Colorado State Parks: Rifle Falls - The Tropics of the Rocky Mountains - Colorado Waterfalls

A hidden gem nestled into the mountains outside of Rifle, Colorado is a place of wonder. Somewhat mysteriously the Tropics exist in a small realm in the middle of the Colorado High Country, offering a scene straight from a National Geographic's rainforest waterfall calendar.

Three individual 80 foot waterfalls cascade from the ledges above, gathering into a small pool before running down the small valley. The gentle roaring ambiance of the waterfalls smacking the mossy rock below is relaxing and alluring.

Green shrubs and vibrant Colorado Wildflowers share home with this special place. Small chipmunks scurry the landscape and some mountain water snakes take bath in the cool waters of Rifle Falls.

Turkey vultures, mule deer, great blue herons, a deciduous riparian forest and wetlands keep a watchful eye out at Rifle Falls State Park.

Spend a day, or a few nights here at Rifle Falls. Breathe in the Colorado air, and take a hike with your dog around the park. Rifle Falls will leave you with a unexpected memory.

Behind the waterfalls lies another world. A dark, cool world carved into the rocks caused by thousands of years of water erosion, creates small caves that dig into the cliffs surrounded the falls.

The white limestone rock that resides here is fragile and carved by only time. Rifle Falls has been attracting visitors since 1883 and today still offers a unique experience that seems out of place.

Some tight squeezes are the only way into this underworld. These small caves are pitch black, lacking any light for your eyes to grab hold. Take a lantern and prepare to get down on your hands and knees to get a full experience as a few Spelunkers report the narrow passages go into the mountains a few hundred feet.

On both sides of Rifle Falls you'll find these openings to explore.

The water at Rifle Falls is clean. The waters are crystal clear and taste like the high country. Just miles from the source of fresh Rocky Mountain runoff as the snowcapped peaks slowly melt off the into the streams filtered by limestone, one of nature's purest water treatments.

Take advantage of this limited experience of actually being at a waterfall you can touch. Climb up to the base of the falls and take a refreshing natural shower in some of the Colorado goodness. Children can splash around in the natural pool and mildly flowing stream for a break from the heat on a hot Colorado Summer day.

Bring water with you. You'll end up exploring a little longer than you expected - Up, around, inside... Bring some light and bring your camera to prove that you've seen the Tropics of Colorado.

Because of the misty spray of the waterfall, the surrounding trees are richly green and lush.  Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails that lead up, around, and down the creek at Rifle Falls.

Enjoy the views from trails like the Bobcat Trail, the Squirrel Trail, or the Coyote Trail.  Pets are permitted on these trails that offer views of the falls below you.  Bring your flashlight as you may find an entrance into another small limestone cave.

As far back as it has been recorded, James Watson created Rifle Falls Ranch in 1884 and shared visitors an admission to explore the falls and caves. From 1890 - 1922, a local business man creates cabins to share with overnight travelers to the area.

But is was in 1910 when the town of Rifle, CO discovered the power of Hydroelectric energy of which they built and supplied hydroelectric power to their town with the aid of Rifle Falls. It was operated by Public Service until 1952 and became a Colorado State Park in 1966, carrying that same title today.

Rifle Falls State Park:

Rifle Falls State Park offers its visitors 13 drive-in & 7 walk-in campsites. These sites rest next to East Rifle Creek. Guests can spend and share a lunch on any of the picnic tables, learn some new information with the interpretive signs, and enjoy the view with improved handicapped access.

RV camping is popular in the few spaces at Rifle falls make it a little easier with electricity at many campsites. Facilities are on site.

Rifle Falls State Park:

Park Office

5775 Highway 325

Rifle, CO 81650

Park Hours

5 AM-10 PM,anglers and campers have 24 hour access

Phone

970-625-1607

Park Passes

Daily Vehicle pass: $7
12-Month Annual Pass: $70.00
12-Month Aspen Leaf Pass (Colorado Senior Citizens 64 and over) $35.00

Camping Fees

Electric site: $20 per day October-April, $22 per day May-September
Basic site: $16 per day October-April, $18 per day May-September
Aspen Leaf pass holders receive discounted camping fees from Sunday night through Thursday night excluding holidays.

Group Facilities

Event Area Rental: $120 per day. (This is not for group picnics – there are no tables at the site. It is only an event area rental)
Conference Room in Visitor Center rental: $100 per day.