Rifle Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rifle, Colorado with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, things to do, places to stay, and more.


Introduction to Rifle

Nestled in the magnificent Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Rifle is a picturesque town known for its unparalleled outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or thrill-seeker, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in Rifle. This guide will help you plan the perfect trip to this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in Rifle

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rifle Heritage Center: This museum showcases the history of Rifle and the Garfield County region, featuring exhibits on Native American history, the region’s railroads, and agriculture. It also has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs related to Rifle’s history.

  • Rifle Creek Museum: Located in an old house, this museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the history of Rifle and the surrounding area. It is known for its antique guns and Native American artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Rifle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rifle Falls State Park: This state park features a 70-foot triple waterfall, which is a sight to behold. Visitors can hike around the falls, have a picnic, or go fishing and camping.

  • Rifle Gap State Park: This park has a beautiful reservoir where visitors can fish, boat, and swim. It also has camping sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

  • Mountains and Trails: The town of Rifle is surrounded by mountains that offer various hiking and biking trails with scenic views. Some popular trails include the Rifle Arch Trail, East Elk Creek Trail, and Hubbard Mesa Open Area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rifle

  • Rifle Arch Trail: This trail leads to a natural arch formation that has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and town.

  • Hubbard Mesa Open Area: It is popular for mountain biking and offers a variety of biking trails for any level of biker.

  • East Elk Creek Trail: This trail is a unique experience with the opportunity to rewards your journey with hot springs, waterfalls, and glacial ponds.

Best Things to Do in Rifle: Activities and Tours

  • White Water Rafting: Visitors can experience thrilling whitewater rafting with guided tours on rivers like Colorado, Roaring Fork, and Eagle. There are several tour operators that offer rafting trips in Rifle.

  • Horseback Riding: Rifle’s scenic beauty can be enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere from horseback. Visitors can join guided horseback riding tours and discover Rifle’s natural beauty.

  • Hot Springs: The natural hot springs around Rifle offer a relaxing experience to soak in the healing waters from the natural underground springs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rifle

Day 1: Visit Rifle Creek Museum and hike Rifle Arch Trail. Day 2: Go white water rafting and explore the town of Rifle. Day 3: Visit Rifle Heritage Center and hot springs. Day 4: Go camping in Rifle Gap State Park and enjoy outdoor activities. Day 5: Explore the Hubbard Mesa Open Area on a bike or horseback. Day 6: Visit scenic views while hiking East Elk Creek Trail. Day 7: Relax at the resorts to explore the nature or thermal springs of the area.

Food and Drink Scene of Rifle

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rocky Mountain Oysters: These are deep-fried battered bull testicles, a local specialty that you must try!

  • Game Meat: Elk, bison, and venison are popular dishes in Rifle and are served in most restaurants.

  • Honey: Rifle is referred to as the “City of Honey” because they are as widely renowned for their honey production.

Local Beverages

  • Wine Tasting: Visit the Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery for a unique wine tasting experience.

  • Craft Beer: Visit the Rifle Brewing Company for an Alpine-inspired selection of beers.

Where to Stay in Rifle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Rifle Creek RV Resort: This RV resort offers campsites that come with full hook-ups, tent sites, and cabins for a comfortable stay.

  • Budget Host Inn & Suites: A reasonably priced hotel located in the town of Rifle. The amenities include free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

What to Buy in Rifle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Honey: Rifle is popular for its artisan honey, which comes in various flavors, so consider taking a jar of honey for home.

  • Art and Handicrafts: Rifle Heritage Center Gift Shop offers a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs made by local artists, including pottery, jewelry, and weaved goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Rifle

Rifle was founded in 1883, and its culture is based on farming, ranching, and mining. The town’s history and heritage are preserved through various museums, art centers, and local events. Football is a common sport in Rifle, and high-school football is celebrated with a state championship every year.

Best Time to Visit Rifle

The best time to visit Rifle is between June and September when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Autumn is also a great time to visit Rifle when the fall foliage is at its peak.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rifle

Do:

  • Respect the environment and the wildlife.
  • Take a hike or bike ride in the mountains.
  • Attend local events and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Leave any litter or garbage outside in the wilderness areas.
  • Dispose of all camping and picnic waste in the provided containers or carry it out.
  • Ignore the wildlife and their natural habitats.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rifle

Rifle is generally a safe town but still look out for wildlife such as bears and mountain lions while exploring the wilderness areas. Always follow the local regulations for camping, hiking, and wildlife encounters.

Health in Rifle

Rifle has a good medical facility and hospital for any medical emergencies. Visitors should carry a sufficient amount of water to avoid dehydration when hiking and exploring the wilderness areas.

Getting to Rifle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rifle

  • Rifle Garfield County Airport is the most convenient airport located in Rifle.

  • Eagle County Regional Airport: The airport is located about 40 miles east of Rifle.

Bus Stations Near Rifle

  • Greyhound Station: The Greyhound Station is located in Glenwood Springs, about 25 miles from Rifle.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car in Denver or other nearby cities to explore the area around Rifle.

How to Get Around in Rifle

Rifle is a small town, and visitors can easily explore it on foot. For exploring the wilderness areas and surroundings, visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Rifle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Glenwood Springs: Glenwood Springs is a beautiful mountain town that is famous for its hot springs and outdoor activities and is located just 30 miles from Rifle.

  • Aspen: Aspen is a famous ski resort town located around 90 miles north of Rifle.

Conclusion

Plan your trip to Rifle to experience the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, its historic sites, and thrilling outdoor activities. This comprehensive guide for Rifle will give you all the information you need to make the most of your trip. With endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, Rifle is a must-visit destination for everyone who loves the great outdoors.