Rifle Arch Trail

About

The Rifle Arch Trail leads to a prominent 150-foot sandstone arch formation near Rifle, Colorado. The trailhead is located on a pull-off from Highway 13, marked by a gate that hikers must close behind them. The route is approximately 1.5 miles long and generally takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. The terrain begins flat through sagebrush flats and transitions into pinyon and juniper forests. The final approach to the arch involves a steep, rocky scramble over shale for roughly one-tenth of a mile. At the destination, visitors can view the arch from a bench below or climb to the interior for a framed view of the opposite mountain ridge line. The trail is pet-friendly and allows parking, though there are no bathrooms at the trailhead. Hikers should bring water and sunscreen due to limited shade and exposure. The hike is hot and dry in summer but is considered pleasant in the fall.