Okay, so, we wouldn’t be fooling anybody if we said Colorado was boring in any way. Colorado is, in fact, easily one of the most stunningly beautiful (and incredibly diverse) states in the entire country, and we couldn’t be prouder to call it home (and for some of us, it’s home only in our hearts, but home nonetheless). Folks seem to gravitate to the same areas, like Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge, or Denver – and we can see why! They’re all beautiful! But, today, we’d like to talk about Rifle Falls State Park; it’s small, stunning, and often overlooked by tourists. Here’s why it should be number one on everyone’s list, especially if you’ve never been:

Rifle Falls State Park Is just 48 acres in size (compared to Rocky Mountain National Park’s staggering 265,750+), but it packs an incredible punch.

Paul Iwancio/Flickr

It’s got it all: Colorado landscape, a swimming hole, and even a cool set of small limestone caves (pictured here).

John/Flickr

Plus, a breathtaking triple waterfall that comes in at an impressive 70 feet tall!

Michael Levine Clark/Flickr Those who know the secret of Rifle Falls State Park come here and come here often, so it’s usually quite crowded during the warmest months of the year, but don’t let that stop you; stop by early in the morning during the week for a better chance at some peace and quiet, particularly in the fall, mid-spring, or even winter.

The weather at Rifle Falls State Park is perfect year-round; it gets cold, and the falls often freeze over, during the winter, but during the summer, the temperatures are mild and summer thunderstorms are beautiful.

Michael Levine Clark/Flickr Rifle Falls State Park has 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites. It’s not unusual to spot elk, ground squirrels, and coyotes, as well as many species of beautiful and colorful birds.

The falls are a paradise all on their own (but trust us, the entire park is breathtaking).

Paul Iwancio/Flickr They’re popular with photographers for obvious reasons, and sometimes, a lucky couple can be spotted getting married beneath the incredible cascade. Imagine that: your wedding day, plus three incredible waterfalls in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.

Parking is quite limited, and like many state parks around the country, folks are turned away left and right once the lot is full.

The Exploragrapher/Flickr Waiting around for a space is frowned upon, so make sure to arrive early and be ready to snag one of those spots (safely, of course).

Park passes are highly affordable, at just $9.00 per car.

vicki watkins/Flickr If you’d rather get an individual daily pass (in the event you come to the park on your own for some quiet time), the fee is reduced to $4.00.

At the time of this writing, the park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though you will want to check the website for the most up-to-date hours, closures, or other important information. Need more amazing Colorado? How about this collection of even more amazing waterfalls?

Paul Iwancio/Flickr

John/Flickr

Michael Levine Clark/Flickr

Those who know the secret of Rifle Falls State Park come here and come here often, so it’s usually quite crowded during the warmest months of the year, but don’t let that stop you; stop by early in the morning during the week for a better chance at some peace and quiet, particularly in the fall, mid-spring, or even winter.

Rifle Falls State Park has 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites. It’s not unusual to spot elk, ground squirrels, and coyotes, as well as many species of beautiful and colorful birds.

They’re popular with photographers for obvious reasons, and sometimes, a lucky couple can be spotted getting married beneath the incredible cascade. Imagine that: your wedding day, plus three incredible waterfalls in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.

The Exploragrapher/Flickr

Waiting around for a space is frowned upon, so make sure to arrive early and be ready to snag one of those spots (safely, of course).

vicki watkins/Flickr

If you’d rather get an individual daily pass (in the event you come to the park on your own for some quiet time), the fee is reduced to $4.00.

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Address: Rifle Falls State Park, 5775 Highway 325, 10379 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA