🏞️ Discover Rifle, Colorado
Rifle, Colorado is a small town with big outdoor energy. Located in Garfield County along the Colorado River, it’s a launchpad for fishing, hiking, camping, and winter ice climbing. The town is best known for Rifle Falls State Park — a lush oasis featuring triple waterfalls, limestone caves, and a family-friendly loop trail.
- Elevation: ~5,400 ft
- Best seasons: Spring through Fall
- Nearby gems: Rifle Mountain Park, Roan Cliffs, Glenwood Canyon
🚗 Getting There
- Route: Take I-70 West from Denver
- Distance: ~180 miles
- Estimated Time: 3.5 hours (without major delays)
- Scenic Highlight: Glenwood Canyon — towering cliffs, river views, and rest stops
- Exit: Exit 90 toward Rifle
Pro tip: If you’re driving in winter, check CDOT for road conditions — Glenwood Canyon can be icy and unpredictable.
🌟 My Personal Observation
-
Rifle Falls State Park: Once a single cascade, Rifle Falls was reshaped in 1910 when the city constructed a hydroelectric plant above the site. The altered flow split the waterfall into the iconic three streams seen today — a striking blend of nature and engineering.
The park offers year-round access to camping grounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and abundant opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Spring through summer is the best time to visit, when the waterfalls are at their fullest and the surrounding greenery is lush.
The hike to the falls is short and family-friendly, with a 0.5-mile loop trail leading to the base of the cascades. Along the way, visitors can explore limestone caves and feel the cool mist rising from the falls — a refreshing reward at the end of an easy walk.
📍 View on Google Maps
🧊 Hidden Gem in Rifle, Colorado
- Rifle Mountain Park Ice Caves: Just 15 miles north of Rifle Falls, this rugged limestone canyon transforms into a frozen wonderland each winter. From December to February, narrow cave passages fill with turquoise ice walls and towering icicles, offering a surreal experience for hikers, photographers, and ice climbers. The short hike in via Kopers Trail is moderately easy, and the caves are accessible to adventurous families and winter explorers. A striking contrast to the lush waterfalls of Rifle Falls — and a must-see for cold-season travelers.
🛏️ Places to Stay in Rifle
While I haven’t personally stayed overnight in Rifle, here are a few well-reviewed options for travelers:
- La Quinta by Wyndham Rifle: A popular choice with clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. Conveniently located near I-70 and the Colorado River.
- Comfort Inn & Suites: Offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to downtown Rifle and nearby parks.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Rifle: Features a terrace, indoor pool, and 24-hour front desk. Good for both business and leisure stays.
- Gateway Lodge: A budget-friendly motel in downtown Rifle with simple amenities and friendly staff.
- Edge of the Wild – Guest House @ R Farm: A peaceful farm stay just outside town, with views of the Roan Cliffs and access to hiking and wildlife. Highly rated on Airbnb.
🎥 My Travel Videos
Here is a video I took from The Rifle Fall State Park.
