Activities at Rifle Falls | Colorado State Parks

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Park Activities

Activities

Biking - 5/15/2012

Bikers are encouraged to utilize trails in Rifle Mountain Park, and nearby USFS property. Stop into Rifle Gap State Park for trail information.

Camping - 5/15/2012

Rifle Falls has thirteen drive-in and seven walk-in campsites that sit to the south along East Rifle Creek. The drive-in sites accommodate tents, trailers, motor homes and pickup campers. The walk-in sites are for tent camping only. See the Camping section for a complete campground description. Walk-in tent sites and sites with electric hookups are also available in the winter.

Cross-country Skiing - 5/15/2012

Cross-country skiers can access USFS property by going to Rifle Creek Trailhead in Rifle Mountain Park. A Rifle Mountain Park parks pass is necessary.

Education Programs - 5/15/2012

Fun and educational interpretive programs are held at the Mountain Mist Amphitheater at Rifle Falls from May through September. The programs are free with your annual parks pass or daily parks pass. If you would like additional information, please call the Rifle Gap park office at (970) 625-1607.

Fishing - 5/15/2012

Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout are found in East Rifle Creek, which flows through Rifle Falls. Fish up to 20 inches long have been taken, with 10- to 12- inch fish being the average size. The Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, run by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, is upstream of Rifle Falls. It is one of the largest trout production hatcheries in Colorado. It can be reached by hiking the Bobcat Trail or by continuing up Highway 325. Free tours of the Hatchery are available during the summer.

Hiking - 5/15/2012

Three unique hiking trails meander along the creek and through luxuriant riparian area throughout the park. They provide access to the caves, the top of the falls, and the creek upstream and downstream from the park. The Bobcat Trail follows Rifle Creek to the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Fish Hatchery. See the Trails section for complete trail descriptions. Please use caution as parts of the trails are steep and can become slippery when wet. Come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water.

Hunting - 5/15/2012

Big game hunting is excellent in the White River National Forest and on lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which are adjacent to the park. Rifle Falls serves as a base camp for hunters using these lands. Hunting within the park's boundaries is controlled. Information on park seasons and regulations is available from any park ranger or the park office. Call the park at (970) 625-1607 for more information.

Picnicking - 5/15/2012

Ten individual picnic sites are located throughout the park. Each is close to waterfalls, short hiking trails and watchable wildlife kiosks. Other interpretive displays in the area explain the history of the falls, the creation of limestone and other features of the park.

Snowmobiling - 5/15/2012

The closest groomed snowmobile trails are at the Rifle Creek Trailhead in Rifle Mountain Park. From there, riders will travel onto the White River National Forest. This trailhead is approximately 5 miles from Rifle Falls State Park.

Winter Activities - 5/15/2012

Sightseeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and camping are popular wintertime activities at Rifle Falls State Park. The three 70-foot waterfalls provide excellent photographic opportunities during winter months. The campground is open through the winter. Walk-in tent sites and sites with electric hookups are also available in the winter.

Winter Camping - 5/15/2012

Rifle Falls' campground is easily accessible in the winter. There will be electricity for those who wish to take advantage of it. Water is not available in the winter months. Please call the park office at: (970)625-1607 with any questions!

Last Modified Date: 3/15/2011 3:17 PM