Rifle Arch

About

Rifle Arch is a sandstone natural arch located north of Rifle, Colorado, off Highway 13/789. The trailhead is a pullout along the highway just past mile marker 7, with parking available. The hike covers approximately 1.5 miles round trip and typically takes about one hour to complete, though some sources suggest allowing up to three hours. The trail is rated as difficult or intermediate due to steep and rocky terrain, particularly the scramble to the arch's interior. The route winds through sagebrush flats and pinyon-juniper forests before climbing to the top of the hills. The arch itself is cut into the Grand Hogback formation, measuring 60 feet high and 150 feet wide. Hikers can view the arch from a bench below or scramble up to the interior for better views and photography. There is limited shade, so bringing water and sunscreen is recommended. The area also supports rock climbing on the nearby hogbacks.