Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap State Parks closed the swim beaches to swimming on Tuesday, Aug. 14, due to low water levels. Senior Ranger Brian Palcer said the shoreline has receded during the summer and both swim beaches have moved with the water. Both Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap water levels are well below normal with Rifle Gap reservoir 30-ft. down from capacity. However, both reservoirs remain open for boating and fishing.

“Now we are at a point where there is more mud than sand, making the area unpleasant as well as unsafe,” said Palcer. “Because of health concerns due to the low water levels, the swim beaches at both Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap will remain closed for the remainder of the summer.”

Logo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife