Right from the moment we pulled into the parking lot, the sound of rushing water filled the air, and it didn't take long to find out why. The centerpiece of the park is this stunning trio of waterfalls--three streams of water pouring side by side over bright limestone cliffs, surrounded by the kind of lush greenery that feels almost tropical. It was like walking into a Colorado rainforest. Mist from the falls cooled the air, and everything around them felt alive--ferns, moss, chirping birds, and the occasional chipmunk darting across the path. The trails were surprisingly well maintained and easy to navigate. We started with the paved path that led right up to the base of the falls--perfect for just soaking in the view, and even wheelchair accessible. Then we took the Coyote Trail, which loops up around and behind the falls. That's where things got even more fun. The trail winds past a handful of small limestone caves, some of which you can crawl into and explore. One of them opened up into a surprisingly big cavern--we hadn't brought flashlights, but our phones did the trick, and the kids loved it. It felt like discovering secret chambers in a fantasy story. When we made it to the top of the falls, the view was totally worth the mild climb. You could look down and see all three cascades in full, framed by trees and cliffs. And with the mist rising in the sunlight, it felt absolutely magical--like something out of a painting. What I loved most was how much this park offered in such a compact space. Waterfalls, caves, trails, wildlife, creeks, picnic spots--everything felt close and accessible, but never crowded or rushed. It was peaceful, beautiful, and so well kept. Honestly, it's one of the best hidden gems I've stumbled upon in Colorado. read more

This is a worth while stop if you are traveling through the area. It was a scenic drive from I-70 into the park. I was traveling with my husband and relatives. Note: I detracted one star because all the picnic tables for day visitors have been removed to discourage that activity. The only tables in the park are for the camp sites. We pulled into an empty site, since we did not see tables elsewhere, to have a quick lunch. We got a talking to from one of the park employees that it was not permitted. We were nearly done with lunch so we finished quickly and removed ourselves, making sure the area was as we found it. We then parked up at the trailhead parking. It is a pleasant walk to the base of the falls. Then we headed up the stairs that take you behind the falls as well as to some caves. My husband and his brother did the hike up and around to the top. My sister-in-law and I found a nice shaded bench to enjoy the views while we waited for them to return. It was an overall good experience. I would go back. read more

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This was a nice hike to the falls and you can loose around them. Thé hike is not difficult, it's an easy hike for all you non hikers. But I always recommend hiking shoes. Thé place also has some cool caves. A nice amount of shade walking through the trails and there's ample parking. read more

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This park was a decent short hike. The waterfall was okay, but the scenery and hike was awesome. read more

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What a little gem of the waterfall this was! I can't speak to the rest of the park because unfortunately we not had time for a quick visit on our way to Vail but this was definitely a stop worth making. It's closer to the Glenwood Springs area though. This little beauty took our breakaway. It's such a quick 1 minute walk from parking lot to waterfall. This is a great stop for children and seniors. A few steps for a big payoff. We also saw a lot of dogs. Also you will most likely see a rainbow within the waterfall. It's so pretty and lush. You can walk up to the backside of the waterfall for a beautiful view from the top or explore the area for caves as well. Again, so much offerings in such a small area. read more

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Number one order of business: Be sure to gas up before you get on the road, as Rifle Falls is remote. This state park is located near a beautiful waterfall and has a small campground attached. There are about 20 sites total, and RV and tent camping are permitted, and reservations are required. Cost is about $36 nightly -- very affordable! And most of the site have full shade. But the site, small and popular, books quickly. I understand that of all the sites available only one is marked accessible. The sites are marked as drive-in and walk-in. Also, pets are allowed in the campground, but they have to be on a leash and cannot be left attended (now, why would anyone do that?). The drive-in sites have 50- and 30-amp electric outlets, a table and a grill. As an avid tent camper, I was pleased with the walk-in sites, which are along the actual creek -- gorgeous! You can pitch your tent within feet of the running creek. I would love that bubbling noise all night. There is also a picnic area and a trailhead here. Also, fishing is allowed, as there are brown and rainbow trout here (I never saw a fish, but I wasn't fishing, either). You should know, however, there is no firewood available, so check for fire flags and bring the wood with you if you need it. You cannot collect firewood here. As for the waterfall and creek, they run year-round. What a treat! Apparently, there are also caves you can explore, including one said to be 90 feet. I was not that brave to explore this first time. In the early 1900s, the town was established and a hydroelectric power plant was built, relying on the power of the falls. You can see some of the defunct plant infrastructure here -- including a prominent pipe at the waterfall. Many people inquire about it, apparently, believing the falls are not natural. But the pipe was part of the plant, apparently. I was beyond thrilled to -- for the first time in my life -- see a waterfall that was more than 10 feet talk and walk beyond a waterfall and to be be sprayed by the falling water. I have wanted this experience in life, and I am so thrilled that I had the chance at Rifle Falls. Costs are affordable. The day pass is $10, and you pay at the park office (there is staff on site). read more

As I made my way to the western slope to visit one of my besties, I decided a detour was in order. So I made my way to Rifle Falls State Park which has been on my bucket list for a minute now. ++ It's a small state park, but it packs in one of the most beautiful falls I've seen! ++ There are a few campsites available year round! ++ The triple falls are GORGEOUS no matter the season. Full and misty in the spring, or frozen and snow packed in the winter - your choice! ++ Admission is a mere $9, or do yourself a favor and pick up a State Park Pass. If you visit 3-4 parks annually, it pays for its self! ++ With a fairly simple 4 miles of trail available and minimal elevation gain, this is a great place to bring the kiddos. While Rifle Falls State Park is a bit out of the way for me, I'd gladly make my way back if I find myself in the area again. **Pro Tip - There is VERY limited cell service in the area, so make sure you download your navigation ahead of time, or pay close attention to landmarks as you make your way there. read more

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Very beautiful gem in Colorado. Was happy that not many people were around. There is some camping there and also around 7 miles of hiking trails. The falls are beautiful and do have a paved trail up to them to make them accessible to most. The caves were also a fun treat as well. Please DO NOT take or break the cave. So many chunks were missing :( Please leave treasures for everyone to enjoy for the future. You can walk from the falls back to the fish hatchery. Along the way you will see some stunning cascades. There is a really nice park bench near them that you can just sit and watch them and enjoy. In October so much yellow. This park was absolutely stunning and I am so glad that we got to experience it. read more

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A wonderful surprise. I've lived in Colorado all my life and somehow this was my first visit to the park (Nov 2023). Lovely falls, easy hiking and the caves were pretty cool. The water is so clear in the pools you can see the fish . Very pretty spot. read more

Loved this place! It was so simple yet...so very memorable (at least imo). Yeah Rifle Falls State Park! I didn't even know this place existed or let alone had even heard of it until I randomly discovered it while searching through Google Maps. I was so impressed with this quaint little state park...and yes, the main highlight of it all were...3 side by side by side 70 foot cascading waterfalls! What a perfect view for photos! It was viewing these waterfalls that won me over. I arrived here in early afternoon over the summertime and with the sun at my back...snapped some wonderful pictures not only of the 3 waterfalls, but the sweeping lush green grass surroundings. I definitely took a few moments to just appreciate the setting here while realizing what a pleasant surprise this place was. The next terrific part to Rifle Falls was walking towards the LEFT of the falls. There's a staircase that took me to just underneath one of the waterfalls. It's a fun and playful way to get up close and personal to the falls. And of course, there'll be more good photo opportunities here as well. Now, although there's not much else offered at the park...let me give a few details about what else you can find here at Rifle Falls. -Camping! - if you have a trailer or tent...this place is ideal for spending the night out in nature. Although I did have a tent with me, I never camped which looking back on I now regret. But when you do arrive, you can simply pay for a camping spot on the go right at the entrance station. It's first come, first serve. And it wasn't expensive...I believe roughly $10 - $15 per night. - Getting to the falls from the parking lot...it's an easy 1/4 mile walk. After you do visit the falls...you can do a hike around the park which was recommended to me when I arrived. This hike is called the COYOTE TRAIL. It's a 1.5 - 2 mile round trip trek, but very easy to do. Along this trail, you can pass through a few interesting looking caves and then traverse up and around the top of Rifle Falls. Btw...entrance fee for Day Use at Rifle Falls was $10...an absolute bargain. This Rifle Falls State Park is conveniently located right outside Rifle, Colorado...maybe a quick 15 mile drive from the heart of downtown. Overall, for those adventurers who may be traveling through Colorado and need a bigger reference point, Rifle Falls is situated about 180 miles west of Denver. Ultimately I was making my towards Dinosaur National Monument in the northwestern part of Colorado...and this Rifle Falls was accessible right along my itinerary path...the perfect way to break up my travels for a little bit. I only spent 2 - 3 hours here, but it was certainly a worthwhile side trek and I absolutely suggest it. A couple last points.... - There was no cell phone reception. - Parking can be difficult to find during popular/busy days. You may have to park along the road where the campsites are set up right as you enter the park. I luckily stopped here midday during the week and grabbed a parking spot right away. Rifle Falls State Park I believe deserves a lot more recognition than 26 reviews. Who doesn't love waterfalls, lol? And taking pictures in front of 3 waterfalls all at once? Priceless! What a great sight to see along my 2021 summer road trip. read more

I have not camped there in a few years and was a little disappointed in how the grounds were kept. It was very busy during my Saturday through Tuesday stay with day visitors. There was quite a bit of trash throughout the park. The employees were busy taking care of traffic--so not to overflow the parking areas. I think they could have picked some up as they drove by in their utility vehicle. The trash was on the ground for a couple days, I did pick some up and put as much as I could in a dog poo bag. Cleaning up after the public sucks as most of them don't care. Otherwise, we really enjoyed our stay. Very relaxing, fun to hike all of the trails. read more

Love this area and that it's great spot to view the falls and explore and go further up and go to the ice caves! Really go and check out the whole area though it's so worth it and make sure to stop at Harvey gap state Park after. It's like 10minutes from the falls but a great rest area to ate and with gorgeous lake views like just stunning. The caves are really cool and if you go into the caves be sure to bring a flashlight and be careful as there will be bats in the furtherts ones still so just know that. The falls are stunning to view and you can climb up under them like I did in one photo just be careful because you will get a tad damp and it does get slippery. Also we just filled out and paid for a daily pass and that got us fine with all of rifles parks. There is not reserving for just hiking and climbing. read more

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So neat and definitely worth the drive from Denver! Who would've known that Colorado has 3 70ft waterfalls in one location? Definitely not me, but I'm glad it's true..and that I got to see them. If you're not into big long hikes, these are not too far from the state park parking lot so I would only recommend some tennis shoes if you want to climb around. You will also have to pay $9 to get in, but you can hangout and have lunch or explore the caves in the area in addition to the falls which are pretty cool! The waterfalls are a must see:) read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Rifle Falls - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

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Such a gorgeous place!! The falls are easy to get to, and there are several hiking options around the falls, as well. Coyote Trail will take you next to several caves (I'd highly recommend pausing to go explore them... you can climb pretty deep inside of some of them, so bring headlamps or at least flashlights), as well as up above the waterfall. Take masks with you, as the area by the waterfall can get a little busy, even in the winter. If you plan on hiking, wear snowshoes and bring cramp-ons for the icy areas. read more

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The Triple Falls are certainly the most impressive part of this park. However, when we arrived we were told there was VERY little parking at that we would not fit. Rather than trying to help us out or giving us an alternative... they just told us to come back later or tomorrow. Typically, that is not an option for travelers. They don't have more than 5-10 parking spots so if you don't get one, you're just out of luck. We finally drove up the road and found a place to pullover on the side of the road and walk back to the falls. They were nice, but there was a large group of people smoking cigarettes, which definitely ruined the experience. The caves are fun, but again they were filled with children and smoking parents. There weren't any trails over about a mile of flat trail, so definitely not somewhere you go for exercise. I made a video about my experience if you'd like to see it: https://youtu.be/Yvi9fa5voPY read more

Rifle Falls State Park - The one beautiful feature of the park. - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

My wife found this park while we were looking for places to visit on the way to Grand Junction. Although there is a $9.00 parking fee, it'a worth it for the unique views and pleasant trails around this partially man made waterfall. Getting here is a bit of a drive. It's only about 7 miles from a main street, but the constant turns and curves extend the travel time. There's also nothing to really see along the way, but once you come to the fork in the road you have the option of turning right for this park or left for Rifle Gap Park, which we did not visit. The parking situation is also bad. I can't imagine we would have found parking if we had come here in the summertime. Once the time main car parking is full, they do tell people to park along the street, near campers. It was a factor for us even in October, but didn't take away at all from the experience. Once you're parked, you can head up the trail. The shortest (and possibly most scenic) trail is around the waterfall, and is estimated to take 45 minutes. It's actually closer to 30 and that's if you want to take pictures. The other trailers are much longer and loop around past the camping area. Unfortunately we didn't have time to go on any of the other trails. The water is very beautiful and I'd estimate at least 80-100 feet high. The trail passes the waterfall and starts climbing around the back of it. The whole time you are passing caves and rock formations resembling stalagmites you'd find inside caves. It's very picturesque. Once at the top of the waterfall, you'll see the most amazing views in the park. You'll also see the one pipe that drains water from the nearby reservoir into the falls. I'm not sure if there's a geological reason for it being built or if it was just to further embellish the waterfall. Either way, it doesn't take away from the natural beauty of the area. Overall this is a very beautiful park, definitely worth the drive if you're already within an hour or 2 of the area... that's not counting the 20-30 minutes it takes to get here from the main road. It's on the smaller side, but it definitely brought out my inner Instagram model with all the pictures i took here. read more

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Beautiful! Small but a natural beauty. There are 3 falls that you can walk right up to. Parking is limited during summer months. If you can find one near the falls it is just a shot walk to the falls. Camp grounds are near by. Many walking trails near by! If you are just visiting for the day, make sure you stop at the The Rough restaurant at the Rifle Golf Club on your way back to the Rifle area. read more

One of our most prized memories of this year, was hiking Rifle Falls State Park. January was an enjoyable time for us, as the frozen waterfalls became the highlight of our trip. We thought there was nothing in Rifle, CO, other than the hike, but Rifle is known for their communal, hospitable and warm-welcoming people. Historically, Rifle has been a center of ranching, and the town still takes pride in its cowboy heritage. Today, Rifle is best known for its beautiful outdoor scenery!! Indeed, it was our favorite scenic drive and hike. There was nobody at Rifle Falls, so the State Park felt like ours only that day. Just Nick and I and mother nature, of course! The drive was out of a fantasy movie with gentle snow falling on our heads and no high winds. There were other frozen waterfalls, but the primary one was this main massive one!!! It was the talk of the town and mentioned throughout blogs online. We wore Shoe spikes to not slip on the harsh ice and carried Trekking Poles throughout the entire hike. There was plenty of parking and we definitely recommend layering up on clothing. Rifle Falls has a lot of spacious caves, tunnels, hills and you're able to take advantage of touching the frozen waterfalls. It is the perfect photography spot. We enjoyed every minute of this hike. I was happily impressed read more

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Beautiful park! The waterfalls are just a very short walk from the parking lot. If anyone is taking a trip through the Rocky Mountains this is worth a stop! read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

The hubby told us this was on the way to our timeshare so we took a long detour. I'm so glad we did. This is a campground with very limited spots, and even less parking for day use. We were lucky enough to find a spot to park. It's only $7 per car but well worth it. There are pit toilets (better than squatting in the bushes) and quite a few water faucets. There are also signs to help you identify local plants and trees. But the star of the show are the waterfalls. Ok, and also the caves. And yes, one of the falls is fed by a pipe, but do you really care when it's 90+ degrees outside and it still looks beautiful? I didn't. The caves are another way to escape the heat. There are many of them, of different sizes and shapes. You can walk into them, sit and relax til you cool off. Really fun for kids. The trail to the top and around the waterfall has some very steep spots so keep your kiddos close. I'm out of shape with a bad back and limited mobility in one leg, but I was able to complete the whole loop. Oh yea, the falls. Going behind them and looking down is a real treat. Very photo worthy. There is a bench tucked away to the right of the falls under some nice shade trees. It's a great place to escape the crowds if it's as busy as it was when we went. Best part of the park? Dipping your toes in the water and watching the fish swim by! read more

Born and raised in Colorado and never heard of this gem. Easy walk up to the three beautiful waterfalls. Caves, hikes, and a nice stream full of trout. As always, the park rangers were friendly and informative. The only negative thing was lack of recycle bins, which really shouldn't be necessary if people could be just a little bit responsible and take out what they bring in. We did that for them since the rangers have real work to do. read more

This is a beautiful place, affordable, and there are friendly people greeting you and helping you find parking. It takes quite a while from the highway to get to, and the roads are pretty wind-y but it's pretty. The other Yelp reviews helped me a lot to decide to give it a try- they are right- it's a very short walk to the falls so it's a quick reward of a walk. Your admission allows you to get into all three local state parks- we only tried this one because of timing but that is a great deal. read more

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I visited this park on a weekday in October and there were very few people there. There was nobody at the entrance station, so I had to pay the $8 entrance fee using the self service station. Bring exact change in case that happens to you. You can also write a check if you like. Drive up to the second parking lot and it's a very short walk up to the base of the falls. So if all you want to do is see the falls you will not be there long. However, it is actually quite a nice spot. There's three waterfalls that all come down together at the same place, which is quite unusual and very picturesque. read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

Costly and out of the way at-least it was quite. 28 dollars paid to the state for a gravel parking spot. read more

Rifle Falls State Park - My truck in the parking spot. - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

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This park is gorgeous! There's a bunch of windy roads on the way to find it but it was still easy to find using the map on my phone. We pulled in and used the self pay envelopes, $7, which was totally worth it. I came with my mom, 2 aunts and my pooch. The trails were all easy enough for them and the caves and falls were just short walk to get to from the parking area. We only stayed for about 1.5 hrs but the caves were so fun to explore and the waterfalls were beautiful! I'd love to come back, camp and explore more! There was also an amphitheater that looked really neat too. I highly recommend the trip to see this park, it's family and pup friendly! read more

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This place was great. Went end of July with 3 adults and 7 kids ranging in age from 2.5- 11 . First thing- get there before 11- it may be hard to find parking. The waterfalls are about 1/4 mile in and it's pretty flat. From there you can climb to the top of the waterfalls and explore some caves. The kids loved it!! They were all able to keep up- even the 2.5 yr old ( I only had to put her on my shoulders A couple times). We spent about 2-3 hrs there taking pictures and exploring. Perfect amount of time before it got too hot. One thing we loved about it was you didn't have to go far for the reward like with other hikes. Next time- we will bring s lunch and hang out a little longer! read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

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We were looking for a nice easy hike since we spent a whole day on the top of the mountains in Vail the day before and wanted to see something different. This one caught my eyes because of the ice caves so we decided to make the 1.5 hr or so drive from Eagle to Rifle. The drive was fairly easy and I'm surprised how well they keep the roads plowed, even in the park! We were able to drive straight to the start of the hike and park on the side of the road. Nobody was here, minus 1-2 cars down below by the falls - the ice caves are marked and are a little further up the road. The scenery, if you want to be one with nature, was beautiful. A perfect magical winter wonderland. Be careful walking in the ice caves though, it is slippery and my bf ended up falling inside. But the colors from the other side are blue and spectacular! I ended up scooting on my bum all the way across the ice! LOL! We never really made it to the upper ice caves, I think we were close but it was slippery so wear grippy shoes or bring poles! Especially in the snow! We had fun nonetheless and enjoyed our short time here - especially the drive from Eagle.. it was all snow covered mountain roads. Beautiful! read more

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This place is like the Central Park Zoo compared to the Bronx Zoo. Smaller, but contains all the best animals and can be seen efficiently. Waterfalls aren't too from the parking lot and a full hike up and around can be done in an hour - strolling along. We also went for a nice swim in the falls with our dog. Perfect. My only complaint were the other visitors that I saw littering, shame on you. Leave no footprint peeps. read more

Beautiful state park. Beautiful falls. Great trails, great hiking, great rock climbing (judging from the # of climbers...can't claim to know first hand). Not such a big fan of the COMPLETE lack of O2, however. Rifle Falls really needs to work on that. :-) read more

Beautiful short hike! The trail includes little caves and a full 360 degree view of the falls. read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Caves - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

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Awesome rock climbing and water falls! Nice options for camping as well :) read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

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Highly recommend a visit to this park. A short drive from the town of Rifle and only a $7 entry per car. The falls are beautiful and are a short walk from the parking lot. There are campsites close on the way in with crates for BBQing. read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Valley view from the top - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

I am in Rifle on business for a few days and the owner of the motel I'm staying at recommended Rifle Falls State Park for a nice diversion during a couple of spare hours. I took the short drive out to the park, and was amazed at what I found. What a hidden gem! I've traveled extensively all over Colorado but this was the first time I'd ever even heard of Rifle Falls! Shame on me. The main attraction is a set of triple water falls that are just splendid to look at and listen to. This park lets you get up close and personal, walking right up to the base of the falls and experience the thundering sound and the feel of the mist. The place is lush and beautiful because of this constant mist. There's a short trail that takes you around the base of the falls and parallel to a series of limestone caves that are awe-inspiring. Step inside one and you feel an immediate drop in temperature. Surreal experience, and so cool! The trail takes you all the way up to the very top of the falls, where the view unfolds below you in panoramic beauty. The park is very well kept and would be great for a family picnic or a camping trip. They have tent camp sites and RV sites. Lots of other trails around the falls that I didn't have time to take, but I'll be back! read more

Rifle Falls State Park - A view from the top of Rifle Falls. - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

$7 It's beautiful and short. One of the waterfalls comes from a pipe. I didn't read up on why this is, but my reaction was disappointment upon discovery. Regardless, I can easily see the benefits of this park if you have young children or don't want a physical challenge. The park attendant was very kind. You literally park, walk 5 mins and boom... waterfalls and caves! It's cool enough. :) read more

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I am a frequent visitor, this little gem is off the beaten, has some sick little falls, and is a great place for some serious unwinding. The Winnebago area is segregated from the tent camping area-- this is easily one of the greatest things about RFSP. You don't have to listen to their douchey fucking generators. Many of the campsites are bordered by the little babbling brook coming down from the falls, and further you get from the entrance they better they get. The tail end of the sites (#20?) is idyllic: secluded and quiet, except for the creek which wraps around the site. Reserve this one early, its absolutely worth it. read more

Normally beautiful, but drove out there yesterday only to find it closed due to construction. people were walking around the barriers killing all the grass along the creek and creating muddy pathways where there shouldn't be any paths. So sad read more

On our unplanned vacation through Colorado this place caught our eye. It's about 15-20 min outside of Rifle, CO and was totally worth the drive. Our vacation was in the middle of January and this place was the first official place I got to play in the snow! We payed our $7 and found a place to park then just took off down the trails. We weren't sure how much hiking we would be able to do it in the thick snow but the trails were carved out and there were several other people there so it was still a great place to unwind but you weren't completely alone. The falls were magnificent in the snow and ice and it was so much fun walking the trail that ended up circling the falls. Definitely a sweet little stop and lots of fun in the winter time! read more

Rifle Falls State Park - Standing behind the falls at Rifle Falls State Park! - Parks Near Me - Rifle, Colorado

Here's a nice place to walk around and take some pictures. We didn't quite know what to expect, but what we got was a couple of hours of entertainment. A very short hike led to 3 nice waterfalls all in a row. We took lots of pictures. All around the waterfalls were little caves that supposedly had bats in them. Since we were there in the middle of the day, we didn't see any. We hiked up around and to the top (1/3 mile) and got a different perspective. Had a picnic there. Just a pleasant place to spend a little time. Kids loved the caves :) read more

Heads up: triple water fall is man made. Hopefully that won't bother you, but they use it for marketing, so,I was expecting natural falls. It's a nice small area, the walk to the top is nice. Nice place to visit if you're in the area. read more

The Rifle Falls State Park is a huge, expansive park located about 15 miles north of the I-70 freeway in Rifle, CO that costs $7/day to visit and is brimming with your favorite creepy crawly bugs (at least it was in early June, 2015). There are camping sites, valleys, mountains, big trails, small bodies of water, and some pretty waterfalls to visit, and fairly lush greenery everywhere. Lots of photo opportunities here! read more