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All the United States Colorado Rifle Falls
AO Edited

Rifle Falls

You might want to bring a rain jacket to this travertine triple waterfall.

Rifle, Colorado

Added By
Mike Walker
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Rifle Falls would look right at home in the Pacific Northwest.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Rifle Falls would look right at home in the Pacific Northwest.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
There are a number of limestone caves to explore near the falls.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Humans were responsible for splitting this one waterfall into three.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Look for the alcove behind the falls.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Just a short distance from the desert vistas that dominate western Colorado, Rifle Falls feels as though it would be more at home in Hawaii or the Pacific Northwest. Three powerful waterfalls tumble side by side over a travertine dam, spilling 70 feet into the pool below. Fed by a seemingly limitless supply of water, lush mosses, wildflowers, and other plants give the scene a verdant vibrance.

Rifle Falls has worn many hats throughout its history. In the 19th century, the river was used as a source of water for crop irrigation. In 1910, the city of Rifle built a hydroelectric plant above the falls. This process ended up splitting what was once one large waterfall into the three falls seen today. Later, a fish hatchery was opened further upstream. Finally, in 1966, Rifle Falls was opened as a Colorado state park.

In addition to the falls, there are a number of limestone caves to explore. The largest extends over fifty feet, and requires a flashlight and an affinity for tight spaces to navigate. There’s even a few on a ledge behind the falls themselves, which is constantly engulfed in a fine mist.

Be prepared to get a little damp.

Related Tags

Nature Hiking Waterfalls

Know Before You Go

There is a $10 entry fee for vehicles and $4 for individuals on foot or bike. This can be paid at a booth at the park entrance, or a self-service station when the booth is closed. The fish hatchery is still in operation, and is about a mile’s hike upstream.

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mikewalker

Published

January 31, 2025

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Rifle Falls
Rifle, Colorado, 81650
United States
39.677634, -107.698629
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