Later in the summer, there are even some brave souls who swim in these chilly waters. There is no camping here, though. Fishing is available in several of the lakes in the Flat Tops, and in Harvey and Rifle Gap reservoirs and several creeks. Outfitters are available for horseback rides and hunting trips, and hunters usually pack the Flat Tops during hunting seasons in the fall. For wildlife viewing, all one needs to do is look around.
Eagles fly overhead and the area is busy with deer.
Elk stay in the Flat Tops except in winter, when they come down to lower elevations to feed. Herons have rookeries in several areas, including one on the Colorado River near Silt. They can often be spotted along the river looking for food. Ferrets can be seen scampering about, and marmots, or whistle pigs as they are sometimes called, sun themselves on rocks everywhere. For another opportunity to view wildlife, travel north of Rifle on Highway 13 to Piceance Creek at Rio Blanco.