Rifle, Colorado

Top Spots in and near Rifle

Rifle, Colorado
Rifle Arch

2.57 mi / 699 ft gain

...Who doesn't enjoy a beautiful scenic hike that takes you to a remote hidden arch?! Rifle Arch is a hidden gem that hasn't gotten a lot of recognition, but maybe that's a good thing. Up until recently discovering this arch, I had never heard of it or seen photos of it. It sits just North of th...
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Rifle, Colorado
Rifle Gap Reservoir

5.0

1.54 mi / 46 ft gain

Rifle Gap Reservoir is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Rifle, Colorado.
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Rifle, Colorado
Rifle Falls

4.7

0.63 mi / 85 ft gain

RIfle Falls is located up Rifle Canyon just outside of the town of Rifle on I-70 in Southern Colorado. After driving by the sign for this gem many times on my drives from Utah to Colorado I made a short detour to check out the falls and have some lunch. The state park is small with a some short ...
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Rifle, Colorado
Coyote and Squirrel Trails Loop

5.0

1.63 mi / 164 ft gain

Rifle Falls State Park is situated just 14 miles north east of major Colorado highway I-70. The park offers a wide variety of activities including hiking, fishing, biking, photography, camping, and spelunking (for the especially adventurous). There are several trails at Rifle Falls, the most pop...
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New Castle, Colorado
Mt. Colorow Overlook

2.68 mi / 794 ft gain

Although this hike could be done in a loop, it is also doable in the out-and-back format. I would recommend the out-and-back during winter months when the more eastern loop (beginning around Mustang Dr) is vulnerable to small avalanches. If you want to do this hike in the winter, head on Alder A...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Hot Springs

4.5

Glenwood is best known for its large hot springs pool, kept between 90 and 93 degrees, while the minerals in the water are meant to provide a natural therapy to the body. There is also a smaller therapy pool, at 104 degrees, and a spa, as well. You'll find all the amenities you need here, and wi...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Grizzly Creek Trail

5.0

7.08 mi / 1873 ft gain

Take exit 121 off Interstate 70 (a rest stop exit), and follow signs to a secondary parking lot near Grizzly Creek. This is a great addition to the nearby Hanging Lake & Spouting Rock hikes just 4 miles East on I-70. Because these two are so popular, Grizzly Creek is a great, not very well k...
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Gypsum, Colorado
Camp at Heart Lake

Ever wanted to pick a spot on the map and just GO for the weekend? That's exactly how we discovered Heart Lake. Our only recommendation is don't do it in October, when it might snow. A lot.As there's not much to do other than hike around up there, we combined the day with a morning mountain bike ...
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Carbondale, Colorado
Mushroom Rock and Red Hill

5.0

2.82 mi / 928 ft gain

Mushroom Rock sits high above Colorado Highway 82 overlooking the town of Carbondale. With huge views up the Crystal and Roaring Fork River Valleys, terrain that inspires more desert-Utah than Rocky-Mountain-Colorado, this recreation area feels like a getaway even when it is minutes from Main Str...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Hanging Lake

4.7

3.06 mi / 1168 ft gain

Hanging Lake is a beautifully unique natural wonder. Surrounded by dramatic, pine tree lined cliffs, a unique community of hanging plants thrive beside waterfalls cascading in to this glimmering turquoise pool of water. If this isn’t enough to entice you- the trail leading up to the lake is rathe...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Spouting Rock via Hanging Lakes Trail

4.4

2.85 mi / 1529 ft gain

To get to Spouting Rock you need to take the same trailhead as Hanging Lake. I made the hike in the offseason when there was still ice on the trail and using crampons were imperative. The hike to Hanging Lake is rather steep and while it's only about 1.2 miles long it takes about an hour. Once yo...
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Carbondale, Colorado
Camp at Prince Creek

3.0

From Colorado State Highway 82, turn south onto Highway 133 (toward Carbondale). Continue south past the Carbondale Main Street roundabout. After two miles, turn East onto Prince Creek Road. Follow this four miles to where the pavement ends. After passing through a cattle gate, BLM land lines the...
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Carbondale, Colorado
Mountain Bike Prince Creek

Turn south off Colorado State Highway 82 onto Highway 133 toward Carbondale. Continue south past the Carbondale Main Street roundabout. After two miles, turn East onto Prince Creek Road. Follow this four miles to where the pavement ends. This is the best place to park to start biking or running.F...
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Cedaredge, Colorado
Run the Crag Crest Loop

4.3

10.4 mi / 1500 ft gain

The Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to ...
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Carbondale, Colorado
Relax at Penny Hot Springs

4.0

This 20-foot pool is surrounded by beautiful peaks, and is only a short distance from the parking area. Keep in mind this spot is popular on the weekends.
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Mesa, Colorado
Photograph Fall Colors on Grand Mesa

Despite being one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, Grand Mesa sees far fewer visitors than other areas of Colorado. Locals only an hour away in Grand Junction frequent the area for its plentiful fishing, camping, and off-roading opportunities, but few take advantage of its photogra...
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