+ 19
Rifle Falls
Hiking Trail
Details
0.61 mi
100 ft
This incredible triple waterfall rockets off a sheer cliff in the bottom of a verdant valley.
In the midst of the arid landscape found on Colorado's Western Slope, Rifle Falls is an oasis of green. This 70-foot triple waterfall sprays showers of mist all year long from where it crashes onto the rocks, providing sustenance to an array of trees, grasses, and other greenery.
This incredible natural feature has been protected by a Colorado State Park, which sees a steady stream of visitors eager to hike to the waterfall. The hike to the base of the falls is short, but you can also embark on an entertaining loop that climbs to the top of the small hillside, crosses a bridge over the very top of the waterfall, and loops back down. That loop route is shown here.
Shortly after passing the falls themselves, you'll traverse along the bottom of the limestone cliffs, which are pocked by a series of caves. You can simply poke your head inside, or if you're a true spelunker, more adventurous exploration awaits.
The climb to the top of the falls is fairly steep, following a series of rock steps. However, the maintenance and trail building has turned this into a non-technical staircase-style climb. Most everyone should be able to complete this climb and this loop, as long as you take your time.
Once on top of the hill, you'll enjoy beautiful vantage points looking out over the state park, the waterfalls, and further off to Western Colorado's rugged beauty. The section of the trail near the top of the waterfall is particularly scenic, with several extended viewpoints providing beautiful views of the waterfalls themselves.
Finally, you'll drop back down the hill toward the base of the falls to complete this easy but engaging 0.6-mile loop hike. Written by Greg Heil
In the midst of the arid landscape found on Colorado's Western Slope, Rifle Falls is an oasis of green. This 70-foot triple waterfall sprays showers of mist all year long from where it crashes onto the rocks, providing sustenance to an array of trees, grasses, and other greenery.
This incredible natural feature has been protected by a Colorado State Park, which sees a steady stream of visitors eager to hike to the waterfall. The hike to the base of the falls is short, but you can also embark on an entertaining loop that climbs to the top of the small hillside, crosses a bridge over the very top of the waterfall, and loops back down. That loop route is shown here.
Shortly after passing the falls themselves, you'll traverse along the bottom of the limestone cliffs, which are pocked by a series of caves. You can simply poke your head inside, or if you're a true spelunker, more adventurous exploration awaits.
The climb to the top of the falls is fairly steep, following a series of rock steps. However, the maintenance and trail building has turned this into a non-technical staircase-style climb. Most everyone should be able to complete this climb and this loop, as long as you take your time.
Once on top of the hill, you'll enjoy beautiful vantage points looking out over the state park, the waterfalls, and further off to Western Colorado's rugged beauty. The section of the trail near the top of the waterfall is particularly scenic, with several extended viewpoints providing beautiful views of the waterfalls themselves.
Finally, you'll drop back down the hill toward the base of the falls to complete this easy but engaging 0.6-mile loop hike. Written by Greg Heil
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