Are you looking for a unique winter experience? Do you love snapping photos of the snowy wonderland that Colorado becomes around this time of the year? Do you have kids or grandkids who are obsessed with the movie Frozen? (Let’s be honest – most of us can sing along to “Let It Go,” whether or not we intended to learn it…) If you answered “yes” to any (or all) of the above, you’re going to want to take a look inside this positively surreal frozen ice cave in Colorado.

People from near and far flock to Rifle Mountain Park to hike, camp, and explore during the summertime, but if you have never visited this pretty place during the winter months, you’re missing out on one of its most amazing attractions.
Google / David Coons
The ice caves at Rifle Mountain are created each year by a natural freeze-and-thaw process that begins in December, once temperatures routinely drop below freezing.
Google / Adam Wolach
Layer by layer, this process starts to build up.
Google / Jim T
The icy formations inside the cave continually change throughout the winter and typically stick around through late February.
Google / Libby Hsiao
As their creation depends on the weather, each one is completely unique from year to year - and even day to day.
Emily Hsia/GoogleMaps

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The Upper and Lower Rifle Ice Caves are not only stunning; they are easy enough for almost anyone to access them. You’ll find them less than a mile from the parking lot!
derek england/GoogleMaps
We do suggest wearing sturdy shoes, as any trail can get slick in the wintertime and the ice caves are, of course, slippery.
Google / Ron Meiners
It should also go without saying that exploring any cave - ice or otherwise - is incredibly dangerous. But in winter, the dangers multiply. Falling ice is always a risk, so helmets are recommended as well.
derek england/GoogleMaps
This natural phenomenon is certainly a must-see for Coloradans, but you should also consider making a return visit in the spring and summer months when the melting ice transforms into a beautiful cascade.
Google / Kristy Roggeman
Rifle Mountain Park is a lovely destination any time of the year, but winter brings something especially magical to the landscape!
Blakeflip/GoogleMaps
Drive safe on your way here, and take care in the area. Even though you'll be visiting in winter, this is still bear country!
Deana Dudley/GoogleMaps

 

Winter in Colorado is packed with beautiful destinations, but these ice caves are one of our favorite hidden gems! Have you ever visited this park in another season?

For more Colorado ice caves to explore, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind trail near Aspen, which features an ice cave and a waterfall! To be honest, this whole region is packed with bucket-list sights and gorgeous hikes, so stay in the know with a GPS app to help you scout them all!

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More to Explore

Ice Cave In Colorado

Jennifer | December 13, 2023

How many state parks does Colorado have?

Colorado has 42 state parks and four national parks, each boasting otherworldly natural beauty and sights unlike anywhere else in the country. Visitors will also find a number of national forests and monuments around the state as well. For those looking for unique camping opportunities in Colorado, many of these parks offer ideal access to some of the state’s best sights.

What is the tallest waterfall in Colorado?

The spectacular Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest waterfall in Colorado, cascading around 365 feet and sitting at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Visitors will find this spectacular waterfall located near Telluride, CO.

Are there any other caves in Colorado?

While ice caves are relatively rare in the Centennial State, traditional caverns abound - although most take a hunt to find and require special equipment for spelunking. However, there are a few natural caves in Colorado that are safe for visitors:

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Rifle Mountain Park, 13885 Co Rd 217, Rifle, CO 81650, USA