White River National Forest

State parks tend to have more developed facilities than national forests—a boon or bust, depending on your point of view. But there's one gem and three useful state parks in or near White River National Forest. All are administered by Rifle Gap State Park. . .

Rifle Gap State Park
0050 County Road 219
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 625-1607 (phone)
rifle@csn.net (e-mail)

Rifle Falls
This park is exceptional by any standards. The star attraction is a 60-foot triple waterfall set in a lush mountain valley. In winter, the falls freeze, and are known worldwide to ice climbers. Limestone caves beneath the falls invite a little friendly spelunking. Camping is permitted in the park.

Directions: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit, then go north on CO Highway 13 for three miles. Turn right onto Colorado 325 and drive 9.8 miles.

Rifle Gap State Park
The park's centerpiece is a 350-acre reservoir, and is used for scuba diving, boating, swimming, water skiing and windsurfing. Hiking, camping and, in season, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling happen on the other 955 acres.

Directions: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit, then go north on CO Highway 13 for three miles. Turn right onto Colorado 325 and drive 9.8 miles.

Sylvan Lake State Park
This park is surrounded by the White River National Forest. There it is—at the base of a mountain. Sylvan Lake State Park is a scenic park open year-round for campers, hikers, and those who just want to relax in this wonderful alpine atmosphere. There's a campground right next to a small, high-mountain lake for small-boat and off-shore fishing.

Directions: Exit I-70 at Eagle. Drive south through Eagle on Main Street to West Brush Creek Road, then turn right and drive 16 miles (portions unpaved) to the park entrance.

Harvey Gap State Park
Harvey Gap State Park offers a secluded fishery with good size pike, trout, bass and catfish. It's also known for its windsurfing. In the winter thoughts turn to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. The park is beautiful cedar and sagebrush habitat, with a grand hogback—a mountain ridge that runs along the backside of the park.

Directions: Take I-70 to the Silt interchange west of Glenwood Springs. Turn north on County Road 237 and follow the signs for a few miles to the park entrance.