Rifle Falls State Park, Triple waterfall state park in Garfield County, Colorado.
Rifle Falls State Park is a 48-acre park in Garfield County, Colorado, whose central feature is Rifle Falls, a triple 70-foot waterfall flowing over a travertine dam on East Rifle Creek. The falls drop over tan and brown rock cliffs coated in white ice and snow, with large icicles hanging along the falling water. The water continues over ice-covered rocks at the base into a dark stream below.
Rifle Falls State Park takes its name from the triple waterfall at its centre, where East Rifle Creek drops about 70 feet over a travertine dam. The surrounding land was set aside as a state park, and the falls, caves and trails have since drawn visitors to this 48-acre site in Garfield County. The creek's mineral-rich water continues to build the travertine ledge over which the three streams fall.
The park's name comes from the nearby town of Rifle, and the falls are a local landmark in Garfield County. Anglers fish East Rifle Creek for rainbow and brown trout, and the caves near the falls are home to three bat species.
The park provides picnic areas and campground sites for overnight stays, accessible from multiple entry points. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since trails near the falls can have wet and uneven surfaces.
The waterfall pours over a travertine dam, a deposit of calcium carbonate laid down by East Rifle Creek itself. The park covers only 48 acres (19 hectares), and the falls stand about 50 yards (46 metres) from the parking area. Limestone cliffs near the falls hold a few small caves used by three species of bats.
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