Rifle Gap State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 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 Gap State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 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
Navigate to:
Two boats getting ready to launch on the boat ramp. Photo by Dustin Doskocil
Park Highlight
Explore Rifle Gap Reservoir
In the summer, the crystal-clear water of Rifle Gap Reservoir is a haven for water enthusiasts. The waters of this long, narrow reservoir provide excellent boating, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing and swimming opportunities for our warm-weather visitors.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
Rifle Gap has one boat ramp on the north side of the lake.
The boat ramp is now CLOSED for the season. It closing earlier than expected due to low water levels. The boat ramp normally is closed from November 1 through March 31.
Picnickers can enjoy a spacious setting for their outdoor meals. Rifle Gap offers multiple sites around the reservoir all with beautiful views. Sites are available on first-come, first-served basis.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Sunday is the busiest day on the reservoir. The park is closed to boating November 1 through March 31. The boat ramp is located on the north side of the reservoir by the Piñion campground. All boats need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before launch.
Fishing
Anglers enjoy catching rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and yellow perch all seasons of the year. Pike can be caught throughout the year. Trout are always catchable, with the lake stocked every few months.
Ice Fishing
Rifle Gap is widely known as one of Colorado’s premier ice-fishing locations, but ice fishing here is also tricky due to varying ice thicknesses. Ice fishing is allowed when conditions permit. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but please use caution when ice fishing and follow safety guidelines. Recommended equipment: ice awls, a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Rifle Gap
Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is becoming an increasingly more popular sport at the reservoir. Be familiar with no-wake zones and no-boat areas. Jet skis will need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before launch.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is popular at the reservoir in the wakeless zones. Don't forget your life jacket!
Swimming
Swimming is allowed at the park; however, it is only allowed in the wakeless areas.
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. Don't forget your orange flag!
Sailing
Favorable winds welcome visitors and their sail boats.
Canoeing
Canoeing is a great way to get around the reservoir.
Kayaking
Come kayak in the wakeless zones.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Rifle Gap
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection Hours
7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily. There will be no entry to the boat ramp after the inspection station closes.
Mandatory Inspections and Seals
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure