Rifle Gap Dam

Rifle GAP DAM Rifle Gap Dam is about 5 1/2 miles north of Rifle, at a point where Rifle Creek cuts through the Grand Hogback. The dam was built between 1964 and 1967 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation water storage. The dam is operated by the Silt Water Conservancy District and creates Rifle Gap Reservoir. The…

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Cow Creek Road

Cow Creek road Cow Creek Road offers an easier, albeit Longer alternate ROute to the JQS Trail for accessing the top of the Roan Plateau. This Cow Creek Road can be accessed by taking Highway 13 North out of Rifle for 18 miles, then taking the Piceance Creek Road (County Road 5) West toward Rangely for 4.5 miles.  The Cow Creek…

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JQS Road

JQS Road 4×4 Recommended The JQS Road is a 7-mile dirt road adventure climbing 3,000 feet up the side of the Bookcliffs to the top of the Roan Plateau. The route is great for OHVs, mountain bikes, and vehicles with 4-wheel drive and high clearance who are willing to brave the extremely narrow, steep, rocky, and potentially treacherous conditions. Near…

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Mamm Peak

Mamm’s Peak The Mamm Peaks tower majestically 6,000 feet over the Colorado River Valley. They Are the remnants of an ancient volcanic rim There are several rugged peaks along the ridge, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Haystack, Mountain, and North Mamm Peak which tops out an elevation of 11,123 feet.  Each peak is a jumble of volcanic boulders and ancient lava flows…

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The Flat Tops

THE Flat Tops The region is a high plateau filled with forests, meadows, hills, canyons, valleys, and spectacular views of DISTANT mountain ranges. The name Flat Tops refers to a large region of the White River National Forest northeast of Rifle.  Contrary to their name, the western Flat Tops nearest Rifle are not actually flat. More accessible than its wilderness…

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Rifle Creek Valley

Rifle Creek Valley Follow Rifle Creek as it spills out of the Flat Tops and into the ranchlands and communities below. This trip highlights the best of Rifle. And bring your toys! With three State Parks (Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, and Harvey Gap) Rifle Mountain Park, Rifle Creek Golf Course, and endless BLM and Forest Service lands, you can spend…

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Roan Plateau Area

Roan Plateau Area The Roan Plateau rises 4,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley. From Rifle, the view of the Roan Plateau is the imposing Bookcliffs and Anvil Points. A drive or bike ride up to the top of the plateau offers so much more. The top of the Roan a wonderland of stunning views, deep canyons, waterfalls, aspen forests,…

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Harvey Gap Reservoir State Park

Harvey Gap State Park Swimming and Picnic Area A GREAT WAY TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT Harvey Gap is a 198 acre reservoir featuring great opportunities for fishing, swimming, and stand-up-paddleboarding.  Motorized boats are allowed with a 20 HP maximum and there is a boat ramp on the east side of the lake. Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass,…

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Meadow Lake

Meadow Lake A Beautiful Destination in the Flat Tops Meadow Lake is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from New Castle on the Buford Road (CR 245). The campground is on the northwest side of the lake. Fishing is available with a valid Colorado fishing license. This area is a popular ATV basecamp for trips throughout the Flat Tops. No…

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West Rifle Creek State Wildlife Area

West Rifle Creek State Wildlife Area perfect for hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing. West Rifle Creek State Wildlife Area is approximately 1243 acres (1.94 sq. miles or 5.03 sq. kilometers) and ranges from 5,959 ft to 6,835 ft in elevation. The drive along Country Road 252 through this area is a lovely trip into an unspoiled part of the Old…

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