Devil's Punch Bowl

Aspen, Colorado

4.7/5

based on 7 reviews

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Out-and-Back

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Added by Paul Kestel

Devil's Punch Bowl provides amazing views of the most blue water you will ever see! This is also a great place to pack a lunch and sit back while enjoying the sound of the water rushing over the rocks.

The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls that end 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 (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 now know 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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Devil's Punch Bowl Reviews

Megan Mosey

Devil's Punch Bowl

04/21/16

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

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Devil's Punch Bowl

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Devil's Punch Bowl Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Grottos Trail

Weller Lake Trail

Independence Ghost Town

Camp Difficult Campground, Aspen

Hike Lost Man Loop

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