Rifle Falls State Park
Three parallel waterfalls spill over a mossy travertine wall above caves and a compact creekside park. Walk behind and around the falls, then add the cave path carefully; the site’s value is three-dimensional, not one frontal viewpoint.
Artwork inspired by Joellyn Duesberry
Rifle Falls State Park is a Colorado State Park located in Garfield County northeast of Rifle, Colorado. The central feature of the 48-acre (19-hectare) park is Rifle Falls, a triple 70-foot (21-meter) waterfall flowing over a travertine dam on East Rifle Creek.
Notice mineral deposition, spray-loving plants, and the difference between natural cave openings and slippery visitor-worn routes. Spaces are scarce; reservations and winter ice may apply.
- Landscape
- Triple waterfall over travertine
- Access
- Very small summer parking lot
- Allow
- 1½–3 hours
Quick guide
- First question
- Triple waterfall ↔ travertine caves and moss
- Set beside it
- Compare mineral deposits and spray-loving plants
A focused visit to Rifle Falls State Park
- Choose
- View the falls before the caves
- Notice
- Look behind all three cascades
- Look closer
- Compare mineral deposits, spray plants, and natural cave textures.
- Plan parking
- Spaces are scarce; reservations and winter ice may apply.
Good to know
Parking is very limited, summer reservations may apply, and ice can transform the short paths into serious hazards.
Notice these
- Three parallel waterfalls spill over a mossy travertine wall above caves and a compact creekside park.
- Notice mineral deposition, spray-loving plants, and the difference between natural cave openings and slippery visitor-worn routes.