Rifle Mountain Park

IMG_3725
P7010421.jpg
Address       
13885 County Road 217. (End of State Highway 325--north of Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery)

Directions
Take State Hwy 13 or Railroad Avenue (which becomes 13) North through the City.  Take a right on Hwy 325 (bowling alley at the corner), this will head you toward Rifle Creek Golf Course and Rifle Gap Reservoir.  Drive over the dam at Rifle Gap and continue on Hwy 325 until you reach the Rifle Fish Hatchery.  The road will change to gravel after the fish hatchery.  The entrance to the park starts about 2000 feet after the road turns to gravel.

Description
On June 7, 1910 a Special Act passed by the 61st Congress, granted a number of municipalities the chance to claim land to make them into parks.  In Colorado, Denver, Glenwood Springs and Rifle took this opportunity.  Denver's became Winter Park Resort and Red Rocks.  Glenwood's became the South Canyon Landfill.  And on October 21, 1921, a US Patent signed by Warren G. Harding made Rifle Mountain Park.   

Visitors from all over the globe visit the park for its rock climbing.  The park boasts over 250 bolted climbing routes.  New routes are bolted through a permitting process, that includes the Rifle Climbers Coalition.  A beginners area is currently being formed.
P4250040_01.jpg
IMG_9949
IMG_9958

For information on Rock Climbing Instruction please click here.

Amenities

  • Camp Sites (primitive)       
  • Hiking Trails
  • Climbing Routes
  • Community House
  • Group Area
  • Horse Shoe Pits

Fees

Type Fee Rifle Resident

Garfield County Resident

Non-Resident
Day pass per vehicle

$5

$5

$5
Annual pass (12 months)

$15

$30

$50
Annual pass (2nd vehicle)

$10

$15

$25
Camping fee, includes day pass

$15

$15

$15
Camping fee, with proof of annual pass

$10

$10

$10

Hours


Quiet times are from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Reservations


Camp Sites are on a first come, first served basis.  The Community House and Group Area can be reserved.


P4250044_01.jpg

Rules

  • Fee area, all vehicles must display valid day pass 
  • Parking in designated areas only
  • Camping in designated areas only; limit 14 days
  • No camping in picnic areas
  • Picnic areas close at 10:00 p.m.
  • No hunting, shooting, fireworks, etc.
  • ATVs may not be operated within park boundaries
  • Fires in fire rings only
  • No wood cutting, but wood gathering is permitted
  • Dogs must be on leash at all times
  • Pick up after dogs
  • No loud or amplified music
  • No glass
  • Dispose of trash properly
  • Speed limit is 20 mph
  • Group area and community house use by reservations only
  • Bears may be in the area, be aware

Below: a view of Rifle Mountain Park in the 1940's.

OLD.jpg