Rifle Falls in Colorado is a place we have been wanting to do some exploring at. We decided to check it out during our fall 2020 trip. Although it was a bit out of the way, it was easy to find and it was a good place for us to stretch our legs. This was a bit more than half way between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah.
Location
Since we were traveling West on Interstate 70, we took the New Castle exit and headed North. From there we followed Co Rd 225 and Co Rd 226 for about 15 miles. We turned on to Co Rd 325 for another 6 miles. It took us about 35 minutes to get there. Despite the easy directions, at times we wondered where in the world we were. We drove though some pretty but very rural areas with not many road signs. Nonetheless, google directed us to the right spot.
Rifle Falls State Park
Rifle Falls State Park is a small park about 3 1/2 miles west of Denver, Colorado and about 3 hours from Moab, Utah. The park includes a 70 foot waterfall, caves, hiking and there is also camping.
Exploring Rifle Falls
The hike to Rifle Falls is 0.2 miles from the parking lot, in general, it is an easy out and back hike. The hike above the falls is a 1.5 mile loop and pretty easy but there is a bit of elevation with steps. It includes a climb up and behind the falls and then over the falls and down the other side.
The falls were spectacular, in addition, not many people were there.
First we took the trail to the left which led along and also behind the falls. It was spectacular although slippery.
Back down the path we again marveled at the falls and followed the path to the right for a different view of the falls.
Next, we decided we would continue on the hike and follow the path over the falls. First we passed some small caves. In general, the path was not bad, mostly dirt covered and there were some steps.
At the the top we hiked through a field and past a couple of lakes before reaching the falls.
Finally we were on top of the falls, there were lookout areas with great scenery below.
We again passed behind the falls as we continued to the bottom. All in all, I would say we spent about an hour here. Enough time to stretch our legs before continuing on to Moab, Utah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we really enjoyed exploring Rifle Falls in Colorado and the hike was fun also. Even though it was a bit off our our Interstate path, we thought is was worth the extra time.
Follow more of our Colorado adventures at these links:
Jeeping
Crystal Mill, Colorado October 2020
Hikes
The Grottos Trail, Aspen, Colorado October 2020
Silver Lake, Telluride, Colorado October 2020
Odessa and Fern Lakes Aug 2020
St Mary’s Glacier Hike Aug 2017
Ghost Towns
Independence, Colorado October 2020
Road Trips
Our Rocky Mountain National Park Trip Aug 2018
My Favorite Colorado Road Trip Aug 2016
Those waterfalls are gorgeous! Hope we get to visit there some day.
They really were spectacular!
Excellent as always
Thank you!
Beautiful scenery and it looks like a nice fall day for a hike. Great to be able to walk behind the falls. We di this behind a massive waterfall in Iceland. We were soaked, but the experience was worth it. Thanks for sharing Lori. Stay well. Allan
We really enjoyed this off the beaten path spot! Walking behind the falls was pretty amazing! Thanks for reading!! Stay safe!! Lori
Some beautiful vistas and great little falls. It’s spring, and there’s probably not a better place to be than on a trail.
Agreed
Did you all ever sleep on this trip, or just waited until you got home? Seeing these blue skies and warmer looking temps spring can not come too soon this year to the Midwest. Stay safe. jerry
Lol. We did sleep! Some nights we were to bed by 8!! I do believe Steve made the comment that it was nice to go back to work so he could relax!! Lol!
What a beautiful falls and such a short hike to reach them! Not sure I’ll ever be there so nice to see your pictures!
The falls were great! Love that they are close to the parking lot so most people can get to them!!
It looks beautiful! That water is so blue 🙂
The falls were very beautiful!! We enjoyed this little trek!
What a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Thanks for reading!! Lori
that sounds like the perfect length of a hike for me, and the scenery is spectacular!
It was a great spot to stretch our legs!!
Certainly spectacular falls! Looks like the vegetation was also very abundant. Going a bit out of your way to explore a place is always worth it. 🙂
I agree! This was definitely well worth the extra miles!
Going on the list! Love the picture of the falls
It was a lot of fun!!
Beautiful views, gorgeous waterfalls!
It was a very pretty place!
I wish I were there. So pretty! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to travel
again!
I hear you!
So pretty. I’ll have to keep this in my mental filing cabinet.
We enjoyed it!!
Beautiful! Another stop to add to our to-do list!
It was really a fun place to explore!!
How awesome!