Mini Adventures: Rifle Falls State Park

Rifle, Colorado gets a bad rap for various reasons, but believe me when I tell you it’s worth a second look!

We were at Rifle Gap State Park recently for a group campout, and decided to spend a morning at Rifle Falls. We’d heard it was beautiful, and that part is definitely true.

Rifle Falls State Park is tiny. After entering the gate, drive past 8-10 campsites and park to walk to the falls. It’s about a 50 meter walk, so make sure you bring all your gear (just kidding!). If you’re traveling with little ones or anyone who is mobility-impaired, this could be a great hike. The path is gravel, but it’s wide and only very slightly uphill to get to the falls.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, make sure to hike around the falls (take the trail to your right if you’re at the bottom facing the falls). There are some fun little caves to explore or have lunch in if the day is hot. The trail winds up some fairly steep steps then around to place you on top of the falls. It was high enough to make my stomach knot up, but felt safe enough that I wasn’t worried by my boys running around up there. There are sturdy fences and two lookout points.

This is not a spot that will take all day, but it’s definitely photo worthy and worth jumping off the interstate to see it when you’re in western Colorado. I can’t wait to check it out next winter when it’s covered in snow!