Hot summer days in Colorado call for a swim, and we're lucky enough to have quite a few very special swimming options that are as beautiful as they are refreshing! From secret swimming holes you've got to hike to, to famous swimming pools fed by natural springs, here are our favorite places to cool off in Colorado.
Eldorado Springs Pool
Surrounded by mountains, fed by icy pure spring water, and easily accessible - this natural springs pool has it all...including a retro water slide!
- Location: 294 Artesian Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
- Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm, 7 days a week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Website: http://www.eldoradosprings.com/swimming-pool
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Source: https://www.instagram.com/yore.us/
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Medano Creek at Sand Dunes National Park
In addition to the spectacular natural beauty of Colorado's sand dunes, plan to enjoy swimming, playing, and splashing at the base of the dunes in the lovely Medano Creek. Different times of year feature different water levels, from a sleepy trickle to a raging river! Check out the official website (below) for updated notes on the creek's current conditions.
- Location: Take I-25 to Walsenburg, west on US 160, north on State Highway 150.
- Hours: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The Visitor Center is open 8:30-6:00 daily in summer months, and 9:00-4:30 fall through spring, but is closed on major National Holidays.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm
Source: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm
Source: https://www.instagram.com/greatsanddunesnps/
Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove is a hidden canyon with a deep pool, about one hour west of Colorado Springs (near Cripple Creek). The pool is small, but deep and icy cold. Jumping from the cliffs is a popular activity here, but not required. You'll need to hike in 1/2 mile to reach this hidden swimming hole.
- Location: From Colorado Springs, drive west on U.S. Highway 24 for 26 miles. About a mile past Divide, turn left onto Twin Rocks Road. Drive 5.8 miles until the road dead ends at Teller County Road 1. Turn left. Drive 5.9 miles to a fork in the road. Veer right on Teller County Road 11. Drive 4 miles until the road dead ends. Turn right onto Teller County Road 112. Drive 2.7 miles to a dirt parking lot on the left at the top of a small rise. The trail to the cove starts across the road. (source: Yelp)
- Hours: anytime!
- Website: Lots of great info on Yelp, and also on EveryTrail.
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Devil's Punchbowl
This beautiful hidden swimming hole is located east of Aspen along the Roaring Fork River, near Independence Pass. It is a large stone basin filled with water that is fed by a waterfall at one end and drained by a second waterfall at the other end. Talk about natural beauty at it's best! Cliff jumping is popular here, but please be careful. The water is icy cold and there are plenty of hidden, submerged rocks.
- Location: Located east of Aspen on 82, near mile marker 51. GPS location.
- Hours: anytime!
- Website: Good info on Trip Advisor. Also good info here.
Source: http://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/colorado/swimming-holes-cliff-jumping/devils-punchbowl-swimming-hole
Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29141-d7220857-Reviews-Devil_s_Punchbowl-Aspen_Colorado.html
Broadmoor Infinity Pool
The outdoor infinity pool at the Broadmoor, a five-star resort in Colorado Springs, is stunning. It features a zero-depth entry, views of Cheyenne Lake and the surrounding mountains, and two water slides. There are also two hot tubs with views of the lakes and paddle boats available for use.
You do need to be either a guest at the resort or a golf member in order to enjoy this pool so be prepared to make a weekend of it (at least)!
- Location: 1st Lake Ave, Colorado Springs CO
- Hours: The pool is open seasonally, from mid-May through October, 9:00am - 8:00pm. Call 855-634-7711 and ask to be connected to the pool if you'd like to double check dates and opening times.
- Website: https://broadmoor.com/swimming-vacations/
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Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is home to a huge natural springs swimming pool which has been keeping Coloradans cool for over 100 years! The natural spring water filling the pools is packed with 15 different minerals, which some praise for their soothing benefits.
The gigantic pool complex includes stunning scenery and many swimming options. There are big swimming pools, a shallow kiddie pool, water slides, and hot-tub like hot springs pools. Try them all!
- Location: 415 East 6th Street Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day 7:30am - 10:00pm. Off-season 9:00am - 10:00pm. See website (below) for other closures & maintenence days.
- Website: http://www.hotspringspool.com/swim
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasoncipriani/13892053626
Source: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?238-Denver-to-Glenwood-(Hot)-Springs-Colorado