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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Rifle Falls State Park > Trails

Trails

​​​​Rifle Falls’ trails are the closest you’ll get to hiking in the tropics in Colorado. Three hiking trails meander through the park providing access up to and above the falls, along East Rifle Creek, and to the fish hatchery. Around the falls you will find a lush area of trees and greenery kept moist by the spray of the cascading triple waterfall. With a 70-foot change in elevation, hiking is fairly easy.

​Bobcat Trail

  • Permitted uses: Foot
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 1.0
  • Total distance: 1.0, one way
  • Usage: Low
  • Degree of difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 6,500
  • ADA accessible: No
  • Comments: This is a newly completed trail that links Rifle Falls State Park and Rifle Falls State Fish Hatchery. The trail hikes along East Rifle Creek through boxelder and cottonwood forests, and into open grassy meadows. It provides access to secluded fishing spots on the creek bank, as well as passing several well-stocked trout ponds managed by the fish hatchery. Pets are permitted within the Rifle Fall’s boundaries, but are prohibited on the adjacent State Wildlife Area.

Squirrel Trail

  • Permitted uses: Foot
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 1.5
  • Total distance: 1.5
  • Usage: Low
  • Degree of difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 6,500
  • ADA accessible: no
  • Comments: First 1/4 mile is ADA. This trail accesses the walk-in tent campsites at Rifle Falls and connects to the Rifle Falls day use parking lot. It meanders along Rifle Creek, passes beneath the canopy of a Gambel Oak forest, climbs to an overlook of the valley below, and then follows along the Grass Valley Canal. Pets: Permitted

Coyote Trail

  • Permitted uses: Foot
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 1.5
  • Total distance: 1.5
  • Usage: High
  • Degree of difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 6,500
  • ADA accessible: Yes
  • Comments: ADA to the base of the falls. This trail gives you a breathtaking view of the falls from the base and from above, accesses limestone caves (bring your flashlights), and winds along Rifle Creek under the canopy of boxelder and cottonwood trees. Trails may be icy during winter. Pets: Permitted​

Recommended gear for Hiking