Where is Rifle, Colorado

Rifle is a city in western Colorado and the county seat of Garfield County. It sits in the Colorado River Valley, about 60 miles west of Glenwood Springs and 190 miles west of Denver. The city is known for Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap State Park, nearby canyon country, and its location between the Grand Mesa and the rugged mountains of western Colorado.

Location Map of Rifle, Garfield County, Colorado

About Map: The map shows the location of Rifle in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Rifle Map, Colorado

Where is Rifle Located?

Rifle is a city located in Garfield County, Colorado, the United States. It lies in western Colorado along the Colorado River, about 60 miles west of Glenwood Springs and roughly 190 miles west of Denver. Grand Junction is around 60 miles west, while Meeker is about 70 miles north. Rifle is positioned near 39.534° North latitude and 107.784° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,133 residents. The city covers about 5.84 square miles, or 15.13 square kilometers. Rifle was incorporated in 1904 and grew around agriculture, ranching, transportation, and natural resources. The Colorado River and nearby creeks support the fertile valley surrounding the city, while the surrounding mountains and plateaus create a rugged western Colorado landscape. Rifle Falls State Park is one of the area's best-known attractions and features a three-tiered waterfall, hiking trails, picnic areas, and limestone caves. Rifle Gap State Park provides boating, fishing, camping, and water recreation at a reservoir north of the city. A unique feature of Rifle is its close connection to both the Colorado River Valley and the high desert and mountain landscapes of the Western Slope. Rifle Mountain Park is also known for rock climbing and dramatic canyon scenery. Interstate 70 passes directly through the area, providing an important east-west route between Denver, Grand Junction, and Utah.

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Rifle City Facts

Distance from Rifle, CO to Nearby Cities

• Silt, CO – 10 miles (16 km)
• Parachute, CO – 20 miles (32 km)
• New Castle, CO – 25 miles (40 km)
• Grand Junction, CO – 60 miles (97 km)
• Glenwood Springs, CO – 60 miles (97 km)
• Carbondale, CO – 50 miles (80 km)
• Basalt, CO – 65 miles (105 km)
• Delta, CO – 100 miles (161 km)
• Montrose, CO – 115 miles (185 km)
• Craig, CO – 115 miles (185 km)
• Meeker, CO – 70 miles (113 km)
• Steamboat Springs, CO – 150 miles (241 km)
• Vail, CO – 115 miles (185 km)
• Aspen, CO – 75 miles (121 km)
• Denver, CO – 190 miles (306 km)
• Moab, UT – 150 miles (241 km)
• Salt Lake City, UT – 270 miles (435 km)
• Durango, CO – 280 miles (451 km)

Top Attractions in Rifle

• Rifle Falls State Park – A scenic state park known for its three-tiered waterfall, limestone caves, hiking trails, picnic areas, and wooded canyon landscape.
• Rifle Gap State Park – A reservoir recreation area north of Rifle offering boating, fishing, camping, swimming, and hiking.
• Rifle Mountain Park – A popular outdoor area featuring limestone cliffs, rock climbing routes, hiking opportunities, and dramatic canyon scenery.
• Rifle Heritage Center – A local historical center preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories about Rifle and the surrounding region.
• Rifle Arch – A natural sandstone arch and hiking destination with views across the surrounding canyon and valley.
• Colorado River – The river flows through the Rifle area and supports fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
• Harvey Gap State Park – A nearby reservoir park offering fishing, boating, camping, and quiet outdoor recreation.
• Grand Mesa – A large nearby mountain plateau with lakes, forests, hiking trails, fishing areas, and winter recreation.
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – A major attraction near Glenwood Springs featuring cave tours, mountain views, and family rides.

Airports Near Rifle, CO

• Garfield County Regional Airport (RIL) – 3 miles
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 55 miles
• Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – 70 miles
• Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – 75 miles
• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 115 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rifle city website and local government records.

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