Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
Rifle Falls State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO 81650
United States
Rifle Falls State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO 81650
United States
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Fire Restrictions & Air Quality-
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place. Recreational fires, including propane fire pits and cooking fires that use wood or charcoal, are not permitted. This applies even in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Heavy smoke and haze may be present due to the Lee and Elk fires. For the latest on air quality in the area, visit fire.airnow.gov. For more on the Lee and Elk fires, visit inciweb wildfire.
Visitors admire the three lush waterfalls.
Park Highlight
Explore Nature
Rifle Falls State Park, with its mysterious caves and beautiful triple waterfall, is one of the gems of the Colorado State Parks system.
Waterfall
Breathtaking Views
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. Interpretive displays in the area explain the history of the falls, the creation of limestone and other features of the park.
Watch Birds and Wildlife
Creekside Riparian Area
The creekside riparian area is a bird-watchers paradise with narrow-leafed cottonwoods, box-elders, hawthorns and chokecherries attracting many avian species.
Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery is upstream of Rifle Falls. It is one of the largest trout-production hatcheries in Colorado. It can be reached by hiking the Bobcat Trail or by continuing up Highway 325. Free tours of the hatchery are available during the summer.
Wildlife
Wildlife watchers can view mule deer, rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, tiger salamanders and bullsnakes in the park. A variety of bird species may be observed including mountain bluebirds, hairy woodpeckers, flycatchers and turkey vultures. Three species of bats also live in the cliff faces west of the falls.
Watchable Wildlife Kiosks
Experience the Falls
Visit us for the day. Take a short hike and experience the falls, followed by lunch with a view at one of our shaded picnic tables.
Enjoy Lunch Near the Waterfall
Ten individual picnic sites are located throughout the park. Each is close to waterfalls, short hiking trails and watchable wildlife kiosks. The picnic sites have ample shade and are very popular on summer weekends.
Hike to the Waterfall and Caves
Three unique hiking trails meander along the creek and through luxuriant riparian areas throughout the park. They provide access to the caves, the top of the falls, and the creek upstream and downstream from the park.