Rifle Riparian Zone

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 the Riparian Zone to Rifle Falls State Park on the south side. One of the primary trails is the Coyote Trail that connects the Riparian Zone to Rifle Falls by following Rifle Creek. This area is truly a hidden gem on the Western Slope.

Directions to the Rifle Riparian Zone:

Head north of Rifle 1-mile and make a right on Hwy 325 at Fireside Lanes Bowling Alley. It is exactly 10.8 miles from the start of Hwy 325 to the Riparian Zone, and you’ll pass Rifle Creek Golf Course, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Rifle Falls State Park en route to the Riparian Zone. The parking area to the Riparian Zone is approximately 1/2 mile south of the Rifle Fish Hatchery.