Take This Easy Trail To An Amazing Triple Waterfall In Colorado
By Megan Shute|Published March 27, 2019
×
Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
There’s little we love more than exploring Colorado’s beautiful state parks. With more than 40 state parks that draw nearly 11 million visitors each year full of hiking trails and picturesque landscapes, it can be hard to choose a favorite… until now, that is. Today, we’re headed to Garfield County, northeast of Rifle, where you will find Rifle Falls State Park, and within it, a short and sweet trail that leads to a magnificent triple waterfall that’s sure to leave you speechless. Lace up those hiking boots – adventure awaits.
The crown jewel of the stunning 48-acre Rifle Falls State Park is, unsurprisingly, Rifle Falls. This hidden gem cascades nearly 70 feet off of a limestone cliff face into a segmented, triple waterfall.
Measuring in at just 0.1 miles, the trail from the parking lot to Rifle Falls is so short, we can barely call it a hike. It’s also paved and handicap accessible, making this one natural wonder that should be on everyone’s Colorado bucket list.
In addition to the stunning Rifle Falls, this small state park is home to a few small caves, three species of bats, as well as mule deer, elk, and coyote. There are also camping and picnic sites, two miles of scenic hiking trails, restrooms, and potable water.
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, consider embarking on the 1-mile trail that leads up and around the top of the falls. The trail is fairly steep and rocky but provides a unique perspective of the waterfall, several caves to explore, and even a rock ledge behind one of the cascades that offers a misty yet magical view of the falls.
What are you waiting for? Gas up the car, lace up your hiking boots, and drive to the unforgettable Rifle Falls. Just don’t forget your camera — this ethereal beauty is a favorite among amateur and professional photographers alike, and it’s easy to see why.
Rifle Falls State Park is located at 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO 81650, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Have you ever visited this stunning series of cascades before? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
If you love waterfall hikes as much as we do, you’ll want to check out this epic bucket list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.