C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Harvey Gap State Park
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
Colorado Parks and Wildlife utilizes the principles of conservation - the wise use of natural resources - to effectively manage fishing,
hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education for the citizens of Colorado
and its visitors. Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite spot for anglers to catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, perch,
crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike. The lake is also extremely popular for swimming and picnicking because of the ample shade
and clear water. Camping is not allowed at Harvey Gap, but can be found in nearby Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls State Parks. In the winter,
enthusiasts can snowmobile, cross-country ski and ice fish. Visitors can see wildlife in the area, including migrating waterfowl. This
day-use area sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet and features beautiful cedar and sagebrush habitat with a grand hogback – a mountain
ridge – that runs along the backside of the park.
Visitors to Harvey Gap State Park spend about $1 million in local communities each year.1
Top attractions
•
Incomparable scenic vistas and uncrowded boating in an absolutely spectacular 160-acre mountain lake.
•
Fishing is the main draw at Harvey Gap, whether from the shoreline or a boat. Fly fishing is popular the warm months, while
ice fishing is popular in the winter.
•
Close to the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls State Parks, and acclaimed mountain climbing locations.
•
•
Catch and keep all northern pike and smallmouth bass you can.
Harvey Gap is a fantastic place for fishing, boating
•
Many people are taking advantage of the recently
expanded swimming area.
•
Canoes, kayaks, sailboards and paddleboards are
very popular at the park.
•
Great place for ice fishing, a very popular activity.
Our partners
•
Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce
•
Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund
•
Numerous local school districts
•
Farmer’s Irrigation Company
•
Silt Water Conservancy District
Challenges we face
•
•
•
Harvey Gap is isolated and interaction with park staff is limited. Visitors must purchase a park pass via a self-service station only.
Due to funding challenges, there is currently no aquatic nuisance species inspection station at Harvey Gap Reservoir. All watercraft
normally needing an inspection are not currently permitted to launch; however, watercraft exempt from an inspection are permitted,
including rafts, kayaks, belly boats, float tubes, canoes, windsurf boards, sailboards, paddle boards and inner tubes.
Harvey Gap is in the process of transitioning from a fishery consisting of fertile walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass to a
fishery compatible with efforts to recover endangered native fish.
Volunteer activities
•
Volunteers help with maintenance work at the park.
1Source: Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009" (adjusted for inflation).
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
DUSTIN DOSKOCIL/CPW
and picnicking.
5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO, 81650
(970) 625-1607 • Email: rifle.gap.park@state.co.us
Park Manager: Brian Palcer
As of June 30, 2017
Manager’s Message
Smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout, perch and tiger muskie are all highly sought-after fish. In addition, many anglers visit Harvey Gap
at night to see if they can land one of our large channel catfish.
Geography
Region: Northwest
County: Garfield
Year Acquired: 1981
Elevation: 6,400 ft
Miles From Denver: 182
Governmental
US Cong Dist: 3rd
CO Senate: 8th
CO House: 57th
Facilities
Boat Ramp
30 Picnic Sites
Roads
Unpaved: 0.2 miles
Employees
Permanent: 6
Temporary: 13
Acreage
Total Acres: 304
Annual Visitation
39,565
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Ranger/Nature Programs
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DUSTIN DOSKOCIL/CPW
Mancos
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COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
DUSTIN DOSKOCIL/CPW
Harvey Gap State Park
