Rifle Falls State Park features a beautiful Colorado waterfall
Rifle Falls State Park in western Colorado is a small park with big scenery. The park is about 45 minutes northwest of Glenwood Springs, a short distance from I-70. Colorado Park & Wildlife says visitors get a taste of the tropics when they arrive, and we definitely felt that way when we visited. The park is exceptionally lush and green, which was a big surprise. We had just come from the quite dry Colorado National Monument.
The park centers around and is named for a triple 70-foot waterfall on East Rifle Creek. The walk to the falls is easy and appropriate for all ages and abilities. The falls are the park’s highlight, but there are many other reasons to visit.
Hiking Trails at Rifle Falls State Park
There are a few beautiful trails to hike during a visit. The Coyote Trail is a mile and half loop that is ADA-accessible to the base of the falls. The pet-friendly trail also gives you incredible views from the top of the falls as it weaves through boxelder and cottonwood trees. The Squirrel Trail, undoubtedly named after the ample golden-mantled ground squirrels, connects the day-use area to the walk-in tent sites. This trail is also pet-friendly. The Bobcat Trail connects the park to the Rifle Falls State Fish Hatchery. The trail meanders along East Rifle Creek, the forest, and grassy meadows. Bring a fly rod because several ponds are stocked with trout in the summer. East Rifle Creek flows through the park with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Free tours of the hatchery are available in the summer.
Camping in Rifle Falls State Park
Rifle Falls State Park has a campground open year-round and is worth staying. A reservation is required and can be booked online up to 6 months in advance. Heads up, you will want to plan well in advance. The campground is small and fills up super quickly. The competition to get a site is worth it because the sites are large and intimate. There is a good mix of RV/tent-compatible drive-in sites and excellent walk-in tent sites that offer more privacy.
The wildlife and plant diversity at Rifle Falls is unique. In fact, there are five major plant communities in the park. Each of these has its own distinctive flora.
- Deciduous riparian forest
- Pinyon-juniper woodland
- Mixed mountain shrubland
- Sagebrush shrubland
- Wetlands
Wildlife in Rifle Falls State Park
As for wildlife, you will want to keep an eye peeled. Because of its diverse habitat, the park is a fantastic place for birders. It is home to a wide variety of species. Bald eagles spend winter near the park. Mountain Bluebirds, great blue herons, and woodpeckers are also ubiquitous. For big game, visitors often spot mule deer and elk. But also watch out for small friends like cottontail rabbits, marmots, and abundant chipmunks and squirrels. You may even see a black bear if you are super lucky, but Parks and Wildlife say you are far more likely to spot a track.
