The Best Swimming in Colorado

Looking for the best swimming in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top swimming spots in and near Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

4.6

No matter the time of year, if you are going to be anywhere near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a can’t-miss experience. Steamboat is known primarily as a ski resort, but the area also offers amazing hikes and fishing in the summer, and top-notch leaf-peeping in the fall. Add a...
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Guffey, Colorado

Take a Dip in Paradise Cove

4.5

From Colorado Springs, follow RT 24 to the town of Florissant (34.5 miles). From Florissant, follow Teller County Road 1 south for about 9.2 miles, until a Y fork, and bear right, into County Road 11. Follow County Road 11 for 4.1 miles, until a T intersection, and make a right turn at the inters...
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Aspen, Colorado

Backpack Cathedral Lake

4.7

5.6 mi / 2000 ft gain

Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...
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Twin Lakes, Colorado

Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground

4.5

This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...
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Creede, Colorado

Hike to Rainbow Hot Springs

4.5

10 mi / 2000 ft gain

The hot springs are located about 5 miles into a beautiful hike past waterfalls, cliffs, and wildflowers. Once you come across a large waterfall on your right, you are close to the springs. After one more creek crossing, turn left to find the springs. Keep in mind that some of these creek crossin...
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Archuleta County, Colorado

Hike to the Piedra River Hot Springs

4.7

3 mi

About a 45 minute drive east of Durango, sits the trailhead for the Piedra River Hot Springs. This free use, natural hot spring on the Piedra River has several 100 degree pools. The springs are accessible via a 3 mile roundtrip hike, often with wildlife sightings along the way. The hike to the ho...
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Carbondale, Colorado

Relax at Penny Hot Springs

4.0

This 20-foot pool is surrounded by beautiful peaks, and is only a short distance from the parking area. Keep in mind this spot is popular on the weekends.
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Durango, Colorado

Backpack to Island Lake

5.0

8 mi / 3000 ft gain

From the Ice Lakes basin Trailhead, this 8 mile round trip trail with 3000 feet of elevation gain will bring you to the Ice Lakes Basin with an abundance of beautiful lakes, especially Island Lake and Ice Lake. We camped on a little shelf above Island Lake, but you can camp anywhere you find a ni...
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Carbondale, Colorado

Hike and Swim at Devil's Punchbowl

2.5 mi

Drive north of Crested Butte to Schofield Pass until you come to the sticker-covered sign. Unless you have an ATV, park the car and descend along the infamous and deadly Schofield Pass Road. Follow this road past the first waterfall, which is about 500 feet from the initial sign. You will continu...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs

4.5

Glenwood is best known for its large hot springs pool, kept between 90 and 93 degrees, while the minerals in the water are meant to provide a natural therapy to the body. There is also a smaller therapy pool, at 104 degrees, and a spa, as well. You'll find all the amenities you need here, and wi...
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Silverthorne, Colorado

Backpack to Upper Slate Lake

5.0

28 mi / 1386 ft gain

Starting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles.You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few moderate...
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Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Quick Hike to South Canyon Hot Springs

1.0

0.25 mi

A short hike takes you to these undeveloped, free use hot springs. While a little hard to find, the pools are great for a hot soak (reported between 100-112 degrees), and you'll have great views as you relax, as well. From the right side of the turnout, you will walk down a hill. After a stream c...
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Crested Butte, Colorado

Hike to Meridian Lake

4.0

The trail starts off with a small river crossing. You can find an easier place to cross nearby, or just march right through, if you have waterproof shoes or sandals.The beginning of the trail is the hardest. You will have a steep incline for about a quarter mile, following switchbacks up to the l...
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Crested Butte, Colorado

Hike to Blue Lake, Crested Butte, CO

15 mi / 2115 ft gain

Overview: Round Trip about 15 miles, about 500 ft ascent at beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles, the majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley. Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river, either ...
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Nederland, Colorado

Hike to the Lost Lakes via the Hessie Trail

4 mi / 1000 ft gain

Accessed by Hessie Trailhead, Lost Lake is a relatively moderate 4 mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation. The core of the hike is uphill and on a gravel path, 2/3rds of the hike runs parallel to a rushing waterfall. After parking your car, head towards the Hessie Trailhead. Yo...
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Durango, Colorado

Camp at Little Molas Lake

5.0

1 mi / 40 ft gain

Little Molas Lake Campground is about 1 mile off of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass just North of and on the other side of the highway from the Molas Overlook. Pro-tip: there is also another campground nearby called Molas Lake Park & Campground, so it's important to distinguish which you are hea...
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