When Visiting Rifle
Rifle Falls
	This magnificent 60-foot triple waterfall is located in the heart of Rifle Falls State Park and approximately 15 miles from Rifle, and the Buckskin Inn. It's cool mist and cascading spray keeps it's surrounding greenery and trees lush and beautiful throughout the summer. And can even be more beautiful in the winter when it's covered with ice and sparkling crystals. Its spectacular views of the valley and river below are beyond words. Beneath the falls also lie the mysterious limestone caves, where the stalactites meet the stalagmites, and are always open to those who like to explore.
Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery
	This is the largest state-owned and operated trout hatchery in Colorado. It was constructed in 1953-1954 for $1.2 million. The first fish -- approximately 150,000 pounds at an average cost of $1 dollar a pound -- were produced in 1955. The building containing the office also houses the hatchery. Facilities for hatching more than 1 million eggs at a time are located here. Each year 4.5 million to 5.5 million trout eggs are hatched here. The unit produces primarily 2 to 5 inch subcatchable fish & 9 to 10 inch catchable fish. The water supply for this hatchery is pure spring water, which runs a fairly constant 58-59° f. year-round. During normal hatchery operation, about 25.6 million gallons of water are used daily and returned to east rifle creek. This facility, currently staffed by 13 permanent employees, produces 1.3 million to 1.5 million catchable trout and 2 to 3 million subcatchable trout each year. More than 800,000 pounds of feed are required to raise these fish. The hatchery's annual operation cost about $680,000 a year. The rifle falls hatchery stocks at least 36 stream sections, and approximately 70 lakes and reservoirs in western Colorado. as well as providing 400,000 catchable trout along Colorado's Front Range.
Harvey Gap State Park
	Harvey Gap is located five miles east of Rifle Gap reservoir, and is a favorite spot with the anglers. The 160-acre lake is stocked with a variety of cold and warm water fish including rainbow trout, crappie, catfish and small mouth bass. Due to the fact that Harvey gap doesn't allow any motor boats greater than 20 h.p. it is best known for its premier windsurfing and sail boarding. It also offers canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking. The winter enthusiasts can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Rifle Mountain Park
	Rifle's Mountain Park is located approximately 13 miles north of Rifle and the Buckskin Inn, just a little ways past Rifle Gap and the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery. The normal season for mountain climbing is from mid April to late October. Depending on your preference climbs can be made in either the sun or shade. And here you don't even have to worry about the rain in most places, due to the steep crags. Mountain Park also offers a handful of excellent ice climbs that are normally in good enough shape to climb from December through late March.