Right now
Right now as of Oct 28, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $10-$17 per vehicle.
Status note (Oct 28, 2026): Open. CPW's park page said there were no closures when checked Oct 28, 2026. The campground stays open in winter at limited capacity, by reservation. What the status labels mean
Rifle Falls is a triple waterfall on East Rifle Creek in Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Rifle Falls State Park, and CPW calls them three 60-foot waterfalls. A daily vehicle pass costs $10-$12 for Colorado plates and $15-$17 for out-of-state plates. The Coyote Trail is ADA accessible to the base. CPW's park page listed no closures on Oct 28, 2026.
About Rifle Falls
Rifle Falls is three falls side by side, spilling over a travertine dam on East Rifle Creek. CPW describes them as three 60-foot waterfalls. Wikipedia puts each fall at about 70 feet, so treat the height as approximate.
The caves
CPW says limestone caves sit beneath and behind the falls, and the smaller ones are open for visitors to explore. Wikipedia notes that the small caves are home to three bat species.
Rifle Falls became a state park in 1966, Wikipedia says. The park doesn't have its own visitor center: CPW runs the one that serves it at nearby Rifle Gap State Park, open daily from 8am to 4pm. The park phone number is 970-625-1607.
Getting there and parking
Rifle Falls State Park is about 14 miles from I-70 exit 90, at 5775 Highway 325, and each vehicle needs a daily or annual pass.
From I-70 at Rifle
CPW's directions start at I-70 exit 90 in Rifle. Drive north on Highway 13 for four miles, then turn right onto Highway 325 and drive 9.8 miles. That is about 14 miles from the interstate. Use 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650 for navigation.
CPW warns that summer is busy and parking can be limited, so consider arriving early in the day.
Passes and tickets
Every vehicle needs a pass, bought at the park; there are no timed tickets. CPW lists a daily vehicle pass at $10-$12 for Colorado plates and $15-$17 for out-of-state plates. On foot, by bike or on horseback, the individual daily pass is $4. CPW's page doesn't say which year these prices apply to.
Colorado residents can add the Keep Colorado Wild Pass for $29 when they renew their vehicle registration at the DMV. It lasts 12 months, and holders don't pay daily vehicle fees. CPW also lists an annual vehicle pass at $80 and a family annual pass at $120.
CPW sells discounted annual passes too: the Aspen Leaf pass ($70, residents 64 and older), the Centennial pass ($14, income-eligible) and the Columbine pass ($14, residents with disabilities).
CPW passes don't work everywhere. Helen Hunt Falls and Box Canyon Falls are city parks, so their own rules apply. For another Colorado option, see Seven Falls.
Camping at Rifle Falls
CPW says Rifle Falls State Park has 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites, 20 in all. Electricity is available at many of them; CPW doesn't give the amperage.
Walk-in tent sites and electric sites are available year-round. In winter the campground stays open at limited capacity, and winter sites are by reservation only.
CPW lists campsite fees of $22 to $36 per night, with a maximum of six people per site, as listed Oct 2026. Reserve up to six months ahead at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Listed amenities include a restroom, water hydrants, fire rings, picnic tables and an ADA-accessible campsite. CPW lists no showers and no maximum RV length.
Map and nearby falls
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Rifle Falls trails
CPW lists three non-paved trails. The Coyote Trail is 1.5 miles and is ADA accessible to the base of the falls. Beyond that point it climbs to and above the falls and passes the caves. CPW doesn't say whether the 1.5 miles is a loop or a round trip.
The Squirrel Trail is also 1.5 miles. It runs along East Rifle Creek, and CPW lists it as partly ADA accessible. The Bobcat Trail is 1 mile one way and heads toward the fish hatchery.
Leashed dogs are allowed on all three trails, CPW says. They are not allowed in the adjacent state wildlife area, so keep a dog on the park trails.
When to visit
The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm, and CPW shows no seasonal closure. On October 28, 2026, the CPW page said there were no closures.
Weather by season
Summer is the busy season, according to CPW, and that is when parking gets tight. We could not confirm a best month for water flow. Call the park at 970-625-1607 if you want current conditions before a long drive.
Winter visits
The campground stays open in winter at limited capacity, by reservation. CPW mentions goshawks and bald eagles among the winter birds. It gives no note on winter trail or ice conditions, so expect slick rock near the falls and call ahead.
When is the water highest?
At a USGS stream gauge right by the falls, the flow averages highest in May and lowest in February, based on 13 complete years of records between 1937 and 1963. These are older records from a gauge that no longer reports, so treat them as a rough seasonal guide.
Show the numbers
| Month | Average flow (cfs) |
|---|---|
| January | 32 |
| February | 31 |
| March | 32 |
| April | 34 |
| May | 59 |
| June | 53 |
| July | 44 |
| August | 39 |
| September | 39 |
| October | 36 |
| November | 35 |
| December | 34 |
| Height | 60 ftNote: each of three side-by-side falls; CPW says three 60-foot waterfalls, Wikipedia gives about 70 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Coyote Trail 1.5 mi, ADA accessible to the base of the falls; Squirrel Trail 1.5 mi; Bobcat Trail 1 mi one way (CPW) |
| Entry fee | CPW lists a daily vehicle pass at $10-$12 (Colorado plates) or $15-$17 (out-of-state plates), or $4 per person on foot, bike or horse |
| Permit / reservation | None; a CPW daily or annual pass covers entry |
| Parking | Park lot; limited in summer |
| Hours / season | Daily 6am-10pm (CPW) |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs allowed on all three trails; not allowed in the adjacent state wildlife area (CPW) |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Coyote Trail is ADA accessible to the base of the falls (CPW) |
| Crowds | Busy in summer (CPW) |
| Managed by | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Rifle Falls State Park) |
Safety and swimming
We could not confirm a swimming or wading rule on CPW's pages. Stay on the trails and viewing areas, and don't climb on the travertine or the falls.
If you go into the small caves, bring a light and watch your footing. Expect wet, uneven rock near the water. The Coyote Trail climbs above the falls, so keep children close near any edge.
Keep dogs leashed and out of the state wildlife area. For general advice on wet rock and moving water, see our waterfall safety guide.
Where to stay near Rifle Falls
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Photos
Rifle Falls FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Rifle Falls? Do you need tickets?
There are no timed tickets; buy a daily pass at the park. CPW lists $10-$12 per vehicle for Colorado plates and $15-$17 for out-of-state plates, or $4 per person on foot, bike or horse. A Keep Colorado Wild Pass or a CPW annual pass covers entry.
Can you camp at Rifle Falls State Park?
Yes. CPW lists 13 drive-in and seven walk-in sites, many with electricity, open year-round. Sites cost $22 to $36 a night. Reserve at cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613; winter sites are reservation only.
Where is Rifle Falls State Park?
At 5775 Highway 325, north of Rifle. From I-70 exit 90, CPW says to drive north on Highway 13 for four miles, then 9.8 miles on Highway 325.
Can you go behind Rifle Falls?
CPW says limestone caves sit beneath and behind the falls, and the smaller ones are open to explore. Bring a light and watch your footing on wet rock.
Are dogs allowed at Rifle Falls State Park?
Yes, on a leash, on all three trails. CPW says they aren't allowed in the adjacent state wildlife area.
Is Rifle Falls wheelchair accessible?
Partly. CPW says the Coyote Trail is ADA accessible to the base of the falls, and the Squirrel Trail is partly accessible.
What are Rifle Falls State Park hours?
Daily from 6am to 10pm, according to CPW. The visitor center that serves the park is at Rifle Gap State Park, open 8am to 4pm.
How tall is Rifle Falls?
About 60 feet each, per CPW, which calls them three 60-foot waterfalls; Wikipedia gives about 70 feet each.
Nearby waterfalls
More waterfalls to explore
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On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls
Sources
- CPW: Rifle Falls State Park
- CPW: Rifle Falls activities & trails
- Wikipedia: Rifle Falls State Park
- USGS GNIS (via TNM geonames)
- CPW: Rifle Falls camping & lodging
- CPW Shop: Rifle Falls campground reservations
Last verified Oct 28, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Rifle Falls State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.