Explore the Devil's Punch Bowl
Aspen, Colorado
Details
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Paul Kestel
Amazing views of the most Blue water you will every see with awesome scenic views for photos. Also a great place to pack a lunch and sit back and enjoy the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, which is not far from the pull off area.
The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls the ends up in a deep swimming hole called The Devil's Punch Bowl. This is a must see if you are driving up to the Independence Pass. I have never seen such blue water before (outside of an amusement park). While Driving from Aspen on CO82 towards Independence Pass there is a small pull off that is not marked on the right side of the road at 39.119709, -106.708672. You can park there and hike down the rocks about 200 ft to the Devil's Punch Bowl (39.119373, -106.708237). Use caution as you approach the edge, this is a 25 ft drop off to the water. I understand that this is used as a swimming hole in warmer months. I know now why no one was swimming when we were there. The water was freezing! I slipped off a snow covered rock and fell into the river up to my knees. I saved my camera that I was holding but my legs and shins didn't fare so well.
I used a wide angle lens (Nikon 14-24mm) so I could capture all of the rocks surrounding the pool of water.
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Reviews
Devils punchbowl and the Grottos make for a great visit on Independence Pass. The Ice Caves are can't miss and are awesome to see in the summer. Lots of waterfalls and other rushing rapids here.
3.0
I love this place and visits it every time I'm in aspen. A very fun cliff jump with some perfect take offs. Only thing I don't like about this place is how busy it's starting to get.
5.0
This location is right off the road but there aren't as many people as you would think lingering. its a nice walk and checking out the pools is a must
5.0
We all hiked to the other side, on top, and all around. We went to the other side of the opening of the fall, It's simply beautiful. We spent 2 hours there.
5.0
As if driving along Highway 82 wasn't beautiful enough, this quick stop provided a totally different adventure. We went in the fall, so we didn't go swimming. But I can easily see why this would be a popular summer spot to beat the heat.
5.0
This place is awesome, close to downtown and right off of the road. We first went in June and there was still way too much water flowing through the river to swim. Went back early August and it was a perfect pool. Definitely the coldest water I have ever been in!
5.0
Really cool spot, definitely worth the stop especially since it's right off of independence pass. There are a couple spots to cliff jump, the highest at about 30 ft right where the water enters the punchbowl. I went and jumped in September and if you can stand the cold go for gold. Also super neat even if you're not jumping.
5.0
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Nearby
Weller Lake Trail
Explore Independence Ghost Town
Camp Difficult Campground, Aspen
Hike Lost Man Loop
Hike Grottos Trail
Hike or Snowshoe Castle Creek
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