Heading out one winter morning with no clear destination in mind, the stormy skies to the east seemed full of potential. With my heart and my mind’s eye telling me to head that direction, I decided to turn 180 degrees and drove to Rifle Mountain Park. I knew the ice falls that form in the canyon create numerous possibilities and I wasn’t disappointed.

Rifle Mountain Park is maintained and administered by the City of Rifle. There is a user fee required by the City with a drop box as you enter the canyon. Rifle Creek has eroded a narrow canyon here and during the winter, snow melting from high on the canyon walls creates several ice falls. One of the falls in particular ices over a small alcove in the canyon wall creating an ice cave. The ice formations inside and their interplay with penetrating light are incredible.