Aspen And Vail Are Overrated — Colorado's Hidden Mountain Gem Has Waterfalls, Local Eats, And Idyllic Views

Read any selection of Colorado's bucket list destinations, and chances are that the big-hitter resort towns of Aspen and Vail will feature pretty highly. There's no knocking those two, as they've earned their stripes as popular ski towns with gorgeous snow, hiking bases, and luxe mountain escapes. But while they steal the limelight, it's worth knowing that other, lesser-known spots in the Centennial State might just be perfect for your next mountain getaway. Enter Rifle, Colorado's Western frontier town you've perhaps never heard of.

Rifle isn't the same type of A-lister resort town that Aspen or Vail are. While the latter two consistently draw celebrities, Rifle is more the domain of cattle farmers, cowboys, and outdoors adventurers looking to break into the wilder side of Colorado. That wild side is right on the municipality's doorstep. Leave behind Rifle's center, where welcoming delis rub shoulders with local steak joints, and you'll soon find yourself in the company of gushing waterfalls and 14,000-foot-high mountains. Crucially, that means you won't be in the company of the booming weekender ski crowds that clog up Vail or Aspen. And you won't have to fork out the same prices that come with vacations to those spots, which are counted among America's priciest resorts.

What's perhaps surprising is that comparatively unknown and rustic Rifle isn't all that far from its more famous neighbors. Aspen, America's most expensive travel destination, is a little over an hour to the southeast, for example, while Vail is just a 1.5-hour drive away along I-70. That means you can use the same airports to arrive here — choices include Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), about an hour southwest of Rifle, or the much-larger Denver International Airport (DEN), around 3.5 hours away.

"Real Western Adventure" — so goes the tagline on the official tourism website for Rifle. It's an enticing invitation for anyone hitting Colorado with the hiking boots and adventurous spirit in tow. And you won't have to look far to get started, because there's not one, but two scenic state parks situated less than a 25-minute drive north of town.

The closest is Rifle Gap State Park, where a shimmering reservoir is cradled between the ridges of the southern Rocky Mountains. Swim from the beach on the western banks, or settle in at the adjoining campground to watch the stars come out over the ridges. Another 10 minutes in the car along Route 325 brings you to the town's second state park: Rifle Falls State Park. As the name implies, this is the place to go to feel the cool mist of picturesque waterfalls running down from the high peaks. The falls feature three distinct cascades, and a series of lookout points reached by stairs cut into the rock can bring you up close to the rushing water.

The hiking in Rifle is a bit different from the lusher, more alpine trails you find around Aspen, too. Take the Rifle Arch Trail, a 2.8-mile trip through dusty desert scrub and pinyon forests that leads you to an impressive natural arch. "The trail to Rifle Arch provides a spectacular vista of north Rifle and the surrounding area," shared one traveler. "[It's] completely worth the time and effort to attain the arch." If you want to go even further into the wilderness, then consider venturing into the Rifle Mountain Park, a land of ice caves and surreal beauty that's widely considered to have world-class rock climbing pitches aplenty.

Rifle might be hemmed in on all sides by alluring state parks, hiking trails, and mountain vistas that invite you to get out and explore, but the town itself is also worth some time. Its downtown core spans several blocks. Shops and eateries are peppered throughout, giving you plenty of places to browse or grab a bite between outdoor adventures.

Speaking of eateries, a glance at Tripadvisor will no doubt highlight Capitol Deli, a local joint with a perfect score on the platform (at the time of writing). Located along Railroad Avenue, which cuts through the heart of town, it's a spot for casual, comforting fare. Diners can enjoy hearty rotisserie chicken and packed hoagies that are just about perfect for post-hike eats. "Great spot for lunch after the falls," shared one guest. "The deli was cute and clean, the staff was so friendly and helpful, and the sandwiches were delicious."

For dining with a side of mountains, head to The Rough Bar & Grill, which sits conveniently between the town center and the aforementioned Rifle Gap State Park. Tuck into some grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries as you take in the views. One visitor praised the panoramas from the restaurant's outdoor space, saying: "A gorgeous out-of-the-way spot [that's] on the way to or back from Rifle Falls. The view on the back deck is stunning." Indeed it is, with seats overlooking the surrounding Rifle Creek Golf Course and the rugged slopes of the Grand Hogback mountain rising right behind it. For more small towns with big adventures, visit Ault, a unique Colorado locale with trails, camping, and a scenic byway.