Rifle Falls State Park

 After we left Breckenridge, we drove west towards Grand Junction. It was a pretty long drive, and to break things up we decided to head up to Rifle Falls State Park. I've been wanting to visit this location ever since I learned about it a few years ago. It was a pretty interesting drive to the park from Interstate 70. We arrived, paid the entrance fee, and grabbed our packs and headlamps for the short hike.

Immediately, there are interesting views of the waterfalls.

We admired the views and enjoyed the cool spray. Then we set off to do the hike around the base and top of the falls. The trail began traversing an area of travertine where the falls must have once stood.

Within the travertine formations are a bunch of small caves. We donned our headlamps to explore them a bit.

After our cave explorations, we followed the trail as it ascended to the top of the falls. There are a couple of interesting little ponds in a meadow at the top.

There are also multiple overlooks at the top of the falls. We enjoyed the view from each one 

before making the descent back to the base of the waterfall.

We found a short spur trail that led to a cool spot behind the falls.

Then we took one last look at the falls from the front 

before hitting the road for the rest of the drive to the Saddlehorn Campground at Colorado National Monument.