We had an absolutely wonderful two week stay at Rifle Gap State Park in Rifle, Colorado. We were in the area five years ago, and stayed in Glenwood Springs at a KOA, for several days. It was so nice to just relax and enjoy this park, and all the nearby parks; Rifle Falls, Harvey Gap, Rifle Mountain Park, Fish Hatchery and the White Mountain National Forest. So much beauty in just a couple of miles. The waterfalls, cascades and lakes were just beautiful. Rifle Falls is just spectacular; with its trio of 90 foot waterfalls. Hiking from Rifle Falls to the Fitch Hatchery had so many small waterfalls and cascades, we were simply amazed at the beauty. Mike enjoyed birding at all of the parks, watching the rainbow trout at the hatchery, and the climbers at Rifle Mountain Park. My favorite part was biking 84 miles on the Rio Grande Trail from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. It was just a spectacular ride with gorgeous mountain, river and waterfall views throughout the trail. The best part was ending the ride near the John Denver Sanctuary, with its beautiful ponds, flowers, statues and simple serenity. The trail was pretty much a slight uphill on the way to Aspen, and almost all downhill the 42 miles back to Glenwood Springs. Perfect! I also biked the Glenwood Springs Recreation trail, which was a very pretty trail along the Colorado River and through Hanging Lake. Finally, we both absolutely loved the incredible volume of hummingbirds that game to our RV feeder at Rifle Gap. We actually had as many as nine at a time at our feeder!
Next Stop – Chatfield State Park; Littleton, CO
Rifle Gap Campsite
Rifle Gap Lake
Rifle Falls
White River National Forest
Bald Eagle
Wildflowers in White River NF
Glen Canyon Recreation Trail
Rock Climber at Rifle Mountain Park
Barn Swallows at our campsite
Bridge on Rio Grande Trail
End of the Trail in Aspen
River View on Trail
