Coulter Lake Coulter Lake is a pristine mountain lake three miles into the White River National Forest, north of Rifle. Accompanying the lake is a small guest ranch open year round to guests looking for real western adventure. The ranch offers trail riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling and more. View Real Western Adventure Map View Flat Tops Area
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…
West Mamm Creek Trailhead Length: 12 miles out-and-back (shorter hikes on this trail are still worthwhile) Elevation gain: 2,700 feet (7,840 feet to 10,500 feet) The West Mamm Creek Trail is a hiking trail that climbs into the Mamm Peaks region (also called Battlement Mesa) from the east. Only a 15 minute drive from Rifle, it begins in aspen trees and ends…
Three Forks Trail The Three Forks Trail is a great hike or mountain bike ride close to Rifle Mountain Park. The trail follows a fork of Rifle Creek into aspen and evergreen forests for several miles. It eventually meets up with other trails and jeep roads that lead further into the Flat Tops. To get to the trailhead from Rifle,…
North Slopes of Hogback Trail Length: 5 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: 1700 feet (starts at 6,100 feet and ends at 7,800 feet) This hike is perhaps the least known yet most pristine example of the classic Rifle landscape of sagebrush and cactus hills, dry washes, mature pinyons and juniper forests, and the craggy Grand Hogback. A crossing of West Rifle…
Morrow Draw Trail The Morrow Draw Trail is .75 mile gravel trail that winds through the Morrow Draw Open Space. Patches of woods, meadows, and flowing streams are frequented by a variety of wildlife. It’s a natural oasis in the middle of town. Visitors can enjoy views of the magnificent Roan Plateau from the two sitting areas along the trail.…
The Mamm Peaks The Mamm Peaks are located approximately 8 miles south of Rifle in the White River National Forest. They can be accessed from a number of different points. From the west, visitors can access the Mamm Peak roadless area and the Battlement Reservoirs via Interstate 70 at Parachute. Cross the Colorado River on Garfield County Road (CR) 300…
Lions Pond and Trails Lions Pond sits beneath the majestic Roan Plateau and adjacent to the Colorado River. Lions Pond is located right off of I-70 at Exit 90 in Rifle. Originally, the pond was a gravel pit that was created in the early 70’s when the interstate was being built. Visitors are encouraged to spend the day fishing for…
Hadley Gulch Trail The Hadley Gulch trail is a nice hiking trail leading into the Flat Tops area. It is 5.0 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 603 and ends at Forest Road 653. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking and Horseback Riding. From Rifle, go east to New Castle (15 miles) exit 105. Turn left…
Estes Gulch Trail Length: 1.25 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: minimal The Estes Gulch Trail is a short hike into a Hogback canyon with cool rock formations and fantastic mining ruins. We won’t post pictures here to leave the surprise for your trip. Biking or hiking the dirt road from the highway turnoff can make this a longer excursion if so…