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Park Activities
Park Activities

  • Boating

    ​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 and, 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. 

    Visit the "Conditions" page for current boating information.

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:32 AM)

  • Camping

    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. The walk-in tent sites are for ground tents only. 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. 

    ​Starting November 15, the Lakeview Loop will be closed for the winter and will reopen on April 1.

    View the Rifle Gap brochure with map​.

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:33 AM)

  • Cross-country Skiing

    Cross-country skiing is permitted but there are not any groomed trails in the park. If you feel adventuresome, you may make your own!
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:33 AM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:

    • they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times

    • their waste is properly disposed of

    • they are not left unattended even in the campgrounds

    (Updated: 8/6/2021 9:25 AM)

  • Education Programs

    ​Please call the park office for detailed information on the programs at: (970) 625-1607!

    (Updated: 9/29/2022 10:25 AM)

  • Fishing

    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 CPW stocking the lake every few months. 

    View the Rifle Gap brochure with map​. 

    NOTE:  There are a couple of fishing regulations that are specific to Rifle Gap:
     
    Walleye:
    Bag/possession limit= 1 fish
    Size= Must be 18" or greater
     
    ​Perch:
    Bag/possession limit​ for perch is 20.
     
    All other species:
    Same as statewide regulations.


    See the Rifle Gap Fishery Management Plan​ page for more information. 

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:34 AM)

  • Hiking

    There is one designated hiking trail located within the park.The trailhead is located at Cottonwood camp loop  It is possible to walk the perimeter of the lake as well. Adjacent to the park is BLM land which offers a multitude of dirt roads that you can hike.
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:37 AM)

  • Hunting

    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.
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:37 AM)

  • Ice Fishing

    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 are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. ​Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, ​a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.​

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:37 AM)

  • Jet Skiing

    Jet skiing is becoming an increasingly more popular sport at the reservoir. Be familiar with no-wake zones and no-boat areas. Be alert for waterskiers,swimmers, and fisherman and keep your distance. Please check at the ANS station 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 Species before launch.
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:41 AM)

  • Picnicking

    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. 

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)

  • Snowmobiling

    In the winter months adjacent BLM land offers almost 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.

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)

  • Snowshoeing

    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. 

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)

  • Swimming

    The reservoir no longer has an area designated exclusively for swimming.  Instead, swimming will be allowed in any of the wakeless areas.  Check the conditions page for updated water temperatures.​
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)

  • Water Skiing

    Water skiing is permitted on the west side of the lake only. Skiing must be counter-clockwise around the lake, and all state safety regulations must be followed.
    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)

  • Winter Activities

    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​.

    (Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)

  • Winter Camping

    Camping is available year round in Cottonwood, Cedar,  and Sage Campgrounds. Lakeview campground, which has full hookup sites, is closed from November 15th through March 31st. Electric sites are available year round, but water is shut off November 1 through mid April.
    (Updated: 12/7/2022 1:47 PM)