Rifle Arch AREA

The Rifle Arch Trail is an easy to moderate hiking trail leading to a stunning sandstone arch formation.

Located north of Rifle off of Highway 13. Hikers should head north on Railroad Ave., which becomes Highway 13, for approximately 6.5 miles. You will find the trailhead and parking on the right side of the road at mile marker 7. The trail is roughly 1.5 miles long and hikers should allow between 1 and 3 hours roundtrip. The trail winds through sagebrush flats and pinyon and juniper forests. When hikers arrive at the arch they have the option to view it from a bench below or attempt the steep and rocky climb to the arch’s interior. Hikers who choose to make the ascent into the arch will be treated to breathtaking views of the Colorado River valley, the east face of the Roan Plateau and the Mamm Peaks. The hike can be extremely hot in the summer months, so hikers should carry plenty water and have appropriate footwear. Dogs are allowed.