Rim Trail

The Rim Trail at Harvey Gap State Park climbs to the canyon rim above Rifle Gap Reservoir, rewarding hikers with commanding views of the reservoir shimmering below, the Grand Hogback anticline stretching across the middle distance, and the Flat Tops Wilderness rising to the north. This 4-mile moderate loop gains 500 feet as it traverses the rocky sandstone rim above the water, passing through pinyon-juniper woodland and exposed shale slopes that characterize the western Colorado canyon country. Harvey Gap is one of Colorados smaller state parks but punches well above its weight in scenery, and the Rim Trail captures the very best of what the park has to offer. Prairie falcons nest in the canyon walls visible from the trail, and golden eagles ride thermals above the rim throughout the warmer months. The reservoir far below is a popular destination for windsurfers and kayakers, and watching colorful sails from the elevated vantage point adds a dynamic human element to the landscape. The $10 vehicle fee is collected at the entrance station. Dogs are welcome on leash. The trail is best hiked in spring and fall when temperatures are mild, as the exposed south-facing rim can become extremely hot during summer afternoons.