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Boating
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2/22/2011 |
The Boat ramp is closed to boating from November 1 through March 30. But in the summer...The crystal clear water of Rifle Gap Reservoir is a haven for water enthusiasts. The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers, and boaters. Rifle Gap often has great conditions for sailing. Rifle Gap has one boat ramp on the north side of the lake. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming, and picnic sites. Boaters be aware that you must stop and get your boat inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species prior to launch.
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Camping
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2/22/2011 |
Rifle Gap State Park has 89 campsites that can accommodate tents, small trailers, pickup campers and RV's. Some pull-through campsites for larger units are available. See the camping section for more information. Several electric sites and basic sites are open to campers throughout the winter. Rifle Gap is close to many ski areas and 40 miles from Glenwood Springs’ famous hot springs. Major park renovations have been completed with a few minor projects still underway. We now have full hookup sites available that include water, sewer and electric at each site (available May thru October)! View Rifle Gap Overview Map.
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Cross-country Skiing
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2/22/2011 |
Cross-country skiing is permitted but there are not any groomed trails in the park. If you feel adventuresome, you may make your own!
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Education Programs
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2/22/2011 |
Fun and educational interpretive programs are presented at Rifle Gap State Park from May through September. They are free with your $7 daily parks pass or an annual parks pass. Average program length is 30 to 60 minutes.
Please call the park office for detailed information on the programs at: (970)625-1607!
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Fishing
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2/22/2011 |
Anglers enjoy catching rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch all seasons of the year. Rifle Gap is widely known as one of Colorado’s premier ice fishing locations. Rifle Gap has one boat ramp on the north side of the lake. Pike can be caught throughout the year. Trout are always catchable with the DOW stocking the lake every few months. View Rifle Gap Overview Map. Currently, we don't have much information for a fishing report. The ice has not formed to get any ice fishing results, and very few anglers are fishing from shore.
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Hiking
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2/22/2011 |
There are no designated hiking trails located within the park. However, it is possible to walk the perimeter of the lake. Adjacent to the park is BLM land which offers a multitude of dirt roads that you can hike.
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Hunting
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2/22/2011 |
Excellent deer hunting and fair elk hunting areas are located adjacent to the park. Several hunting groups set up base camps in the campgrounds at Rifle Gap.
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Ice Fishing
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2/22/2011 |
Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice fishing on the lake can be tricky here at Rifle Gap. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations area located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for you safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Currently, it's hard to give a report since we have no ice. We need a real cold snap!
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Jet Skiing
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2/22/2011 |
Becoming an increasingly popular sport at the reservior. Be familiar with no-wake zones and no-boat areas. Be alert for waterskiers, and fisherman and keep your distance. Please check with the visitor center for life-jackets if you do not have them for each person riding the jet skies. Jet skis will need to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Speices before launch.
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Picnicking
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2/22/2011 |
Picnickers can enjoy a spacious setting for their outdoor meals. Rifle Gap offers multiple sites and beautiful views. Sites are available on first come, first serve basis.
A group picnic facility is also available for weddings, family reunions, meetings, and other large group gatherings. The group picnic facility is available for rent for $100.00 per day. Please contact the park office at 970-625-1607 to ensure availability and information to reserve the area.
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Snowmobiling
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2/22/2011 |
In the winter months adjacent BLM land offers what seems to be endless trails for snowmobile use. Rifle Creek Trailhead is the closest area for snowmobiles, located in Rifle Mountain park approximately 10 miles from Rifle Gap State Park. Riders make sure to register your machine before leaving the trailhead.
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Snowshoeing
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2/22/2011 |
Snowshoeing allows you to navigate a multitude of terrain and with adjacent BLM lands you could wander around for days never tracking the same area twice. Conditions are very poor right now, since we haven't had snow for some time now.
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Swimming
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2/22/2011 |
The swimbeach is closed for the season. Please swim only in the designated area. Check the conditions page for updated water temperatures. The road to the swim beach will be closed from December 1 through March 15 for essential mule deer grazing. Please remember that dogs are not allowed at the swim beach and swimming is not permitted in the lake except in the designated swim beach!
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Water Skiing
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2/22/2011 |
Water skiing is permitted on the lake. Skiing must be counter-clockwise around the lake, and all state safety regulations must be followed.
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Winter Activities
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2/22/2011 |
Rifle Gap’s 350-acre reservoir is widely known as one of Colorado’s premier ice fishing locations. Bundled-up anglers can catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch. Cold-weather buffs can also cross-country ski and snowshoe in the park. Rifle Gap’s electric and basic camp sites are open to campers throughout the winter. Rifle Gap is close to many ski areas and 40 miles from Glenwood Springs’ famous hot springs. View campground map.
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Winter Camping
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2/22/2011 |
Camping is available year round in Cottonwood, Cedar, Pinion and Sage Campgrounds. Lakeview campground, which has full hookup sites, is closed from November 1st through May 1st. Electric sites are available year round, but water is shut off November 1 through mid April.
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