· Grand Mesa

Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery

Adjacent to Rifle Falls State Park, the hatchery sits at the foot of a very large cliff that hosts a large colony of White-throated Swifts. Across the canyon, Golden Eagles and Turkey Vultures nest in the cliffs. The gravel road that goes west from the parking area is a very nice one-mile hike in Gambel Oak habitat. Northern Saw-whet Owls have been heard here at night, and Virginia’s, MacGillivray’s, Yellow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers all reside here. Foot trails connect the state park and the hatchery if you feel like going on a longer walk.

County: Garfield

Attractions: Two ponds above the falls, not visible from the highway, are open to fishing.

Habitat: Foothill Shrub, Pond, Scrub Oak Forest

Directions: The fish hatchery is located adjacent to Rifle Falls State Park. Get off at the Rifle exit on I-70 (exit 90) and head 4 miles north on CO-13 to CO-325. Turn right onto CO-325 and follow this road north to the park in about 11 miles.

Delorme: 34 D3
Roads of Colorado: 67 D3

Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: Free

Restrictions: None

Parking: Parking area
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap accessible facilities, limited car birding

Elevation: 6595

Latitude: 39.69492
Longitude: -107.70083

» Visit the website for Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery