Colorado is renowned for its summertime fun. Hiking, cycling, fishing, camping, boating, birding—whatever your summer passion, Colorado’s got you covered. One of the sweetest summer joys in Colorado? Spending the day at one of the state’s many fantastic swimming holes.
Here are just a few of our favorite swimming holes in Colorado:
Paradise Cove (Guffey Gorge), Cripple Creek
Summer paradise definitely awaits you near Cripple Creek, CO. Paradise Cove is officially named Guffey Gorge, but you’ll see why the heavenly moniker won out when you see this beautiful swimming hole. Swimmers, cliff jumpers, hikers, and picnic lovers congregate here to enjoy the cove’s pool and waterfall. Paradise Cove is also super popular with photographers and Instagrammers, for good reason.
Paradise Cove is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. But if you’re planning on swimming, May to September is ideal. There’s a small fee (per car, not party) at the trailhead, and you’ll get access to the restrooms, parking lot, and trail maps. The parking lot does fill up pretty fast, so it makes sense to get there early in the day. Bigger groups should definitely try to carpool. And keep in mind the area is an official “leave no trace” zone, so you’ll need to bring a garbage bag to take out the trash. Paradise Cove also has a few rules: no alcohol, no fire pits or open flames, and no loud music. Pets must stay on leash too. Click here for directions.
Adrenaline Falls, Durango
If you’re an adrenaline enthusiast, we’ve got just the spot for you. Adrenaline Falls, not far from Durango, can be tricky to find, but it’s well worth the trek. The gorgeous 18-foot waterfall cascades into a deep swimming hole that’s a favorite of local cliff jumpers. If you’re planning on jumping in, It’s always a good move to canvas the water beforehand to make sure there’s nothing dangerous lurking under the surface (tree limbs, rocks, etc.). The Lime Creek Road trailhead is primitive and can be hard to locate on a map, so many visitors navigate to Adrenaline Falls by its coordinates (37.7057, -107.7519). A 4×4 vehicle with high clearance is recommended on Lime Creek Road. Click here for directions.
Radium Hot Springs, Kremmling
If cold water is not your jam, we’ve got just the soaking spot for you. Radium Hot Springs (not to be confused with its Canadian namesake) is a primitive pool on the banks of the Colorado River, about 15 miles southwest of the town of Kremmling. The water is rich in skin-soothing minerals and ranges from 85°F-90°F, thanks to the cold Colorado River mixing with the hot springs source. When the Colorado River runs high thanks to spring snow thawing, the pool can get washed out. But most of the year the pool is a great destination for some serious relaxing. Click here for directions.
Devil’s Punchbowl, Aspen
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a must-see if you’re summering in Aspen or surrounding areas. Waterfalls from the Roaring Fork River create this blue-green oasis about 10 miles from Aspen. The otherworldly water color is just stunning. Leap from the craggy rocks at your own risk! Coordinates: 39.119373, -106.708672. Click here for directions.
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
A phenomenon called surge flow creates the signature gentle waves of Medano Creek, and the soft sand bottom means a perfect place for kids to play. Wading, skimboarding, and tubing are very popular here in the warm summertime waters. And don’t forget your bucket and shovel for sandcastle building! Click here for directions.
Enjoy your summer adventures—and send us a postcard here at Castle RV! We can’t get enough of our clients’ travel tales. For the digitally-savvy, share your photos, videos, and stories with us on Instagram or Facebook!
Having an RV is an amazing way to travel to Colorado’s many destinations. But parking an RV is a different story. Many neighborhoods have restrictions against it, which can turn a loveable hobby into a headache. That’s where Castle RV saves the day! RV and boat storage options make owning travel toys way more fun. Call us at 720-703-9861 or email us at info@castlerv.com for more information from one of our Colorado-savvy staff members. We can’t wait to make your life easier with our RV and boat storage options!
