Rifle Falls is a triple waterfall over a travertine dam

North of the town of Rifle, East Rifle Creek pours over the edge at Rifle Falls State Park and splits into a row of three waterfalls. Unlike many Colorado falls that fade by late summer, Colorado Parks and Wildlife describes this one as lovely nearly any time of year.

The rock is part of the story. The creek flows over a travertine dam, rock built up from minerals the water slowly deposits — in effect a natural dam that grew over time. An early hydroelectric project more than a century ago changed how the water flows and split what had been one wider fall into the three you see today. Below the falls, the spray feeds a damp, mossy world of ferns and dripping rock.

There are also limestone caves in the park that visitors can walk into. A flashlight helps.

This is a small park with a modest campground, so if you hope to camp in summer, reserving ahead is wise. Day visitors and campers both need a valid Colorado parks pass, which can be a daily vehicle pass or the annual Keep Colorado Wild Pass.

For current hours, camping reservations, cave access, and pass details, check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page for Rifle Falls State Park.