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.
Restrictions: None
County: Garfield
Attractions: Two ponds above the falls, not visible from the highway, are open to fishing.
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.
Alternate Directions: From I-70 exit 90, head north on CO 13 for 4 miles to CO 325. Turn right and go 11.4 miles to the entrance, on the right
Habitat: Foothill Shrub, Pond, Scrub Oak Forest
Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Parking area
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap accessible facilities, limited car birding
Delorme: 34 D3
ROC: 67 D3
Latitude: 39.69492
Longitude: -107.70083