travel tuesday: hanging out at rifle mountain park

Did you know that Rifle Mountain Park offers some of the best limestone climbing in the world? You do now! It’s a quick drive from our house, so we took the Jeep there when we had some free time over the weekend.

On the way to the park, you’ll pass Rifle Gap State Park, which boasts a 350-acre reservoir that’s popular for fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Plus, the Gap is where artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Valley Curtain was briefly hung in 1972. Past that, it’s a beautiful drive up to Rifle Falls State Park, which features beautiful caves and a breathtaking, cascading triple waterfall. Next up, the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery that’s linked to the park via hiking trails.

Apr 30

campground review: Rifle Gap State Park

Comments 2

What a view! Our campsite at Rifle Gap State Park.

Why camp here? The 350-acre reservoir is a big draw as one of the few options for power boating, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing and water skiing in the region. Anglers come to catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch. There’s also a swimming area with a sandy beach and volleyball court, plus trails for hiking and access to BLM trails. The park is surrounded by undeveloped, green mountainsides and is a great place to watch wildlife on Colorado’s Western Slope. Continue reading