7 Natural Swimming Holes Found in Colorado
Get your fill of summer adventure with mountainside soaks, refreshing swims, and cliff-jumping at these incredible natural wonders spread across the state of Colorado. If you're planning a trip to any of these sites, please follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
Editor's Note: There are many risks involved in entering natural swimming holes. Drownings and deaths have occurred at many of these spots. Proceed with caution.
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1. Paradise Cove (Guffey Cove)
Guffey Cove, often referred to as Paradise Cove, is a popular cliff-jumping spot located near Cripple Creek. Cliff ledges surrounding the naturally-fed swimming pool ranging in heights from 20 to more than 80 feet tall. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado.
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The Guffey Gorge Trail will lead you to Paradise Cove tucked away in lush piney forests and less than a mile from the trailhead. The one-mile out-and-back trail gains about 150 feet in elevation. Dogs are also welcome to tag along for the adventure but must be kept on-leash at all times. The trail is best used from mid-May to mid-September. Parking fills up fast, so be sure to arrive early. There's a $6 per vehicle day-use fee. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock).
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Pear-shaped cactus, called the Opuntia macrorhiza, can be seen along the trail. These prickly blooms range in color from yellow-green, yellow, bronze, pink, and violet. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.
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Keep in mind that 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. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado.
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Along the West Fourmile Creek, the trail path weaves through jagged rock walls and tall Ponderosa pine groves. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.
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2. Devil's Punchbowl
Tucked off Independence Pass, this natural waterfall-fed swimming hole is known to attract daredevil cliff jumpers. Discover Devil's Punch Bowl located right outside the mountain town of Aspen. The hidden gem can be accessed from a pullout just west of the Grottos Day Use Area near mile marker 51 off of Highway 82 over Independence Pass. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
Editor's Note: Do your part! Keep Colorado beautiful! Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace.
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3. Big Dominguez Canyon
Take a dip in paradise at Big Dominguez Canyon. Nestled just south of Grand Junction lies a dreamy collection of natural swimming pools fed by the Gunnison River. These natural wonders can be reached by the Bridgeport Trailhead. Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management, Bob Wick (Flickr).
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Big Dominguez Canyon is located in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area. On top of all the magnificent scenery, the conversation area also features petroglyphs and archaic rock shelters. It's also home to a variety of wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagle, turkey, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and the collared lizard. Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management, Bob Wick (Flickr).
Hot springs blue pool on Conundrum Creek Trail in Aspen, Colorado in 2019 summer with rocks stones and valley view with nobody
4. Conundrum Hot Springs
Find solitude in Aspen's backcountry as you explore the Conundrum Hot Springs. Nestled in the valley below several granite peaks of the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, the bubbling thermal waters offer warmth and relaxation to exhausted hikers making the steep 9-mile trek. The elevation gain is about 2,791 feet, according to AllTrails. It's also important to note that a permit is required for overnight stays, which must be acquired in advance. Photo Credit: Credit: krblokhin (iStock).
Girl woman back swimming in hot springs water on Conundrum Creek Trail in Aspen, Colorado in 2019 summer looking at valley view
The round-trip distance to reach the springs is 18 miles, generally taking 8-12 hours to complete. Soaking is clothing-optional, though many hikers do opt for taking a dip in their trunks or suits. This is a rugged destination to reach and should be reserved for experienced hikers. Photo Credit: ablokhin (Stock).
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Towering above the springs are Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak, two 14ers, as well as Cathedral Peak, a 13er. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner.
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The winter season still makes for a beautiful trek to the Conundrum Hot Springs. Note that winter hiking does carry many more risks. Photo Credit: Pierce Martin (flickr).
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Keep in mind parking is limited, so you'll want to get to the trailhead early. If you're coming from Aspen, follow Colorado 82 west to the traffic circle. Take the third exit onto Castle Creek Road and drive about 5 miles to the slight right turn for Conundrum Creek Road and continue to the parking lot. Photo Credit: Alyssa Wendt.
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Resting at an elevation of 11,200 feet, you'll find yourself at peace in the naturally heated waters tucked away in the wild and rugged wilderness. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge.
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5. Radium Hot Springs
Enjoy a soak in Radium Hot Springs with stunning views that will sweep you off your feet. The naturally fed hot spring are located just 15 miles southwest of Kremmling and less than an hour north of Edwards. Photo Credit: Deborah Frazier.
Radium Hot Springs
Miineral-rich waters range in temperatures from the 80s and 90s. The springs can be accessed by hike, raft, or kayak on the spectacular banks of the Colorado River. Photo Credit: Adventure_Photo
Young woman in bikini lies in Radium hot springs and observes snowy landscape
The hike to Radium Hot Spring is about 1.5 miles out-and-back. There's a slight elevation gain of about 328 feet. Photo Credit: helivideo
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6. Penny Hot Springs
Resting at an elevation of 6,929 feet, go for a mountain-view dip at the Penny Hot Springs. The naturally-fed wonder is located along the Crystal River just past the mountain towns of Carbondale and Aspen. Photo Credit: Jesse Varner.
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7. Rainbow Hot Springs
Deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, you'll find a true backcountry gem. Rainbow Hot Springs consists of three natural pools along the west fork of the San Juan River. It's a strenuous hike, almost 6 miles one-way for those who are up for the single or multi-day challenge. Photo Credit: R. Scott Rappold.
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