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COLORADO SWIMMING HOLES

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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, RED = hot spring
 
CASCADE CREEK CURECANTI AREA DEVILS PUNCHBOWL DOMINGUEZ CANYON DURANGO-ANIMAS GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS GUFFEY GORGE ISLAND ACRES MEDANO CREEK QUEENS CANYON PUNCHBOWLS STEAMBOAT SPRINGS AREA TABEGUACHE CREEK VALLEY VIEW HOT SPRINGS See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.

This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


CASCADE CREEK
(CAPI)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS DURANGO, CASCADE VILLAGE
LAT, LON (trailhead) lat=37.66113, lon=-107.8136(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Cascade Creek
TYPE River/Falls
DESCRIPTION Hike about 4 miles round trip in a beautiful slot canyon to waterfalls and swimming places.
AREA San Juan N. F.
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Camping on RT 550 just south of here
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From Durango, take RT 550 north about 30 miles (Past Cascade Village) to the hairpin turn to the right. Just after the hairpin turn, turn north (left) on a rocky road and drive about 20 minutes then park at the weather tower (if you have a 4 WD vehicle, you may be able to drive further.) Hike on the road, pass some cabins, for about 1 mile, then see a locked gate and a trail to the right along the creek. If you walk another 2 miles, you will come to the first waterfall. You can keep hiking past here (keep to the right at Engine Creek Trail) and get to several other waterfalls in quick succession.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/2014



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


CURECANTI AREA
[3 PLACES]
(CURA)

NO PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS MONTROSE, CIMMERON, GUNNISON
STATE CO
WATER Gunnison River/Blue Mesa Reservoir
TYPE Lake
DESCRIPTION In the Curecanti N.R.A. is the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the Gunnison River. The banks of the reservoir are generally very rocky and steep but there are a few easily accessed swimming places. The water is cool and there are "no wake" rules at the below swimming places. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA Curecanti N.R.A.
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES None
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING Several campgrounds along RT 50.
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From Montrose, go east on RT 50 about 50 miles to the Curecanti N.R.A. Visitors Center. Then:

BAY OF CHICKENS [BAYC]: Swimming place in the Blue Mesa Reservoir about 1.2 miles WEST of the visitor center on RT 50. LAT, LON : lat=38.47711 lon=-107.17661(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2014.

OLD HWY 50 BEACH [OLDH]: Swimming place in the Blue Mesa Reservoir adjacent to the Elk Creek Campground right by the visitor center. LAT, LON : lat=38.466 lon=-107.167(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2014.

DRY CREEK [DRYC]: Swimming place in the Blue Mesa Reservoir at the Dry Creek picnic area about 1 miles EAST of the visitor center on RT 50. LAT, LON : lat=38.47335 lon=-107.1464 (source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2014.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/2014



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


DEVILS PUNCHBOWL
(DEVP)

LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS GLENWOOD SPRINGS, ASPEN
LAT, LON lat=39.119156, lon=-106.7086462(source: usgs web site) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Roaring Fork River
TYPE Falls fed pool
DESCRIPTION Very cold, very deep bowl with lots of high-jumping opportunities - be very careful of currents, especially in spring.
AREA White River NF
SANCTION Official
FEE No
FACILITIES No facilities
ACTIVITIES Swimming, jumping
PHONE None
CAMPING No camping at site, there are several NF campgrounds on RT 82 east of here.
BATHING SUITS Probably optional
DIRECTIONS From Aspen take RT 82 east (toward Independence Pass) for about 7 miles. Look for a parking pull-out and maybe some cars on the south side of the road. The punchbowl is right there by the road.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2010



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


DOMINGUEZ CANYON
(DOMI)

TO STATE MAP
TOWNS GRAND JUNCTION
LAT, LON (parking area) lat=38.84937, lon=-108.3720(source: map) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Gunnison River, Little Dominguez Creek
TYPE River/Creek
DESCRIPTION Multiple swimming holes along an 6-8 mile minimum (round trip) hike in the Dominguez Canyon of the Gunnison River and joining the canyons of Little Dominguez Creek and Big Dominguez Creek (see map, topo version).
AREA Uncomphagre NF (?)
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE No
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING Undeveloped camping in the canyon, mostly used by rafters, get your site early in the day. Much developed camping in national forests west and east of here.
BATHING SUITS Probably optional in areas away from rafters on the Gunnison River.
DIRECTIONS There are 3-4 access points to Dominguez Canyon. The one described here is from the Bridgeport trailhead. From Grand Junction take RT 50 south about 20 miles then turn west (right) on Bridgeport Rd. and go 3 miles to the parking area at the Bridgeport Trailhead (coordinates above are for parking area). Bridgeport road is a maintained gravel road that is passable by any vehicle. When you get to the parking area it gets a little confusing because there is a trailhead on each end. The trailhead on the north end of the parking area is for the river rats and the trailhead on the south end is for hikers (take this trail). From here, follow the hiking directions on the below web sites. The first good swimming hole you come to is said to be at the mouth of Little Dominguez Creek, maybe 2-3 miles from the trailhead. There are more swimming holes within another mile up the canyon.
HIKE DESCRIPTION , HIKE DESCRIPTION , HIKE DESCRIPTION.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/2013



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


DURANGO-ANIMAS
(DURA)

TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS DURANGO
LAT, LON lat=37.28902, lon=-107.87446(source: map) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Animas River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION Right in Durango there are swimming places in the Animas River. This one is behind the high school on the Animas River trail.
AREA None
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE No
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING None at site.
BATHING SUITS Customary
DIRECTIONS The Animas River Trail is accessible in the area of W 22nd St. east of Main St (RT 550) on Alamo Dr. The swimming hole is behind the nearby High School off this trail. Don't know about where to park.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/2014



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS
(GLEH)

LINK TO INFO & PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS DENVER, BRECKINRIDGE, GRAND JUNCTION, GLENWOOD SPRINGS
LAT, LON lat=39.55013, lon=-107.32462(source: map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Hot Springs
TYPE Hot Springs
DESCRIPTION Commercial resort with hot springs feeding huge concrete pool. Lodge, spa and all facilities. Day use of springs allowed for a fee. For all information, see their WEB SITE.
AREA Glenwood Hot Springs
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes - see web site
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Hot Soaking, swimming
PHONE 800-537-7946
CAMPING No camping at site - lodge facilities.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Denver, take I-70 west 160 miles to exit #116 at Glenwood Springs. From Exit ll6, head toward the traffic light and before you arrive at the intersection make a right on North River Street and you'll see the sign and parking for the Hot Springs Pool on the left. Continue around the complex and you'll see the lodge. Address: 401 N River St. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED 2/2013



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


GUFFEY GORGE
(GUFF)

PHOTO
PHOTO
PHOTO
YOUTUBE
YOUTUBE
TO STATE MAP
TOWNS COLORADO SPRINGS, FLORISSANT, GUFFEY
LAT, LON lat=38.7716, lon=-105.3364(source: measured by another) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Fourmile Creek
TYPE Creek
DESCRIPTION Spring-fed swimming hole bordered by large granite boulders and 100-feet high cliffs. Also called "Paradise Cove".

From mid-May to mid-September, there is a $6 per vehicle day-use fee. There are regulations in place: no alcohol, no overnight camping, no amplified music, no target shooting, no glass, pets must be on a leash, and parking in designated areas only. Visitors are only allowed to use the area between dawn and dusk.

AREA Unknown
SANCTION Official
FEE $6.00
FACILITIES None
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING No overnight camping allowed at site.
BATHING SUITS Customary
DIRECTIONS From Colorado Springs, follow RT 24 to the town of Florissant (34.5 miles). From Florissant, follow Teller County Road 1 south for about 9.2 miles, until a Y fork, and bear right, into County Road 11. Follow County Road 11 for 4.1 miles, until a T intersection, and make a right turn at the intersection, into County Road 112. Follow County Road 112 for 2.7 miles, and where the road crests on top of a hill, park in the gravel lot on the left. On foot, cross the road and follow a foot trail in direction North for about 0.4 miles to the swimming hole.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED By another
DATE UPDATED 1/2013



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


ISLAND ACRES
(ISLA)

LINK TO INFO & PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS DENVER, GRAND JUNCTION
LAT, LON lat=39.168457, lon=-108.30102(source: map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Colorado River
TYPE Small Lake
DESCRIPTION Colorado River S. P. - Island Acres Section - Swimming place with sandy beach at state park. RESERVE AMERICA WEB SITE.
AREA Colorado River S. P. - Island Acres Section
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE (970)464-0548
CAMPING Camping at site.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Grand Junction, take I-70 east about 20 miles - watch for signs to Colorado River S. P. - Island Acres Section.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2013



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


MEDANO CREEK
(MEDA)

INFO & PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS PUEBLO, WALSENBURG, ALAMOSA
LAT, LON lat=37.73190, lon=-105.5140 (source: map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Medano Creek
TYPE Creek
DESCRIPTION Popular water play place at Great Sand Dunes N. P.. Water depth varies a lot, best in spring and early summer, usually dry in the rest of the year. See the WEB SITE for lots of info on this.
AREA Great Sand Dunes N. P.
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming, tubing, skim boarding, water play
PHONE None
CAMPING Camping nearby in N.P.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS Great Sand Dunes National Park is located 35 miles northeast of Alamosa, reached by RT 160 and RT 150 from the south, or from RT 17 and County Lane 6 from the west. The river access is right by the dunes parking area.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/2014

This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


QUEENS CANYON PUNCHBOWLS
(QUEE)

LINK TO PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS COLORADO SPRINGS
LAT, LON lat=38.89319, lon=-104.88689(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Camp Creek
TYPE Creek
DESCRIPTION A series of small holes in a creek in a scenic desert canyon. One is deep enough to swim (usually) the others more for water play. Nice, easy 2 mile round trip hike too. LINK TO INFO.
AREA Queens Canyon
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE No
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming, Water Play
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From I-25 in Colorado Springs take the Garden of the Gods exit and go west 2 miles then turn south (left) on 30th St. Go about .5 mile to the entrance to the Navigators & Glen Eyrie Conference Center. Go towards the conference center through a gate. Access is free to the public but you must sign a liability waiver to hike Queen's Canyon. The trailhead is at the castle parking lot.

It is about a 2 mile roundtrip hike. The trail follows Camp Creek and is soon in Queens Canyon. In about .75 miles you will come to a small falls called Dawson Falls and the trail seems to end. To get to the punch bowls, follow a trail that goes up steeply to the right then follows the creek again and is soon at the punchbowls.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 11/29/2007



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


STEAMBOAT SPRINGS AREA
[2 PLACES]
(STEA)

LINK TO PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TOWNS DENVER, GEORGETOWN, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
STATE CO
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION Swimming holes and commercial hot springs northwest of Denver in a popular ski area town. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Routt National Forest
SANCTION Varies - see below
FEE Varies - see below
FACILITIES Varies - see below
ACTIVITIES Varies - see below
PHONE Varies - see below
CAMPING Varies - see below
BATHING SUITS Varies - see below
DIRECTIONS From Denver, take I-70 west to Georgetown then RT 40 northwest through Hot Sulphur Springs to Steamboat Springs. Then:

YAMPA RIVER CORE TRAIL [YAMP]: Beginning at Rotary Park in Steamboat, this seven mile, cottonwood -lined scenic multi-use trail follows the meandering Yampa River. There are several swimming holes in the Yampa River along here - the best spots are said to be between miles 2 and 4 (uncertain which direction on trail). LAT, LON : lat=40.48981, lon=-106.84258(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty uncertain. Not verified. Updated 11/28/2007

STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS [STRA]:A luxurious, commercial hot springs with lodging and everything else. For all information, see STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS. LAT, LON : lat=40.52833, lon=-106.76575(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/1/2005

CONFIDENCE Varies -see above
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 11/27/2007



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


TABEGUACHE CREEK
(TABE)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS GRAND JUNCTION, NATURITA
LAT, LON lat=38.35800, lon=-108.62911(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Tabeguache Creek
TYPE Creek
DESCRIPTION Swimming hole in creek in very remote area of Southwestern Colorado. The directions given here are how one would get there by road but we do not know how good or passable the roads are. You can also backpack to here and information about this it at the BLM Web Site .
AREA BLM land
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Optional (very remote)
DIRECTIONS From I-70 at Grand Junction, go south on RT 50 through Delta and Montrose to Ridgeway. In Ridgeway, go southwest on RT 62 to Placerville then northwest on RT 145 to Naturita. In Naturita, go north on RT 97 to Nucla. In Nucla, find 27 RD and work your way north to Z Rd then west to Z26 Rd. Follow Z26 Rd west and north (may become a rough, unpaved road) until you come to a bridge over Tabeguache Creek. The swimming hole is said to be just upstream of this bridge. (If you find this one, please tell us).
CONFIDENCE Pretty uncertain (of route)
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 1/4/2006



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


VALLEY VIEW HOT SPRINGS
(VALL)

SEE LINKS BELOW FOR PHOTOS TO STATE MAP
TOWNS SALIDA, VILLA GROVE
LAT, LON lat=38.191, lon=-105.816(source: web site) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE CO
WATER Valley View Hot Springs
TYPE Natural hot springs and hot springs creek
DESCRIPTIONPart of the 2200 acre "Orient Land Trust", Valley View is a large commercial hot springs with both natural and concrete pools (10 hot pools total). There are overnight facilities including cabins, camping and the Oak House dorm with bunks. VVHS is kid friendly and fully clothing optional. Admission and camping fees apply and reservations are needed in the summer. A variety of educational activities on site include hikes to the bat cave, historic mining town tours, hydro-electric tours (entire facility is off the grid), astronomy, geology, etc. Beautiful views down the valley. (Used to be a membership facility but no longer requires membership.) WEB INFO . DIRECTIONS AND MAP .
AREA Orient Land Trust
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes, see web site
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Hot Tubbing
PHONE 719-256-4315
CAMPING Camping at site - fee
BATHING SUITS Optional (nudist, mostly)
DIRECTIONS From Pueblo, go west on RT 50 to Poncha Springs then south on RT 285 to Villa Grove. Continue on RT 285 for 4.5 miles then (at the intersection of RT 285 and RT 17) turn east (left) on Saguache County Road GG and go 7 miles on this gravel road to Valley View Hot Springs.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED 7/2012


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