Enjoy A Full Day Of Family-Friendly Fun: Rifle Falls State Park

Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

After a day of hiking and fishing, visitors can fall asleep under the stars with the sound of the creek in their ears at one of the 13 electric campsites or seven walk-in campsites. While the walk-in sites are for tent camping only, the drive-in campsites accommodate tents, trailers, motor homes and pick-up campers, which make for perfect winter-time camping. After just a short drive off I-70, adventurers and families alike can escape to unexpectedly lush scenery not far from the interstate. Whether you are looking to break a sweat by hiking to the waterfalls or learn about Colorado trout with the kids at the fish hatchery, Rifle Falls State Park is a perfect family-friendly activity for all ages. Grab your snacks, water, sunscreen and camera, and head to any of the three beautiful hiking trails located in the park.

“It is great hiking,” says Rifle Falls manager Brian Palcer. “The trails are not terribly long, so they are great for families of all ages.

Coyote Trail is the most popular of the hiking trails, which circles the waterfalls. For those hoping for a bit longer adventure, visitors can conquer the 2-mile round trip Bobcat Trail, which leads you to one of the largest trout production fish hatcheries in Colorado.

During your time on the trails, nature lovers can view a variety of plants and wildlife. Plant lovers can see a variety of trees, while the animal lovers are sure to spot mule deer, turkey and ringtail. Mountain lions, bears and the rare black swift birds are also known to be found in the area. Although there have never been any issues with the wildlife in Rifle Falls State Park, visitors should always remember to leave the park better than they find it by cleaning up after themselves.

With a total of 42 acres in the park, there is a lot to do in a small area. “The trail system is pretty easy to navigate, and we have hiking, wildlife viewing and 20 campsites at Rifle Falls,” says Palcer. “You can fish in the creek and in the two ponds just above Rifle Falls.

Sightseeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and camping are all popular activities at Rifle Falls State Park year-round. The three 70-footwaterfalls provide excellent photographic opportunities during both summer and winter months. With several new improvements made to the hiking trails, the falls are still accessible in the winter months, without being required to wear snowshoes.

“We did make a bunch of trail improvements last year and, hopefully, that will mitigate some of the difficulties of winter hiking,” explains Palcer. The parking lot was moved closer to the waterfalls and the steps up to the falls are now more stable, less steep and offer railings for extra safety, which will be helpful for those with mobility issues.

Although it is not required to make a reservation to be able to enjoy the activities at Rifle Falls State Park, the trails can become extremely busy on summer weekends, and guests visit on a first-come, first-served basis. If the hiking trails do hit capacity, guests are still welcomed and encouraged to visit the fish hatchery while waiting for the crowds to slow down. The hatchery, which is one of the largest trout production hatcheries in Colorado, is upstream of Rifle Falls and can be reached by hiking the Bobcat Trail or by continuing up Highway 325. Keep in mind, park visitors are required to provide a parking pass, and all pets must be on a leash in the park.

For more information on the many family-friendly activities at Rife Falls State Park, visit cpw.state.co.us.

Originally published in the Spring 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.