Rifle Gap, Harvey Gap, and Rifle Falls State Parks

Rifle Gap, Harvey Gap, and Rifle Falls State Parks Welcome to the Rifle Complex! We are comprised of three state parks including: Rifle Gap Reservoir,

⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR RIFLE GAP STATE PARK VISITORS ⚠️Due to low reservoir levels, we will close our boat ramp this Su...
07/30/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR RIFLE GAP STATE PARK VISITORS ⚠️

Due to low reservoir levels, we will close our boat ramp this Sunday, August 2, at 9:00 PM for the remainder of the 2026 boating season.

While motorized boat access will no longer be available, our lake remains open to hand-launched vessels like your kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

If you are planning to visit us, please prepare for these potential operational changes and safety risks:

Extended Shorelines: Boat ramp gates will be locked. You will need to walk significant distances across exposed lakebeds to reach the water.

Mud Hazards: Accessing the water may be unsafe due to muddy conditions. Our staff may implement temporary closures during these periods to keep everyone safe.

Delayed Rescues: Please expect extended response times from us for water rescues. We ask that you recreate at your own risk.

Life Jacket Safety Regulations:

State law requires one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, including hand-launched vessels.

Children 12 and younger must wear their life jacket whenever they are on a vessel.

Our weather changes rapidly here in Colorado, so we strongly encourage you to wear your life jacket at all times.

Park Update: 07/09/2026Rifle Gap is losing approximately 3 inches of water per day. The end of the boat ramp is visible ...
07/09/2026

Park Update: 07/09/2026

Rifle Gap is losing approximately 3 inches of water per day. The end of the boat ramp is visible from shore with approximately 30 feet left underwater. Large boat trailers are starting to report difficulty with launching. The water temperature is fluctuating between 68-71 degrees depending on time of day. Anglers are reporting luck with Pike and some Perch.

Harvey Gap fisherman are reporting much less activity. The boat ramp was extended last fall and still has plenty of length in the water for launching. The Swim Beach renovation is nearing completion, aside from restroom facilities, the parking lot is expected to be open with coming weekend. As a reminder please do not park along the county road.

With high temperatures in the forecast this weekend, if you plan to recreate on the reservoirs please be sure to bring and wear your life jackets.

Park Update Rifle Gap: 6.12.2026Due to low water levels both docks have been pulled from the Rifle Gap boat ramp. The re...
06/12/2026

Park Update Rifle Gap: 6.12.2026

Due to low water levels both docks have been pulled from the Rifle Gap boat ramp. The reservoir is losing over three and a half inches per day. Park staff will be monitoring the boat ramp water levels daily through June. Boaters are welcome to temporarily park their boats on either side of the patrol slip for loading and unloading. Current water temperatures are at 64 degrees.

Garfield County is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions.

For up to date conditions please contact the Rifle Gap Visitors Center at 970-625-1607.

Please join us this Saturday 6.13.2026 for a dark skies program hosted at Cottonwood Campground’s Group Pavilion. The pr...
06/11/2026

Please join us this Saturday 6.13.2026 for a dark skies program hosted at Cottonwood Campground’s Group Pavilion. The program starts at 9:45 pm.

Update: Unfortunately due to weather this event has been canceled.
05/15/2026

Update: Unfortunately due to weather this event has been canceled.

Do you know me? Female Shepherd found at Harvey Gap State Park. No collar. If you know the owners please contact Journey...
04/19/2026

Do you know me? Female Shepherd found at Harvey Gap State Park. No collar. If you know the owners please contact Journey Home Animal Shelter in Rifle.

Are you looking to start a career in conservation? Look no further! Rifle Gap is looking to hire team members for a numb...
04/06/2026

Are you looking to start a career in conservation? Look no further! Rifle Gap is looking to hire team members for a number of positions. If you like working outdoors and being part of a fast paced team, consider applying with the links below. Ranger applicants must be over 21.

Seasonal Park Ranger - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5188344/temporary-limited-commissioned-ranger-rifle-gap-state-park-complex?keywords=Rifle%20gap&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Seasonal Technician, Visitors Center, Boat Inspector - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5188439/temporary-seasonal-position-rifle-gap-state-park-complexer

02/26/2026

1970 vs today at Rifle Falls State Park

Help keep our state parks flowing when you get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your vehicle registration. You’ll help fund our state parks to maintain and enhance trails and facilities, and you’ll get unlimited access to all Colorado state parks.

Learn more: https://cpw.state.co.us/keep-colorado-wild-pass

Park Update 2-26-26:Rifle Gap is almost completely open water. The water level is still significantly down but is coming...
02/26/2026

Park Update 2-26-26:

Rifle Gap is almost completely open water. The water level is still significantly down but is coming up slowly. Fisherman are reporting luck with Rainbows near the East inlet but the shoreline is very muddy.

Harvey Gap is entirely open water. Harvey’s water level is much higher, providing better shoreline fishing access.

Sturgeon is working on the power lines below the golf course and has cut off power to the Rifle Gap Visitors Center. At this time both our phones and computers are down. The outage is expected to last until 4pm.

For any questions about park conditions please contact 970-730-4592.

Applications are open!
02/11/2026

Applications are open!

Address

5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO
81650

Telephone

+19706251607

Website

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