HIKING

Rifle offers some of the most unique and picturesque hiking opportunities in the state of Colorado.

Some of the most popular trails are Rifle Falls, Rifle Arch, and RIfle Riparian Zone.  Additional hiking trails are Three Forks Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, and Hubbard Mesa Trails.

Rifle Riparian Zone Trails

Ther Rifle Riparian Zone is one of the most unique and beautiful locations in Western Colorado.  The area features a variety of cascading waterfalls amongst the green and lush vegetation.  The area is directly between Rifle Falls and Rifle Fish Hatchery, with the hiking trails running parallel to the creek and alongside ponds.

Rifle Arch Trail

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 and the Battlements. The hike can be extremely hot in the summer months, so hikers should carry plenty of water and have appropriate footwear. Dogs are allowed.

Rifle Falls Trail

About 15-20 minutes from Rifle is Rifle Falls, a 48-acre park that features a 70-foot waterfall with three prominent cascading falls that turn the area into a mountain oasis in the middle of the western slope. There are three trails that you can hike at Rifle Falls for all ability levels.  The Rifle Falls trail goes completely around the waterfalls and feature caves for spelunking opportunities, ponds above the falls, and viewing areas from the top.  The Squirrel Trail takes hikers on the south end of the park and the Coyote Trail connects the Rifle Fish Hatchery with Rifle Falls.