Rifle Falls State Park

Rifle Falls is a true gem among the Colorado state parks, offering unmatched scenery and plenty of recreation. It’s a must visit if you’re traveling in the area and like waterfalls and caves.

A unique combination, Rifle Falls offers exciting three waterfalls and a small, but complex set of caves. The park is open year round for a variety of activities. Entry is $7 for a day pass or $70 for an annual State Parks Pass, which is good at all the Parks.

Camping, Fishing, Hiking and Waterfalls in Rifle, CO

There are twenty camping sites which run along Rifle Creek. More camping and a massive lake can be found down the road at Rifle Gap. Harvey Gap State Park is also close by, but it’s day-use only.

The main attraction, Rifle Falls, can be heard from the parking area. The water thumps down against Rifle Creek and continues on through the park and down to Rifle Gap Reservoir.

Many caves and caverns exist near the waterfalls. There is one main cave to explore and several other smaller ones. Definitely bring a flash light so you can see inside. If you’re up for it, be prepared to crawl on your hands and knees at one point. The caves are calcium-rich, so your jeans will get dusty!

Activities

Campsite along Rifle Creek.

Camping: Yes, open year-round. Campsites run along Rifle Creek. Woods and mountains surround the sites.

13 drive-in RV/tent Sites, 7 walk-in tent sites
Basic: $16/night from Oct-Apr, $18/night from May-Sept
Electric: $20/night from Oct-Apr, $22/night from May-Sept
Aspen Leaf discounts Sunday-Thursday

Fishing: Rifle Falls State Hatchery is a one mile hike from the waterfalls. There’s great fishing here. Another closer option are some ponds above the ‘falls. Take Coyote Trail to the top of the waterfalls where the ponds exist upstream of the falls

Hiking: 3 main hiking trails within the park.

Coyote Trail – is the most popular; 1.5 mile total, winds past the base of the falls and caves before looping back above the falls.
Bobcat Trail – 1 mile, one-way, connects with the Rifle Falls State Fish Hatchery.
Squirrel Trail – 1.5 mile, total, runs along Rifle Creek near camping.

Outside Park: Big game hunting is available in the White River National Forest adjacent to the park. Snowmobiling and cross country skiers can access trails in Rifle Mountain Park by taking the Rifle Creek Trailhead, 5 miles from Rifle Falls.

Campsite along Rifle Creek.