CARBONDALE
REDSTONE
GRAND MESA
ASPEN
GLENWOOD
SPRINGS
EAGLE
GYPSUM
GRAND
JUNCTION
RIFLE
DOTSERO
JAMES M. ROBB-JAMES M. ROBB-
COLORADOCOLORADO
RIVERRIVER
STATE PARKSTATE PARK
HARVEY GAPHARVEY GAP
STATE PARKSTATE PARK
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
cpw.state.co.us
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe
that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more
information, please write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, U.S. Department of
the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240
@COPARKSWILDLIFE
cpw.state.co.us
(I&E) ENG_17K_03/2024
Rifle Falls State Park
c/o Ri e Gap State Park
5775 Highway 325, Ri e, CO 81650
(970) 625-1607 • ri e.gap.park@state.co.us
Rifle Falls
State Park
� LOCATION
From I-70: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit (90), then go north
on CO Highway 13 for four miles.
This takes you through the town of Rifle on Railroad
Ave. Turn right onto Highway 325 and drive 9.8 miles.
R
ifle Falls State Park, with its mysterious caves and
beautiful triple waterfall, is one of the gems of the
Colorado State Parks system. The breathtaking
waterfall, created by the rushing waters of East Rifle
Creek, flows year round. The thundering water that
sprays out from the cliff creates a misty world of moss
covered rocks and lush foliage along the base of the falls.
Dark caves lurk in the limestone cliffs under the falls,
including a 90-foot room that requires a flashlight for
exploration.
Rifle Falls State Park is located along Colorado Highway
325 about 14 miles north of Rifle. “The Falls” is one
of Colorado’s most unique state parks, and is truly an
experience that is not to be missed.
History
Upstream from the park water traveling underground
picks up calcium as it flows through the limestone. This
mineral-laden water bubbles up through a spring to
form East Rifle Creek. Thousands of years ago calcium
deposits slowed the flow and created the cliffs and
waterfalls you see today.
In 1883 the area opened to ranching. The waterfalls
quickly became a tourist attraction and cabins were built.
In 1910 the town of Rifle built the Rifle Hydroelectric
Plant at the base of the waterfalls which changed the
flow of water to three waterfalls which we see today.
Remnants of the hydroelectric plant can still be seen.
In 1954 the fish hatchery was built and laid claim to the
“World’s Largest Trout Farm” which was eventually sold
to the Colorado Game and Fish Department in 1959. 42
acres of land were carved out of the hatchery property
and was dedicated to the Department of Parks and
Outdoor Recreation in 1966, officially making Rifle Falls
a Colorado State Park.
Entrance Fees
Fees are charged year-round and pay for the operation
of park facilities. Passes are available from the park
entrance station or self-service stations. All visitors are
required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass
on their vehicle windshield.
A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon
the following day. An annual pass provides entry to
all Colorado State Parks. Aspen Leaf annual passes
are available for Colorado seniors 64 and older at a
discounted rate.
PARK OFFICE
Park staff is available to answer your questions and
provide first aid and emergency assistance when needed.
Rifle Falls State Park is managed and operated from Rifle
Gap State Park. For information, call (970) 625-1607 or
write to:
CARBONDALE
REDSTONE
GRAND MESA
ASPEN
GLENWOOD
SPRINGS
EAGLE
GYPSUM
GRAND
JUNCTION
RIFLE
DOTSERO
JAMES M. ROBB-JAMES M. ROBB-
COLORADOCOLORADO
RIVERRIVER
STATE PARKSTATE PARK
HARVEY GAPHARVEY GAP
STATE PARKSTATE PARK
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
cpw.state.co.us
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe
that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more
information, please write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, U.S. Department of
the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240
@COPARKSWILDLIFE
cpw.state.co.us
(I&E) ENG_17K_03/2024
Rifle Falls State Park
c/o Ri e Gap State Park
5775 Highway 325, Ri e, CO 81650
(970) 625-1607 • ri e.gap.park@state.co.us
Rifle Falls
State Park
� LOCATION
From I-70: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit (90), then go north
on CO Highway 13 for four miles.
This takes you through the town of Rifle on Railroad
Ave. Turn right onto Highway 325 and drive 9.8 miles.
R
ifle Falls State Park, with its mysterious caves and
beautiful triple waterfall, is one of the gems of the
Colorado State Parks system. The breathtaking
waterfall, created by the rushing waters of East Rifle
Creek, flows year round. The thundering water that
sprays out from the cliff creates a misty world of moss
covered rocks and lush foliage along the base of the falls.
Dark caves lurk in the limestone cliffs under the falls,
including a 90-foot room that requires a flashlight for
exploration.
Rifle Falls State Park is located along Colorado Highway
325 about 14 miles north of Rifle. “The Falls” is one
of Colorado’s most unique state parks, and is truly an
experience that is not to be missed.
History
Upstream from the park water traveling underground
picks up calcium as it flows through the limestone. This
mineral-laden water bubbles up through a spring to
form East Rifle Creek. Thousands of years ago calcium
deposits slowed the flow and created the cliffs and
waterfalls you see today.
In 1883 the area opened to ranching. The waterfalls
quickly became a tourist attraction and cabins were built.
In 1910 the town of Rifle built the Rifle Hydroelectric
Plant at the base of the waterfalls which changed the
flow of water to three waterfalls which we see today.
Remnants of the hydroelectric plant can still be seen.
In 1954 the fish hatchery was built and laid claim to the
“World’s Largest Trout Farm” which was eventually sold
to the Colorado Game and Fish Department in 1959. 42
acres of land were carved out of the hatchery property
and was dedicated to the Department of Parks and
Outdoor Recreation in 1966, officially making Rifle Falls
a Colorado State Park.
Entrance Fees
Fees are charged year-round and pay for the operation
of park facilities. Passes are available from the park
entrance station or self-service stations. All visitors are
required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass
on their vehicle windshield.
A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon
the following day. An annual pass provides entry to
all Colorado State Parks. Aspen Leaf annual passes
are available for Colorado seniors 64 and older at a
discounted rate.
PARK OFFICE
Park staff is available to answer your questions and
provide first aid and emergency assistance when needed.
Rifle Falls State Park is managed and operated from Rifle
Gap State Park. For information, call (970) 625-1607 or
write to:
LEGEND
Walk-In
Tent Sites
Campsite #
is accessible
Trail
Parking
Restrooms
RV Camping
Trailhead
Rifle Falls State Park
Wildlife
Wildlife watchers can view mule deer, rabbits,
chipmunks and raccoons in the park. Skunks frequent
the campground at night and are attracted to food and
trash.
Please keep a clean campsite and store food and trash in
a safe location. The creekside riparian area is a bird-
watchers paradise with narrow-leafed cottonwoods, box-
elders, hawthorns and chokecherries attracting many
avian species.
Hiking and Biking
Three unique hiking trails meander along
the creek and through the 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.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing can be lively year-round for small brown and
rainbow trout in the waters of East Rifle Creek.
Hunting within the park boundaries is prohibited, but
the surrounding National Forest and Bureau of Land
Management lands provide outstanding big game
hunting opportunities. Information on regulations and
hunting seasons is available from park staff and the park
office.
Winter Sports
Winter is a special time at Rifle Falls. The mist from the
falls forms delicate ice crystals on nearby vegetation.
This creates a beautiful and unique scene for visitors to
the park. Winter camping and wildlife watching also
attract many visitors.
REGULATIONS
It is your responsibility to know and obey park rules
and regulations. Please read the rules and regulations
available at the park entrance or ask a park ranger for a
current copy of park regulations.
1. Respect others – keep noise down near campgrounds
and wildlife areas. Observe campground quiet hours
between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
2. Do not litter – a clean park is healthier for our visitors
and our wildlife. If you pack it in, pack it out, and use
the garbage and recycling containers. A dump station is
located at Rifle Gap State Park. Please use this facility. It
is illegal to dump any waste or sewage elsewhere.
3. For your safety and the safety of others and for the
protection of wildlife, keep pets under control and on a
leash no longer than six feet.
4. Pets are not allowed at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s
Fish Hatchery. Please obey all posted restrictions to pets
in the park.
5. Build fires only in grills provided, tend them constantly,
and make sure they are completely extinguished when
no longer needed. Firewood cutting or gathering is
prohibited within the park.
6. Please keep vehicles on designated roadways, and hike
only on designated trails.
7. Obey all access restrictions and trail closures in the park.
8. Common sense and common courtesy will help all of us
enjoy the park more.
Camping
With 13 drive-in campsites that can accommodate
tents, trailers and campers, and some pull-through sites
for larger units, the campground at Rifle Falls is very
popular. Each campsite has 50 and 30-amp electric
outlets, a table and grill; water hydrants and restrooms
are found nearby. The campground is open all year.
Seven walk-in campsites provide a unique camping
opportunity along tree-lined East Rifle Creek just
downstream from the campground.
Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.
In addition to a park pass, campground
reservations are required and can be made by
calling 1 (800) 244-5613 or online at
cpw.state.co.us
No firewood cutting or gathering is allowed
in the park.
CARBONDALE
REDSTONE
GRAND MESA
ASPEN
GLENWOOD
SPRINGS
EAGLE
GYPSUM
GRAND
JUNCTION
RIFLE
DOTSERO
JAMES M. ROBB-
JAMES M. ROBB-
COLORADO
COLORADO
RIVER
RIVER
STATE PARK
STATE PARK
HARVEY GAP
HARVEY GAP
STATE PARK
STATE PARK
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
cpw.state.co.us
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe
that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more
information, please write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, U.S. Department of
the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240
@COPARKSWILDLIFE
cpw.state.co.us
(I&E) ENG_17K_03/2024
Rifle Falls State Park
c/o Ri e Gap State Park
5775 Highway 325, Ri e, CO 81650
(970) 625-1607 • ri e.gap.park@state.co.us
Rifle Falls
State Park
� LOCATION
From I-70: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit (90), then go north
on CO Highway 13 for four miles.
This takes you through the town of Rifle on Railroad
Ave. Turn right onto Highway 325 and drive 9.8 miles.
R
ifle Falls State Park, with its mysterious caves and
beautiful triple waterfall, is one of the gems of the
Colorado State Parks system. The breathtaking
waterfall, created by the rushing waters of East Rifle
Creek, flows year round. The thundering water that
sprays out from the cliff creates a misty world of moss
covered rocks and lush foliage along the base of the falls.
Dark caves lurk in the limestone cliffs under the falls,
including a 90-foot room that requires a flashlight for
exploration.
Rifle Falls State Park is located along Colorado Highway
325 about 14 miles north of Rifle. “The Falls” is one
of Colorado’s most unique state parks, and is truly an
experience that is not to be missed.
History
Upstream from the park water traveling underground
picks up calcium as it flows through the limestone. This
mineral-laden water bubbles up through a spring to
form East Rifle Creek. Thousands of years ago calcium
deposits slowed the flow and created the cliffs and
waterfalls you see today.
In 1883 the area opened to ranching. The waterfalls
quickly became a tourist attraction and cabins were built.
In 1910 the town of Rifle built the Rifle Hydroelectric
Plant at the base of the waterfalls which changed the
flow of water to three waterfalls which we see today.
Remnants of the hydroelectric plant can still be seen.
In 1954 the fish hatchery was built and laid claim to the
“World’s Largest Trout Farm” which was eventually sold
to the Colorado Game and Fish Department in 1959. 42
acres of land were carved out of the hatchery property
and was dedicated to the Department of Parks and
Outdoor Recreation in 1966, officially making Rifle Falls
a Colorado State Park.
Entrance Fees
Fees are charged year-round and pay for the operation
of park facilities. Passes are available from the park
entrance station or self-service stations. All visitors are
required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass
on their vehicle windshield.
A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon
the following day. An annual pass provides entry to
all Colorado State Parks. Aspen Leaf annual passes
are available for Colorado seniors 64 and older at a
discounted rate.
PARK OFFICE
Park staff is available to answer your questions and
provide first aid and emergency assistance when needed.
Rifle Falls State Park is managed and operated from Rifle
Gap State Park. For information, call (970) 625-1607 or
write to:
(I&E) ENG_V. 3/26/2024
