Rifle Falls
In northwestern Colorado, Rifle Falls flow within the Rifle Falls State Park boundaries. This natural wonder attracts many tourists to cool off the summer heat, take photos, camp, or enjoy a quaint nature walk. When seasons change, the vegetation offers alternative views of the beautiful waterfalls. The triple waterfall is an excellent place for hikers and campers to stop and have a lunch break.
Geography And Geology Of Rifle Falls
A scenic drive through the Colorado Rockies, three hours west of Denver, can take travelers to this beautiful nature park. Rifle Falls State Park covers an area of 48 acres inside Garfield County, Colorado, with the closest towns being Rifle, Silt, and New Castle. The grand Rifle Falls pour over a 70-foot cliff on East Rifle Creek. Under the falls, strange limestone caves entice cavers and curious visitors to explore their shadowy depths.
History Of Rifle Falls
Rifle Falls has attracted wonderers dating back as far as 1884. A local rancher on the property had started charging a fee to experience the falls and the caves. In 1890, Zerbe Resort opened to the public, providing cabins for backpackers who wanted to stay near the falls. It wasn't until 1910 when the Rifle Hydro Electric Plant installed a hydro dam to harvest the energy of the waterfalls. The town of Rifle purchased the power plant and operated it from 1915 to 1952. Finally, the state park opened in 1966, which became a recreational area and a picture-perfect experience to witness a tropical landscape in the dry state of Colorado.
Rifle Falls Hike
This dog-friendly trek is excellent for solo travelers, friends, and families to see Colorado's beauty. The trail is just 160 meters long, with an elevation gain of 30 meters to the base of Rifle Falls. The hike is entirely paved and wheelchair friendly. Visitors must pay admission to the park unless they are Colorado State Park Pass holders. The state park's parking lot can fill up incredibly fast on weekends and summer holidays, and park rangers sometimes must turn away visitors because of this issue.
