in the slightest. We had a great stay.
Elliot C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
michael k.
Jul 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great family vacation
Great location on the river with great amenities
michael k.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rachel W.
Mar 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Thoughtfully Designed and Spacious
Clean, comfortable, nicely designed and spacious for our family.
Rachel W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
John M.
Jan 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing mountain getaway
We had a great time staying at this very comfortable and accommodating home.
John M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
4/10 Poor
Sue R.
Sep 22, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Won't return here.
We have always enjoyed our stays in Colorado. Cute house, but won't stay there again. We love spending time outside, but dry, knee high weeds covered amthe ground around the house. The small trail down to the water was the only place you could walk. Most weeds were knee high to head high every where. They could improve the area 100 percent just by mowing Inside the window seals had dead bugs and webs, dusty. Had 3 large sun umbrellas, 2 were broke, one was usable, but brnt. New kitchen and bathrooms, nice. Well supplied, nice appliances. Really needs to replace the sofa. Very uncomfortable, we sat on dining chairs the whole time Not one closet for hanging clothes, some hooks at back door for jackets. Really needs a deep cleaning.
Sue R.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Daryl M.
Sep 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Old Dudes fishing trip
Property as described in listing. River deck great and having a boat ramp on property was perfect.Property host excellent. Will book again.
Daryl M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Samuel D.
Jul 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent!
If sitting beside a fire pit on the Arkansas River watching the sun set on the Sangre de Cristo mountains appeals to you, look no further! We’ve stayed at many vacation rentals and this was among the very best (if not the best!) The house is very thoughtfully equipped and beautifully decorated. The property is conveniently located, Julie is a fantastic host. We’d love to stay again!
Samuel D.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jo M.
Jun 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place to stay
This was an amazing home to stay in. Well stocked kitchen with plenty of dishes, cookware and appliances. You can cook as big or little as you want. The back porch was great for having an outdoor meal or napping. Nice bathtub for soaking and a fun shower to soothe the soul. The grandkids enjoyed going down to the river. Our son lives 10 minutes from this home making it so convenient to get together. Short drive to Salida for shopping and wandering. Our group had 8 people ages 4 to 81 and we were not crowded. Hoping to book again next year.
Jo M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dana W.
Nov 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home, beautiful views!
Beautiful riverfront property with fantastic views! The home is very recently updated and nicely decorated. Without a doubt the best styling I have ever seen in a vacation rental. I spent a lot of time in the house or on the deck recovering from a knee surgery while the rest of the group fished. The mud room/workout room was a pleasant surprise and perfect spot for my physical therapy. The walk in shower in the master suite was also really nice with my limited mobility. Our friends loved the upstairs rooms and said they were very nice as well. We all agreed that the couch was almost too cozy to leave. The new kitchen is very nice and has everything we could possibly have needed to cook with and more…extra amenities for those with kids is a really nice touch. Just a short drive to Salida for restaurants. Would definitely stay here again!