Description: A triple waterfall cascading 70 feet down moss-choked limestone is at the center of this unique getaway in northwest Colorado. It’s a scene captured widely by photographers, and one that makes Rifle Falls one of Colorado’s most visited state parks. It feels like a step into the tropical. Stay awhile at one of the area’s campsites – 13 drive-in, seven walk-in – and explore the dark depths of the surrounding caves. Those can be reached by hiking any of the three short trails that lead through the lush surroundings and to the top of the waterfall. The Bobcat Trail follows East Rifle Creek to the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, one of the state’s larger trout producers. The creek, by the way, is popular among anglers, who have been known to score trout there up to 20 inches long.

Activities: Trails for hiking and biking; primitive camping and sites with electrical hookups; picnicking at 10 sites; cross-country skiing/snowshoeing; fishing.

Wildlife: Deer, rabbits, raccoons and skunks frequent campgrounds; turkey and great blue herons among many types of birds; rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in East Rifle Creek.

Fun fact: Before 1910, Rifle Falls was one waterfall, not three. That year, the Rifle Hydroelectric Plant was built, disrupting water flow and causing the split seen today.

Address: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, 81650

Contact: 970-625-1607, [email protected]

Hours: Park open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open 24 hours for anglers and campers.

Directions: Head north on Interstate 25, catch I-70 west and continue on for about 171 miles. Take Exit 90 toward Rifle/Meeker. Follow Highway 13 north through Rifle for about 3 miles, turn right on Highway 325 and go about 10 miles to park entrance.