FISHING Fishing Rifle is located in the center of the bulls-eye for some of the best trout fishing in the country. Rifle sits on the banks of the Colorado River and although the river is starting to transition to warm-water species as it flows westward past town, there are still large brown and rainbow trout in the immediate area.…
Rifle Riparian Zone https://vimeo.com/500254395%20 The Riparian Zone is located just south of the fish hatchery and features hiking trails, a series of small cascading falls, and beautiful fishing ponds, all along Rifle Creek. Rifle Creek is loaded with trout in this area and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. The hiking trails connect the Rifle Fish Hatchery on the north side of…
Rifle GAP DAM Rifle Gap Dam is about 5 1/2 miles north of Rifle, at a point where Rifle Creek cuts through the Grand Hogback. The dam was built between 1964 and 1967 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation water storage. The dam is operated by the Silt Water Conservancy District and creates Rifle Gap Reservoir. The…
THE Flat Tops The region is a high plateau filled with forests, meadows, hills, canyons, valleys, and spectacular views of DISTANT mountain ranges. The name Flat Tops refers to a large region of the White River National Forest northeast of Rifle. Contrary to their name, the western Flat Tops nearest Rifle are not actually flat. More accessible than its wilderness…
Rifle Creek Valley Follow Rifle Creek as it spills out of the Flat Tops and into the ranchlands and communities below. This trip highlights the best of Rifle. And bring your toys! With three State Parks (Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, and Harvey Gap) Rifle Mountain Park, Rifle Creek Golf Course, and endless BLM and Forest Service lands, you can spend…
Roan Plateau Area The Roan Plateau rises 4,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley. From Rifle, the view of the Roan Plateau is the imposing Bookcliffs and Anvil Points. A drive or bike ride up to the top of the plateau offers so much more. The top of the Roan a wonderland of stunning views, deep canyons, waterfalls, aspen forests,…
Harvey Gap State Park Swimming and Picnic Area A GREAT WAY TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT Harvey Gap is a 198 acre reservoir featuring great opportunities for fishing, swimming, and stand-up-paddleboarding. Motorized boats are allowed with a 20 HP maximum and there is a boat ramp on the east side of the lake. Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass,…
Rifle Fish Hatchery The Rifle fish hatchery is the largest state-owned and operated trout production hatchery in Colorado and produces rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout. The fish hatchery is open 8 am – 4 pm year-round, and includes a Visitor Center and viewing room, “Feed The Fish” food dispensers (requires quarters), and a fishing pond for kids. The hatchery…
Rifle Boat Ramp The new Rifle Boat Ramp was opened to the public in November 2016. The location has been moved west from the old boat ramp, closer to the Rest Area. It offers an easier and safer take-out for boaters, as well as a 2/3 mile Colorado River Trail to enjoy this scenic part of the Colorado River. View…
Meadow Lake A Beautiful Destination in the Flat Tops Meadow Lake is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from New Castle on the Buford Road (CR 245). The campground is on the northwest side of the lake. Fishing is available with a valid Colorado fishing license. This area is a popular ATV basecamp for trips throughout the Flat Tops. No…